LONG RANGE PLAN

PLANNING PROCESS

In February 2010 the Gleason Public Library Board of Trustees began the process of developing a new long-range plan. A planning committee of community and library representatives was formed to guide the process with priorities and vision concepts. Following this, staff met to add their input, and a survey was developed that was widely available to residents. It was a comprehensive survey, hitting on current services (collections, staff, hours, programs) as well as future priorities. A key component of this survey was gauging priorities, contradictions, and expectations vs. assumptions and resources. The focus groups that followed the survey allowed a more direct discussion of topics of current interest such as the fiscal climate and fundraising, technology and digital media, as well as general programs and services. The plan presented includes much detail as well as ideals. Staff and Trustees do not do this alone. As with the planning process, there is much participation in all that is the library by volunteers, citizens, friends, and you.

The plan was completed and approved by the Library Trustees on September 24, 2010. The plan will be shared with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Town of Carlisle the fall of 2010.

Each fall the Director, with staff input, will update the Trustees on the progress of the plan and a new action plan will be developed. The action plan for the first two years is included in the detailed plan in these pages.

The Gleason Public Library owes much gratitude to the people of Carlisle for their participation in the planning process, for their support of the Library and for their love of books in its many forms. Thank you.

THE PLAN

Mission

The GPL is a dynamic community nucleus. The library fosters personal and civic connections, embraces learning and the pursuit of knowledge, provides professional services and a bountiful collection of research materials, recreational materials and media, and technology. The GPL promotes discovery, equality, loyalty, civility, literacy, positive interactions, and trust through all times.

Keys to Success

I. Discovery: Community learning co-op.
The people of Carlisle will be supported in their learning throughout life.

II. Equality: Welcome to Your place.
The people of Carlisle define what the Library is and we provide the access.

III. Loyalty: Carlisle's Atlas.
Carlisle's history has a home at the Library.

IV. Civility: Come Together.
The people of Carlisle find opportunity for social engagement, volunteerism, and community building at the Library.

V. Literacy: A Love of the Word.
The word, in its many mediums, is celebrated and available.

V. Positive Interactions: Empower People.
The people of Carlisle will be welcomed and put first.

VI. Trust: Effective Management.
The people of Carlisle will see an open and trustworthy organization.

Goals

I. Community learning co-op.
The GPL is the GO-TO portfolio of information, entertainment, research, and technology that people in Carlisle expect. COLLECTIONS & SERVICES

II. Welcome to Your place.
The Library will be a welcoming, safe, and useful environment accessible for all. BUILDING, EQUIPMENT, HOURS

III. Carlisle's Story.
The GPL is a lead steward, collaborator, and communicator of Carlisle's unique history, people, and cultural identity.

IV. Come Together
The GPL provides opportunities for cooperative learning, civic engagement, and community gathering.

V. A Love of the Word.
The GPL celebrates literature, independent thinking, and cultural literacy of all mediums through programs, displays, diverse collections, and information.

VI. Empower People.
Library staff will be available with friendly, personal, and professional services to meet or exceed users' expectations.

VII. Effective Management
The GPL must maintain the trust this historical institution holds by efficient, effective, and professional management of the library's collections, personnel, facilities, and resources.