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Date: 7/27/2017
EAST?LONGMEADOW – The East Longmeadow Library called on locals to complete a survey regarding the library’s need to formulate a Long Range Plan (LRP). The strategic plan is used as a way to set long-term goals with yearly benchmarks for the library.
Library Director Layla Johnston said the LRP is used to encompass all of the library’s functions.
“It’s a general best practices for libraries to have a long range plan and it entails everything like the building, staffing, technology, programming and imagines where we see East Longmeadow Library in five years,” Johnston said.
The LRP used to be recreated every 10 years. With every-changing technology and new developments, the East Longmeadow Library now creates their LRP every five years.
The Library closed their survey as of June 19, and Johnston reported there was a statistically significant sample. While the official results are not available yet, she does see a trend in one area that residents want to see changed.
“One thing that I’ve found is the community really wants to see a way to have Saturday summer hours,” Johnston divulged.
Going back in history, libraries would align their hours with the school year. Though times have changed, the East Longmeadow library among others is currently not open on the weekends during the summer months. Aside from historical holdover, money and staffing take part in the reason for this
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners requires a library to submit a LRP to be eligible for grant funding. By submitting the LRP, the East Longmeadow Library will be qualified for money they otherwise wouldn’t be privy to.
Johnston encourages residents to become involved in the library’s future plans or to join the Friends of the Library group. For general inquiries regarding the Friends, email foelpl@gmail.com.