Strategic Action Plan July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On July 13, 2020, Geneva Public Library District (GPLD) opened in a new facility located at 227 S. Seventh St. amidst a pandemic. Plans for operating the new facility abruptly changed as a result of the health
crisis, yet the mission of the Library, “Connecting our community to discover, inspire, and grow” and
vision of being “A valued and innovative community resource empowering residents to seek knowledge, create ideas, and achieve dreams” persisted and remained the driving force.
Operations in the first year in the new facility focused on safely opening the building for public use, providing spaces for community use in accordance with COVID guidelines, and providing programming for a variety of audiences virtually and in-person. The community has enthusiastically embraced the facility and looks forward to more services being available as community members get vaccinated and the health crisis becomes more manageable.
All staff meetings were held on April 7 and 8, 2021 to seek input about community interests and needs and discuss priorities for the year(s) ahead. The following questions were posed:
1) What do you hope the community will discover about their library;
2) How do you hope the community will be inspired by their library; and
3) How do you think the community would like to see their library grow.
See appendix for responses.
An environmental scan was conducted to further develop knowledge about current community needs and interests. This process involved: using available data sources, such as library statistics and community profiles; leveraging the value of community relationships with internal and external groups, such as Foundation, Friends, Chamber of Commerce, Geneva School District, Geneva Park District, and service clubs; observing patrons in the Library and residents in the community; and listening to customers with intention.
Based on Board and staff input, environmental scanning, and ongoing priorities, the following goals were developed:
1. Help our community discover their library and the wealth of resources available to them
2. Inspire our community to connect with one another, discover new skills, be creative, try new things, and so much more!
3. Grow with our community and respond to their needs
4. Connect with our community in a well-maintained facility
A Goals and Objectives Task Force met to discuss the objective of the goals and strategies for achieving our goals. The following individuals served on the Task Force:
• Mark Adams, Board of Trustees, Vice President
• Meredith Anderson, Learning Coordinator
• Ellen Anderson, Librarian (Access Services, Collections)
• Angelica Bibbs, Innovation Coordinator
• Becky DeSilva, Library Assistant III (Access Services, Customer Service)
• Alex Hanold, Graphic Designer
• Lexy Jones, Community Engagement Coordinator
• Paula Krapf, PR and Marketing Manager
• Pat Lord, Board of Trustees, President
• Lauren Maxwell, Info and Reader Services Coordinator
• Janet Miranda, Access Services Manager
• Kari Moncrieff, Library Associate (Access Services, Collections)
• Lynne Schick, Kids Landing Coordinator
• Lynnette Singh, IT Manager
The Task Force met on April 28 and May 12 to brainstorm ideas and develop working plans. GPLD’s management team met on May 20 to further vet the plan. The Board reviewed the draft plan on May 27 and provided feedback. The task force met again on June 9 to review feedback and develop an implementation strategy. The plan was formally approved by the Library Board of Trustees on June 24, 2021.
Strategic actions:
1. Provide venue for community events, such as: Swedish Days, Geneva Arts Fair, Festival of the Vine, Christmas Walk, etc.
Project manager: Paula Krapf Target date: Summer 2021
2. Develop/enhance community partnerships to facilitate jointly hosted events, such as:
a. One Book-One Community (City of Geneva) Project manager: Lauren Maxwell
Target date: Winter 2021/22
b. Volunteer Fair (Service groups) Project manager: Meredith Anderson Target date: Spring 2022
c. Student Art Show (City of Geneva/D304) Project manager: Lexy Jones
Target date: Spring 2023
d. Geneva Women’s Club and other specialty nights Project manager: Paula Krapf
Target date: Fall 2021
e. StoryWalks
Project manager: Lexy Jones Target date: ongoing
3. Adapt school outreach model to focus on hosting events aimed at bringing students to the Library, such as:
a. Library camp
Project manager: Lynne Schick/Lexy Jones Target date: Summer 2021
b. Library afterschool club Project manager: Lynne Schick Target date: Winter 2021/22
c. School field trips
Project manager: Lexy Jones Target date: ongoing
d. Back to school nights Project manager Lexy Jones Target date: Fall 2021
e. Scouting groups
Project manager: Lexy Jones Target date: Spring 2022
4. Provide alternative opportunities for learning about the new building and library services, including:
a. Create virtual library tour/directional kiosk Project manager: Lynnette Singh
Target date: Summer 2022
b. Pilot pop up library concept on library property (park, lobby, etc.) Project manager: Angelica Bibbs
Target date: Summer 2022
c. Connect with outside interest groups (ex: League of Women Voters, School of Rock, etc.)
