2019-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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A Library Staff Steering committee helped to define the Library's changing role in the community. Staff members voiced aspirations including community outreach and partnerships; expanded adult programming opportunities; exploring use of existing building space to accommodate changing patron needs; and increased attention to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of library operations, such as collections, programs, services, accessibility of physical space, and customer service. The community survey was developed based on the input from the Strategic Planning Committee and Library Staff focus groups and was available for six weeks from mid July 2019 to early September 2019. Feedback garnered from patrons in the course of daily Library operations, combined with the input of the community based Strategic Planning Committee and staff comments, served as the basis for the goals and objectives of this plan. Our service responses, goals, and objectives focus on the following areas: • Building Community & Outreach • Patron Experience • Diversity & Inclusion • Experiential Learning • Community Service • Emergency Preparedness Beginning in 2020, the Library will lay the foundation to expand services to promote strong connections in the community. Marketing and outreach efforts will be central to this effort as we broaden the library's impact in the community. Bringing library services to off site locations such as retirement communities, neighborhoods, and other community partners will allow us to gain a better understanding of the needs of residents. The Library will also host public forums for residents to explore and discuss community - wide issues or topics to promote civic involvement and discussion. Ensuring that our residents have exceptional interactions with Library Staff and are connected with resources and services to enhance their quality of life will be a focal point of our customer service efforts. In the realm of patron experience and services, we received strong feedback that there is an audience eager for Adult Programming including concerts, author talks, lectures, book clubs, and arts and maker programs. Fostering new relationships, as well as maintaining current partnerships, with local agencies to engage experts to address desired program topics, and building an informal network of local speakers will be vital to our success. As we enter our tenth year of service in our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, we will evaluate our use of space and seek ways to repurpose, or reconfigure space to meet community needs while maintaining and incorporating additional sustainable features. As we adjust to changing environmental conditions, we will make resource -efficient decisions based on conserving energy, water, and materials, and prepare our staff and building to serve our community in extraordinary circumstances, or emergency situations. We are moving into the new decade excited and energized by our mission and goal to create an inclusive environment where community feel welcomed and connected. If you haven't been to the Mashpee Library lately, stop in and visit. Our doors are open to everyone! Our Friends & Supporters Led by President Ginny Farwell, the Friends of the Mashpee Library continued to amaze us all with their passion and creativity. The summer program series featured a diverse line up that included award winning journalist and bestselling author Casey Sherman, author and nurse advocate, Terri Arthur, and National Book Award Winner, Marty Sandler. Books were not the only source of learning provided by the Friends. At their first ever "Ladies Night Out" an attentive crowd was treated to a master course in floral arranging by former Boston Museum of Fine Arts Flower Chair, Yvette Shakespeare. Her talent and generosity left the audience inspired. Coupled with established favorites such as the Selander Open mini -golf tournament and summer raffle, the Friends had record setting success as fundraisers and ambassadors for the Library. The funds they raise have enabled us to host our concert series, and purchase sewing machines to offer weekly DIY and Crafting programs.