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REPORT ON THE STRATEGIC PLAN 2012-2017 ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 A B Message from the Library Director and Chair, Board of Trustees In 2011, we embarked on a strategic planning process to explore key issues facing Greenwich Library and to ensure we are responsive to the needs of Greenwich residents. Like public libraries across the country, we were at a crossroads, adapting to a world where more and more information lives in digital form, accessible anytime and anywhere, yet as well-visited as ever. After hundreds of hours gathering data, conducting a community survey and holding interviews with key stakeholders, the 2012-17 Strategic Plan was created. The Plan embraced the ever-changing challenges and opportunities for a 21st century library while providing a framework to advance the Library’s mission. Strategic initiatives were created under five key areas of focus to guide our operations and investments. Having earned our third five-star rating byLibrary Journal, we knew that it was important to preserve and build on our strengths. Providing a forum for cultural programming and civic engagement, promoting the academic and life success of Greenwich children, and providing technology tools and training were a few of the Plan’s foundational principles. We are pleased to share this report which highlights many of the important outcomes achieved over the past five years including having now earned our eighth five-star national ranking byLibrary Journal. The board and staff look forward to your partnership as we begin the development of our next Strategic Plan and continue to preserve our legacy as the “community treasure” that Greenwich Library has always been. Sincerely, Barbara Ormerod-Glynn, Director Chip Haslun, Chair Board of Trustees 1 2 COLLECTION MANAGEMENT At Greenwich Library, collection development and management is both art and science. In addition to utilizing specifi c collection analytics soft ware, our librarians have a deep understanding of the community which is invaluable when choosing titles and formats that meet patron’s interests and needs. The Library has augmented its collections, Careful, thoughtful collection During the Great Recession, unique to Greenwich, management, initiated as a key residents used the Library’s collection by digitizing thousands of photographs and strategy to improve access to the more than ever. As economic postcards which will Library’s resources, has already conditions improved, circulation benefi t researchers and genealogists. produced excellent results. By decreased from that unprecedented making room for new materials, high. Nevertheless, over the past making the shelves easier to fi ve years, ebook circulation more navigate, and replacing outdated than doubled: from 48,853 to material with current information, 102,567. Downloadable audiobook it is easier for serious or casual usage grew even more: from 9,318 researchers, students, travelers, to 34,980. And patron use of and those looking for their next streaming music rose dramatically: great read, to explore the Library’s from 3,300 to 67,000. amazing resources. 3 4 ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY Th is is a time of rapid technological transformation for public libraries. Over the past fi ve years, Greenwich Library has made the discovery and use of its collections, services, and resources much simpler by deploying established and emerging technologies. Over the past fi ve years, the Library has Th e launch of BiblioCommons Th e self-service check out system, sparked the curiosity, has greatly simplifi ed patron access ability to pay fi nes and fees by credit creativity, and ingenuity of thousands of children to all print and eBooks, whether card, and wireless printing, utilize and young adults through in the Library or on their mobile technologies that improve the hundreds of STEAM (science, technology, device. Th e Library has purchased user’s experience and allow staff engineering, math + art/design) programs. streaming content through Hoopla, to focus on other customer service Naxos, and Kanopy that provide eff orts. And the Library launched patrons with a wide variety of a new website designed to provide movies and music. Th e Library integrated discovery opportunities for also signifi cantly expanded eBook collections, programs, and services. and audiobook collections, and A wide array of STEAM programs purchased a platform to make for children and young adults, popular magazines available online. and expanded hours in the drop-in Tech Center, are just some of the ways the Library continues to be a vibrant information and learning center for Greenwich. 5 6 LIFELONG LEARNING & ENRICHMENT Th e scale and scope of Greenwich Library’s programs have made it the intellectual and cultural crossroads of the community. Libraries are valued and trusted spaces. From the Ashforth Children’s Greenwich Reads Together, the The Library helps us Concert Series that enriches the lives Library’s signature annual program, understand ourselves, our place in the world, of youngsters in our community, brings together thousands of and the history of to the Musicians from Marlboro that members of the community in a the community in which we live. thrill the audience with their world shared reading experience and class talent, the range of outstanding stimulating conversations. An array program off erings is remarkable. of book clubs, story times, author And with six exhibits each year in talks, and the Summer Reading the Library’s Flinn Gallery, the Program that includes entertainment community is awakened to the and prizes, support a love of reading richness and diversity of the human and connect residents to each other. experience through the visual arts. In a newly launched initiative, all Greenwich Public School fi rst graders visit the Library and receive their fi rst Library card; there’s also a co-branded summer reading list– just a few ways the Library and our schools are collaborating to promote literacy. 7 8 SERVICE & COMMUNITY SPACE In 2011, the Library conducted a community survey to hear directly from users about their priorities for future services. Flexible learning spaces that can A second survey and one-on-one Th ese plans include: enhancements evolve and transform interviews with key stakeholders to the children’s fl oor that support as new technologies continue to emerge conducted in 2015 provided childhood literacy; additional meeting is key in a 21st important new insights into library rooms of various sizes that welcome century library. usage; programming needs and study and foster collaboration; preferences; experience with digital creation of a fl exible innovation lab off erings; use of physical space; for people to gather, learn, and create; and desire for new services. relocation of the young adult area to a more engaging space; relocation Survey fi ndings suggested that we and expansion of the popular café modify program off erings to focus where patrons of all ages can enjoy on maximizing attendance, reach new socializing; and creation of an exciting and under-represented audiences, new Cultural Commons on the lower and create enthusiasm and buzz via level that will include a large, fl exible marketing. Th e Library instituted meeting space for performances and post-event evaluations to examine programming as well as updates to program performance and glean the auditorium and the Technology suggested improvements. And we Training Center. enhanced our targeted marketing ef- forts including an emphasis on e-news- Th e Library also engaged the services letters, bookmarks, and the Kimberly Bolan Cullin, an experi- use of social media. enced librarian, designer and author, to consult on the Cos Cob branch. Her In 2016, the Library engaged the expertise is invaluable as we evaluate architectural fi rm Peter Gisolfi & and plan how best to utilize space in Associates to develop plans for the this much beloved, thriving branch. Main Library that respond to what we heard from the community surveys and from broader national trends about future functions and uses of our buildings. 9 10 COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS Greenwich Library strengthens the community through knowledge, resources, and partnerships. We want to inspire innovators, encourage people on their paths of discovery, and delight all those who engage with our collections, attend programs, and utilize our services. As the issues faced by our society become Th rough partnerships with PARTNERS INCLUDE: more complex, strategic AARP Greenwich Adult Kids In Crisis organizations such as the League Abilis Day Care Lions Club partnerships and Alliance Francaise Greenwich Alliance Macinspires for Education of Women Voters, Yale Alumni Arch Street Manhattanville College collaborations, where Greenwich Arts Council skills and knowledge ASOG (Art So Old Members Credit Union Association, SCORE, World Aff airs Greenwich) Greenwich Board can be shared, add of Education MOMA Astronomical Society Neighbor to Neighbor of Greenwich Greenwich Dance Studio breadth and depth to Forum, Curiosity Concerts, and New Lebanon School At Home In Greenwich Greenwich Emergency- Medical Service (GEMS) New Merchants our community impact. Audobon Society more, the Library provides a forum of Greenwich Greenwich High School NY Department of Revenue Backcountry Jazz Greenwich High School, Media ONS Foundation to explore current events, be Boy Scouts Greenwich High School Outdoor Traders Boys And Girls Club PTA Patty Cake entertained, and develop skills Bruce Museum Greenwich High School, People’s Bank Brunswick School