Project manager Paula Krapf Target date: ongoing
Measurement:
• Increased awareness of the Library as evidenced quantitative data, including: gate count, event attendance, etc.
• Increased awareness of the Library by target groups as evidenced by qualitative data, including: anecdotal feedback, survey responses, etc.
• Increased support by Library partners as evidenced by ongoing partnership requests
Strategic actions:
1. Develop a library wide programming plan to provide a consistent schedule of programs and classes aligned with community interests, such as:
a. Literary based programs
Project manager: Lauren Maxwell Target date: ongoing
b. Genealogy Club
Project manager: Rebekah Noggle Target date: Summer/Fall 2021
c. Writers Group
Project manager: Lauren Maxwell Target date: Fall 2021
d. Lifelong Learning programs (culture, history, travel, culinary, music, business, finance, etc.)
Project manager: Meredith Anderson/Christine Dalphy Target date: Summer/Fall 2021
e. 3D printing/technology classes Project manager: Angelica Bibbs Target date: ongoing
f. Maker classes (circuitry, robotics, coding, etc.) Project manager: Angelica Bibbs
Target date: Summer 2021
g. Crafting programs and clubs
Project Manager: Meredith Anderson Target date: ongoing
2. Develop a library wide programming plan to ensure wide array of opportunities are available to residents at all ages and stages of life, including:
a. Children
Project manager: Lynne Schick Target date: ongoing
b. Tweens and Teens (inc. Library Squad and VolunTeens) Project manager: Kylie Peters
Target date: ongoing
c. 20s and 30s
Project manager: Allyson Palagi Target date: ongoing
d. Intergenerational and families
Project manager: Meredith Anderson/Ali Lanthrum Target date: ongoing
e. Adults and active seniors
Project manager: Meredith Anderson Target date: ongoing
3. Offer displays and collection resources in support of library initiatives, including:
a. Develop subscription box service Project manager: Lauren Maxwell Target date: Fall 2022
b. Develop method for staff to request pop-up displays Project manager: Gail Conrath
Target date: Fall 2021
c. Grow/hone Tech-To-Go collection Project manager: Angelica Bibbs Target date: ongoing
d. Launch seed library
Project manager: Janet Miranda Target date: Winter/Spring 2022
e. Reclassify music collection for greater discoverability Project manager: Ellen Anderson
Target date: Summer 2022
f. Weed and label nonfiction AV collection for face out displays Project manager: Kari Moncrieff
Target date: Fall 2022
g. Grow special format collections (ex: board games, kits, etc.) Project manager: Erin Wittry
Target date: ongoing
4. Continue efforts to operationalize and enhance use of specific library spaces, including:
a. Kids Landing
Project manager: Lynne Schick Target date: ongoing
b. Middle Ground
Project manager: Kylie Peters Target date: ongoing
c. Teen Takeover
Project manager: Kylie Peters Target date: ongoing
d. DIY Workshop
Project manager: Meredith Anderson Target date: ongoing
e. The Studio
Project manager: Angelica Bibbs Target date: Fall 2021
f. Learning Locker/3d printing services Project manager: Angelica Bibbs Target date: ongoing
g. Kitchen
Project manager: Meredith Anderson/Wendy Kmet Target date: Winter 2021/2022
h. Café
Project manager: Wendy Kmet
Target date: TBD (check with vendor re: availability)
Measurement:
• Increased use of Library resources as evidenced by qualitative data, including: circulation, program attendance, outreach participation, room bookings, etc.
• Increased patron satisfaction as evidenced by qualitative data, including: anecdotal feedback, survey responses, etc.
