MEMORIAL AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION LONG RANGE PLAN
2011-2014
INTRODUCTION
The Memorial and Library Association consists of the
Westerly Public Library and Wilcox Park. The purpose of the long range plan is
to guide our efforts for the next three years.
MISSION
The mission of the Memorial and Library Association is to
stimulate the intellect and imagination by providing access to literature,
information, nature, and the arts.
VISION
The vision of the Library is to provide the community with
superior library services, and to serve as one of the cultural and intellectual
centers of the area.
The vision of the Park is to provide the community with a
place for passive recreation, and to serve as a venue for cultural and
educational programs which are free and open to the public.
STRATEGIC GOALS
I.
To ensure
that the Library continues to develop collections and provide information
access of superior scope and quality to meet the wide interests of our patrons.
Key Objectives:
Evaluate the use, relevance, and
quality of our collections and access to information.
Plan for collection development,
patron services, and programming.
Invest appropriately in emerging
formats while maintaining superior print and media collections.
II.
To ensure that the Park continues to maintain
the landscape and develop the educational value of the Park.
Key Objectives:
Develop an Advisory team of horticulturists.
Create new interpretive signage.
Continue Group Tours.
Develop educational presentations
on the history and horticulture of the Park.
III.
To encourage
public awareness and provide easy access to Library and Park resources.
Key Objectives:
Implement new outreach
initiatives.
Emphasize the educational value of
Wilcox Park.
Provide space for passive
recreation and spontaneous family gatherings in a serene environment.
Provide easy and efficient access
for all residents through adaptive technology and a variety of formats and
services.
Invest in technology to expand
access to Library collections and resources.
Continue to expand access to
information through the Association’s web page.
IV.
To
anticipate and meet the educational and cultural needs of the community through
programs, events, and activities.
Key Objectives:
Maintain diverse cultural
programming.
Remain dedicated to providing and
supporting lifelong learning, starting with pre-school children.
Further encourage the public to
use Library resources and technologies by providing hands-on training and
workshops.
Expand the cooperative programs
with the Library and Park.
Increase the educational programs
in the Park.
Increase the hours for the
assistant horticulturist position.
Develop training program for Park
docents.
V.
To support
staff, one of the Association’s most valuable assets.
Key Objectives:
Determine and maintain optimal
staffing.
Continue to encourage individual
staff development.
Initiate a program to recognize
and support the excellent work of individual staff members.
Review staff benefits regularly.
Hire an Assistant Director.
Expand volunteer programs in all
areas.
VI.
To ensure
the long-term financial security and integrity of the Association’s core assets
and activities.
Key Objectives:
Continue to assess the capital
needs of Library buildings and Park infrastructure and ensure superior
maintenance.
Educate the Governing bodies of
Westerly and Stonington about cost-effective delivery of public services in the
Library and Park.
Explore opportunities for
cooperative purchasing of goods and services with the Town of Westerly.
Continue to raise funds from
grants, events, and annual campaigns to meet the needs of both the Library and
Park.
Complete the Capital Campaign.
Approved by the Board
10/18/11
Long Range Plan