MAUD PRESTON PALENSKE MEMORIAL LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN

On March 25, 2025, the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library Board of Trustees adopted a four-year strategic plan for the library.  

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

To guide this effort, the Board elected to work with consultants at the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) of Lansing, MI to facilitate a strategic planning process that would help to align library services with the aspirations and needs of the community. We began with a Community Survey to help answer questions about what the community wants from the Library.

Keeping in mind the context gained through the community’s input, the Strategic Planning Committee recommended that the Library Board adopt four strategic service priorities for the period Fiscal Years 2025-2029. The priorities are:

Improve Accessibility
We evaluate and seek to upgrade, reconfigure, and modernize facilities and technology to improve both staff and patron experiences.

Advocate for Shared Engagement
We work to strengthen relationships and offer programming and space that promotes a variety of literacies, civic dialogue, and critical thinking for all age groups.

Enhance Awareness
We investigate methods for increasing and improving communication and promotion of all we have to offer.

Maximize Sustainability
We explore new and creative funding opportunities and invest in our staff, creating consistency in library services.

Read the Strategic Plan

Community Survey - conducted 2024

The library strategic planning committee revisited the library's Mission, Vision and Core Values:

Mission

To creatively serve our entire community with diverse resources, inclusive space, and opportunities for knowledge, learning, and literacy.

Vision

We are an essential community asset, welcoming all and striving to exceed expectations through an abundance of programming and resources for all ages, functional space, modern technology, and knowledgeable, well-trained staff.

Core Values

Space to Learn and Grow
We cultivate an environment that is inclusive, friendly, and approachable and celebrates knowledge and self-discovery.

Creative, Dedicated Staff
We strive to make the best even better through responsive, personalized, patron-focused service.

Mission-Driven Collaboration
We work together as a staff and with community members to ensure that our library reflects everyone.

Resourcefulness
We seek continuously evolving ways to stretch our resources into high quality collections and services.

Inviting Location
We exist in a beautiful, central location which draws both community members and visitors to utilize our space and resources.