Mount Prospect Public Library showcases how libraries can adapt to meet their communities’ evolving needs, stay relevant in an increasingly digital world, and continue to offer valuable services to all residents.

Sometimes in library management, strategic planning can get pushed to the side. When you’re on the front lines, addressing daily needs with limited resources, it’s difficult to find time to think three, five, or ten years into the future. But for the Sterling Heights Public Library (SHPL) in Michigan, a comprehensive strategic plan has become the linchpin of a fresh approach to serving their community. Tammy Turgeon, Library Director at SHPL, talked with ReThinking Libraries about the evolution of her library and how strategic planning has reshaped their services, partnerships, and overall vision. 

Change can be challenging for any library, especially when it involves leadership transitions, a shifting community demographic, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Cromaine District Library in Hartland, Michigan, the past few years have been a period of transition.  The Library’s new strategic plan has energized both staff and community members alike.

Librarians know that libraries are more than just repositories of books; they’re essential hubs for connection, learning, and community support. Downers Grove Public Library has worked to steer the community through challenging times and emerge even stronger. DGPL navigated recent controversies to strengthen ties with the community and implement innovative programs to foster inclusion, learning, and civic engagement.

Libraries are dynamic, evolving spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. The recent renovation at the Redford Township District Library (RTDL) in Redford, Michigan, is a testament to this, offering a fresh, vibrant space that is both functional and innovative.

In a testament to the transformative power of strategic planning, the Mason County District Library (MCDL) has emerged as a leader in creating community cohesion, leveraging its strategic planning process to address historical divisions and pioneer initiatives that resonate with their community. 

Great Falls (MT) Public Library (GFPL) was struggling with a fundamental challenge common to many libraries: lack of funding. Since enduring budget cuts in 2014, the library grappled with the strain of providing essential services while operating well below the Montana state average. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, GFPL partnered with ReThinking Libraries and MMW Architects to conduct a thorough analysis of its operations, staffing, and capital needs.

By embracing change, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing community engagement, Jennings County Library has redefined what it means to be a modern library in the 21st century.

We were excited to participate in the Indiana Library Federation conference in person this week. It marked the first time since the onset of the pandemic we have been able to attend a library conference in-person and the first time Rob and I have been able to present together in-person. We had a full room and fantastic audience participation.

Hiring an experienced library consultant can be perceived as an added expense, but often it can be the best investment that you make when pursuing any type of library project. As libraries are often being challenged to do more with less, it’s more important than ever to focus on community needs and consider new alternatives. Sometimes it’s hard to do that when you aren’t sure what else is out there or where to start. Here are just a few reason you should consider looking to a consultant for assistance.

When was the last time you heard, “I didn’t know the library did that”? I’m guessing it’s a routine occurrence and maddening at that. We have been listening to librarians and library staff for over 20 years and more recently have been seeking the voice of community members as well. In the past six years alone, we have worked with nearly 100 public library clients, facilitated over 600 community discussion sessions with over 8,500 attendees, and conducted 75 online surveys with over 20,000 total responses. We can honestly say that this sentiment is one of the most universal responses we hear time and time again in our community discussion sessions, regardless of the library size, budget, or level of usage.