Strategic actions:
1. Support and participate in community wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts Project manager: Paula Krapf
Target date: ongoing
2. Maximize inclusion and integration of people with varying abilities, by providing:
a. Wheelchair, electric scooter and/or shopping cart Project manager: Wendy Kmet
Target date: Winter 2021/22
b. Assistive listening devices in meeting room(s) Project manager: Lynnette Singh
Target date: Fall 2021
c. Social story outlining what to expect when visiting the Library Project manager: Lynne Schick
Target date: Winter 2021/22
d. Senior and assisted living center support Project manager: Sophie Popovich Target date: ongoing
3. Reengage with our volunteer groups and provide support to their events, including:
a. Friends/Book sales
Project manager: Christine Lazaris/Paula Krapf Target date: Summer 2021
b. Foundation/Donor and fundraising events Project manager: Paula Krapf
Target date: Fall 2021
c. Home Service and Program Volunteers
Project manager: Lexy Jones/Meredith Anderson Target Date: Fall 2021
4. Review and update marketing strategies, including:
a. Redesign the Library website to enhance mobile user experience and invite community participation (i.e. “Inspire Us”)
Project managers: Lynnette Singh/Paula Krapf Target date: Spring 2022
b. Reimagine print and online newsletter using magazine format Project manager: Paula Krapf
Target date: Fall 2021
c. Develop and expand email distribution lists Project manager: Paula Krapf
Target date: ongoing
d. Enhance use of electronic building signage Project manager: Paula Krapf/Mary McClarey Target date: ongoing
e. Explore opportunities to sell branded merchandise showing library support, such as yard signs, bags, etc.
Project manager: Paula Krapf/Alex Hanold Target date: Fall 2022
5. Update Technology Plan and explore opportunities to:
a. Transition to laptops for all staff Project manager: Vitek Gregorarz Target date: ongoing
b. Provide more collaborative tools available through Office 365 Project manager: Lynnette Singh
Target date: ongoing
c. Host and share digital content created by library staff and patrons Project manager: Lynnette Singh/Angelica Bibbs
Target date: Spring 2022
d. Use data visualization and analytics tools Project manager: Lynnette Singh
Target date: ongoing
e. Maximize RingCentral, Communico , and other 3rd party system functionality Project manager: Lynnette Singh
Target date: ongoing
Measurement:
• High user satisfaction as evidenced by qualitative data, including: anecdotal feedback, survey responses, etc.
• High user satisfaction as evidenced by quantitative data, including: website usage, program registration, etc.
Strategic actions:
1. Complete the long term building plan, including:
a. Close out open issues log, including: final occupancy, punch list, warranty items, UPS, signage, etc.
Project manager: Christine Lazaris Target date: ongoing
b. Address outstanding furniture and equipment needs, including: shelving parts, stage, glass boards and other room enhancements, etc.
Project manager: Christine Lazaris Target date: ongoing
c. Review and update library policies to align with new building and current service priorities
Project manager: Christine Lazaris Target date: ongoing
d. Explore public art opportunities, including: bike rack sculpture, donor garden, commission/contest
Project manager: Christine Lazaris Target date: Spring 2022 or later
e. Update Emergency Manual with new building information Project manager: Wendy Kmet
Target date: Summer 2021
f. Review and add building contracts as needed, including: window washing, plant rental/maintenance, vending, etc.
Project manager: Wendy Kmet Target date: ongoing
g. Review and update record retention practices Project manager: Christine Lazaris/Wendy Kmet Target date: Fall 2022
h. Maintain property and manage sale of former library building Project manager: Christine Lazaris
Target date: ongoing
i. Hire consultant to develop new capital asset long-term maintenance plan for new building
Project manager: Christine Lazaris Target date: Spring 2023
2. Provide ongoing support to staff, including:
a. Active and passive peer-to-peer learning and staff training Project manager: Lynette Singh/ Mary McClarey/Becky DeSilva Target date: ongoing
b. Cross training and other library wide learning opportunities Project manager: Janet Miranda
Target date: ongoing
c. Leadership oriented discussion group Project manager: Meredith Anderson Target date: ongoing
d. Safety training, including: unconscious bias, harassment, fire, tornado, Code Adam, active shooter, bloodborne pathogens, CPR/AED, etc.
Project manager Wendy Kmet Target date: ongoing
e. Instructional videos/how-to guides on use of building systems Project manager: Andy Strutz
Target date: Spring 2022
Measurement:
• Fiscal health and strength as evidenced by quantitative date, including: monthly financial reports, annual audit, etc.
• Knowledgeable staff as evidenced by qualitative data, including: performance metrics, training compliance, technology competency, and anecdotal feedback
