The Niles District Library Board approved a 2019-2029 Vision Plan at its June meeting.

This is the second major revision of a vision plan originally developed in 2014. At that time, a “2020 Vision Plan” was developed. In late 2015, we developed a plan, which pushed our vision out to 2029. 

Now, four more years down the road, we are again refocusing the lens as we peer into the future.  The 2019-2029 Vision Plan incorporates findings from the February 2018 public survey, February 2019 employee survey and the March 2019 leadership retreat. 

Some of the goals we first articulated in 2014 are now institutional norms which are deeply rooted in our daily work. These goals remain in the newest version of our plan to remind us to maintain these achievements while continuing to work toward new goals.    

While much of the work outlined in our 2019-2029 Vision Plan focuses on evaluating and improving current services, there are some new initiatives and growth areas.  We expect steady growth in our Library of Things and SkillShare areas.

Another area of expansion will be the work we do to help the citizens of Niles access social services. New initiatives include a formal homework assistance program and major improvements in our circulation system.

Our vision is to build a community of lifelong learners who want to make Niles their lifelong home. Our mission is to provide guidance and access to resources that inform, entertain and enrich. We value excellent customer service, lifelong learning and a strong sense of community. Our vision, combined with our values and mission, guide all our work.   

Our plan is divided into six areas: 1) Maintaining our beautiful building and making it a benefit for our community. 2) Offering opportunities for lifelong learning and personal fulfillment. 3) Improving the quality of life and sense of pride in our community. 4) Making the library one of the things that people love most about Niles. 5) Encouraging everyone in our community to use the library’s services. 6) Developing a team of workers and volunteers who are passionate about fulfilling the library’s mission and achieving our vision.

In the coming weeks, this column will be delving more deeply into each of these focus areas, sharing our plans for living our values, fulfilling our mission and building a community of lifelong learners who want to make their lifelong home. 

Nancy Studebaker is the executive director at the Niles District Library. She can be reached by email at director@nileslibrary.net