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Library looks for input

The Nelson Public Library is an open book when it comes to its long term plan. A draft strategic plan for the next five years is now available for public feedback until Friday, September 16. The plan may be accessed at nelsonlibrary.ca or hard copies may be picked up in the library.

The Nelson Public Library is an open book when it comes to its long term plan. A draft strategic plan for the next five years is now available for public feedback until Friday, September 16. The plan may be accessed at nelsonlibrary.ca or hard copies may be picked up in the library.

“No plan is complete without input from the people it affects,” says chief librarian June Stockdale. “We want our library to serve the community in the best possible manner, and we really hope many library users will take this opportunity.”

The plan articulates the library’s mission statement, vision, and values, and analyzes its service demographic and areas of growth in terms of the way the library is used. Since the library’s renovation and last fall’s referendum, membership increases include six per cent in Nelson, 77 per cent in Area F, and 62 per cent in Area H; also increased is the number of online library visits at 45 per cent and circulation of library materials at 13 per cent.

“The changes we’ve experienced make this an excellent time to review where we are and where we need to go,” says Stockdale.

Some of the things Stockdale and the library board heard through public surveys pointed to the desire for balance between traditional resources and services and new online technologies; interest in outreach into the rural areas; and partnerships with schools and community organizations.

The library’s strategic plan team, which included board and staff working with consultant Cathy Scott-May, identified strategic priorities that address building the collection in response to shifting needs; services, access, and hours of operation; and expansion of programming in technological and literacy skills, all built upon a sustainable foundation in management and governance.

“The library is never a closed book,” Stockdale says. “We are always receiving and responding to feedback. But now, we are specifically asking for input on our official five-year plan draft so we can begin the exciting process of its implementation.”

Feedback may be received attention June Stockdale by email: jstockdale@nelson.ca; by mail: Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley Street, Nelson, V1L 1N4; or dropped off in person at the library by 6 p.m. on September 16.