Northbrook Public Library is a vital resource for the community. Its dedicated staff, engaged patrons, and vibrant services create a welcoming and inclusive community space. To align its resources with the emerging priorities of the community, the library has undertaken a comprehensive strategic planning process incorporating feedback from community members and stakeholders, as well as the Board of Trustees and staff.
Implementing a new strategic plan allows the library to focus on:
- Expanding connections with the community through collections, programs, and services;
- Embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of operation; and
- Reviewing and updating the library‘s space usage to meet and exceed the community‘s desires for access to resources and innovative services.
Mission
We build community, champion intellectual freedom, and provide open access to the world of knowledge in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Vision
The Northbrook Public Library will inspire lifelong learning, connect community members to each other and the world, and enable the pursuit of knowledge for all.
Strategic Directions
The following strategic directions were selected to help define the library’s goals and activities in the coming years. These priorities build upon and support one another to achieve the library’s vision and mission in service to the community:
- Connect with Our Community
- Build an Inclusive Culture
- Create Spaces to Belong
1. Connect with Our Community
We want our community to be informed about all the library offers and find value in the library’s evolving services and resources. Through diverse collections and programs, we will provide strong core services and experiences that support lifelong learning, fun, and cultural understanding. Patrons will report ease of access to the wide variety of resources provided at NPL, and the community will gain knowledge about intellectual freedom.
Goals
- Position ourselves as the community’s center for information needs.
- Provide exposure to new experiences and ways of looking at the world.
Our Impact
- Community members are aware of what the library offers.
- Community members express satisfaction with our collections.
- Community members feel their voices are heard by the library.
2. Build an Inclusive Culture
We want our operations to be built on a strong foundation and aimed at enhancing our performance through deliberate and intentional efforts that center equity, diversity, and inclusion. By focusing on strong communication and encouraging a culture of continuous growth and learning, we will empower staff to continue our history of exceptional service to our patrons. Staff will understand their roles and responsibilities and feel valued and heard by management. We will work collaboratively to provide a high level of service to the community.
Goals
- Align staff roles and responsibilities and improve decision-making processes across the organization.
- Foster a culture of shared growth and learning.
- Embed Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Operations.
Our Impact
- Staff have high morale and feel a sense of belonging in the organization.
- Staff capacity increases.
- Staff retention is high.
3. Create Spaces to Belong
We want the library to be a flexible community hub that offers a wide array of programs, meets individual needs, and promotes inclusion and environmental sustainability through updated spaces. The library should serve as a space for patrons to connect, discover new learning opportunities, and easily access resources. We want staff and patrons to feel a sense of belonging and aim to create materials, programs, and services that meet the needs of our different users.
Goals
- Reimagine our spaces to increase flexibility and opportunities to
explore and connect. - Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming library environment.
- Improve access to facilities, programs, and materials to better serve all populations.
Our Impact
- Patrons and staff feel a sense of belonging at the library.
- The library considers green practices and sustainability efforts in decision-making.
- Patrons with varying needs feel welcomed and accepted at the library.
Next Steps
Implementation and Evaluation
Now that this plan has been adopted by the Northbrook Public Library Board of Trustees, library staff members will develop annual activity plans to guide implementation. Implementation is a continual process. The timing of certain activities will be determined by priority and influenced by a variety of factors, such as funding and other resource allocation. Review and adjustment of the activity plan will occur regularly. A complete evaluation framework will be developed once the activity plans are finalized. Evaluation of the plan will be ongoing once plan implementation is underway. The plan's status and implementation will be reported on a regular basis to Trustees and stakeholders.
