A new Brantford Public Library strategic plan finds a balance between expanding to serve a growing community while still meeting the diverse needs of individuals living and working in the city.
The Library’s new Strategic Plan, which runs from 2023 to 2027, has three strategic priorities. These priorities include creating positive individualized customer experiences, increasing the community’s engagement with the Library and expanding Library services and resources to meet community needs now and in the future.
“When developing the plan, we considered how the community is growing from a medium-sized centre to a large, urban centre,” explained Rae-Lynne Aramburo, the Library’s Chief Librarian and CEO. “This plan guides us to expand Library services in the city while still delivering the highly- valued personal and trustworthy service the Library has offered for nearly 140 years.”
The Library is working on introducing two self-serve kiosks in the community, to provide more opportunities for convenient access to library materials. Planning is also underway for a new Library branch in the southwest of Brantford, in a joint-build partnership with the municipality and the Grand Erie District School Board. The new strategic plan also emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and staff training.
The Library’s 2022 Annual Report shows that there is a growing interest in Library services within the community. Nearly 5,000 people became members in 2022 and there were nearly 700,000 physical and digital items borrowed throughout the year, including sewing machines, eBooks and passes to local and provincial parks.
“We offer programs and services for all ages and interests and are excited at the possibility of making an even greater impact within our community,” said Marion McGeein, Library Board Chair.
View the Strategic Plan at brantfordlibrary.ca/strategic.
