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“Through collections, programs and events, services, makerspaces and art galleries, we are honoured to facilitate access to the ideas and stories of the world, and help each of you write your own. And as we see it, we’re not creating history, we’re forging our future. A future for all.” – Chrissy Hodgins, CEO
Last year, with support from Intent Consultants, we released our first community survey to collect feedback from our members and the community. Intent Consultants also collected input from staff and volunteers to help develop organizational goals. The feedback provided is reflected in the priorities of our newly released 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan.
The plan features three strategic priorities:
- Inspire Through Experiences: Creating opportunities to explore and learn together.
- Connect Through Community: Inviting people and partners to create positive change.
- Empower Through Learning: Embracing knowledge that inspires people to unlock their potential.
Key takeaways from survey responses included:
- 64% visit the library more than once a month.
- 96% agreed that public libraries are needed now, more than ever.
- 100% believed that public libraries are important for the community and bring value.
Many who responded shared their concern about the uncertain funding and tight budgets libraries and galleries face. As one person wrote: “The Library [Idea Exchange] - it plays many roles to fill in the gaps within the community to address what people need. It needs to be seen as a leader in the community that is worth funding.”
Earlier in October, the Canadian Urban Institute, in consultation with the Canadian Urban Libraries Council / Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada (CULC/CBUC), released their report OVERDUE: The Case for Canada’s Public Libraries. The report champions the value of public libraries, sharing that for every $1 invested in public libraries, communities see a $6 return on investment. It also details the significance of the role of public libraries in Canada’s post-pandemic recovery, competitiveness, and resilience, calling for renewed and diversified investment.