The Niles District Library Board approved the 2019-2029 Vision Plan at its June meeting.  The plan’s “Focus on Learning” outlines exactly what we as staff are trying to accomplish by offering over 1,200 free programs each year. 

Our programs aim at one of three outcomes: developing skills, learning information and encouraging dialogue among communities of interest. 

Many programs meet multiple outcomes.  For example, attendees at our genealogy group, TreeClimbers, are developing a skill while also meeting other genealogists. 

The NDL offers formal classes and one-on-one assistance to help its patrons learn a wide variety of useful skills.  Participants learn and/or practice skills that improve and enrich their lives. 

Examples of this type of programming would be our computer classes and chess club.

We offer lectures and presentations on a wide range of topics that inform and entertain the audience. Our goal is for participants learn something new every time.

Our history lecture series is a good example of this type of program. 

We offer programs designed to encourage dialogue and support communities of interest. Participants’ lives are enriched by their new knowledge, understanding and/or social connections.

Book clubs fall into this category. 

At the same time, all our programs have one overarching goal, to encourage reading. We try to highlight our book collection at every program. 

Our children’s programs draw more than 16,000 people to the library each year. In addition to the outcomes listed above, we aim to offer children’s programs that improve early literacy and learning skills to prepare children birth to 5 years old for school.  Our programs for elementary aged children, tweens and teens aim to encourage reading, curiosity and creativity. 

Improvements and changes in our programming will include additional skill-based programs utilizing our SkillShare area, offering a formal homework assistance and tutoring program and developing intergenerational programs. 

The wide variety of learning opportunities we make available is key to achieving our vision of a community of lifelong learners who want to make Niles their lifelong home. 

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