Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2025-2027

Our Purpose

The mission of the Waterford Public Library is to enrich, educate and connect our community through discovery and access to ideas, information, technology and entertainment.

Our Vision

The library aspires to be a welcoming center for a vibrant community. Working together, we will create an inclusive and thriving Waterford.

Our Core Principles

At the Waterford Public Library, our values define what we stand for and guide our actions.

We believe in intellectual freedom, confidentiality of records, and accessibility to all, as articulated in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Principle.

We value literacy and lifelong learning.

We value trust, honesty, responsibility, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and respect for all.

We value responsive and friendly service, focused on individual needs in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

We value teamwork, collaboration, and community engagement.

We value helpful and skilled staff and leadership, and continuous quality improvement in all that we do.

We value innovation and flexibility.

We value sensible and sustainable use of resources.

We value providing a space for community to gather and foster open discussion and self-directed learning.

We value community outreach.

Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2025 - 2027

The Library is a place of

• Belonging
• Connection
• Discovery
• Education

Belonging – The Library welcomes all and fosters an inclusive environment.

Goal #1: Serve as a community hub and provide a welcoming space, open to all.

Goal #2: Support and develop the open exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas.

Goal #3: Identify and serve marginalized populations.

Goal #4: Actively seek and listen to community feedback and incorporate input, as appropriate, into library services.

Connection – The Library builds relationships.

Goal #1: Provide excellent and equitable customer service.

Goal #2: Foster community engagement and discussion.

Goal #3: Develop spaces for learning, engagement and collaboration.

Goal #4: Discover, cultivate and grow community partnerships.

Discovery – The Library supports innovation and curiosity.

Goal #1: Strengthen community awareness of the library’s collections, programs and services.

Goal #2: Incorporate new technologies to increase access.

Goal #3: Adapt new tools and techniques to encourage discovery, innovation and creativity.

Goal #4: Provide opportunities for engagement beyond the physical walls of the library.

Education – The Library provides resources for lifelong learning.

Goal #1: Develop and maintain robust collections that reflect the diversity of our community and the world.

Goal #2: Provide access to ideas, information, technology and entertainment.

Goal #3: Offer engaging and informative programs for all ages.

Goal #4: Promote school readiness with early literacy initiatives for both children and caregivers.

Strategic Plan Approved by the Waterford Public Library Board of Trustees at its January 9, 2024 Meeting