EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Public Library is seeking input from residents for the library’s fiscal year 2025-30 strategic plan process through a community survey available until May 31, the library announced.
The survey is part of the strategic plan process, which aims to assist the library in “[providing] free and equal access” to its resources for the surrounding communities, Library Director Katherine McGonigle told Reminder Publishing.
It was created by a 15-member group including members from the Board of Library Trustees, town departments and community organizations, and allows residents to share their thoughts and needs for the library, she stated. The survey first opened on May 10.
The FY25-30 strategic plan process began in fall 2023 with a review of the previous strategic plan, McGonigle explained. During this time, the library assessed its prior goals and whether they were completed.
The 2019-24 strategic plan highlighted five goals and included an action plan that stated how each goal would be completed and assessed. The five goals were to “nurture and encourage life-long learning and literacy,” “reduce barriers to access,” “improve the user experience,” “stimulate imagine – creativity and innovation,” and “build on community relationship and partnerships,” as stated in the document.
In this step, the library sought to “[determine] which goals and action steps need to be re-envisioned to best meet the evolving needs of the library community,” McGonigle stated.
During the strategic plan process, the library also met with the Massachusetts Library System and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners as well as hired Hoadley Consulting to assist with developing the plan, McGonigle said.
Following approval from Town Manager Thomas Christensen and the Board of Library Trustees, the strategic plan will be submitted to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners between June 30 and Oct. 1, she stated.
When completed, the plan will include targeted priorities, an assessment of community need and expected steps to achieve these goals, McGonigle said. She explained that these items are part of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ requirements for a strategic plan.
“[The East Longmeadow Public Library’s] purpose is to help educate and enrich our community in response to the intellectual, educational and cultural needs and input of its patrons. The library offers an extensive variety of materials for the purpose of study or enjoyment and supports literacy and life-long learning for its town residents,” McGonigle stated. She highlighted that the strategic plan was an important step in meeting these objectives.
“The library encourages all members of the community to participate in the survey. Together, we will chart the course for the library’s future,” she emphasized.
To complete the East Longmeadow Public Library community survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/EastLongmeadowLibrarySurvey2024. A print version of the survey is also available at the library and Pleasant View Senior Center, McGonigle stated. Participants could win a $25 gift card.
For more information about the library’s strategic plan, visit the East Longmeadow Public Library website.
