Posted by Manny on Monday, Sep 12, 2022
The Iowa City Public Library is beginning to build a new strategic plan and is seeking input from the community about current needs and aspirations.
"The Iowa City Public Library is your library, and community input is critical to our continued success. Whether you are a current power user or haven't had a library card in decades, we want to hear from you about the future of the library," Library Director Elsworth Carman says. "Sharing your thoughts about the library and the community will ensure our work aligns with your needs as we identify plans, priorities, and projects for the next three years."
The Library's Bookmobile came about because of the strategic planning process, as did revamping the Computer Lab into the Digital Media Lab and creating a designated space for Tweens in the Children's Room.
In order to gather community feedback, 13 focus groups will be held throughout September. All are welcome!
In the Library (123 S. Linn Street, Iowa City)
- Monday, Sept. 12, 6 to 7 p.m., Board Room
- Friday, Sept. 16, 8 to 9 a.m., Meeting Room D
- Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 to 11 a.m., Board Room
- Saturday, September 18, 1 -2 pm, Magazine Area
- Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 to 8 p.m., Board Room
- Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1 to 2 p.m., Board Room
In the Children’s Room, for adults caring for babies and children (123 S. Linn Street, Iowa City)
- Wednesday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to Noon
- At the Senior Center (28 S. Linn Street, Iowa City—Room 302)
- Friday, Sept. 16, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- At the Eastside Recycling Center (2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City—Environmental Education Center)
- Wednesday, Sept. 14, 8 to 9 p.m.
With the Bookmobile
- Monday, Sept. 19, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m., Lemme Elementary
- Friday, Sept. 23, 5 to 9:00 p.m., Wetherby Park—Climate Fest
“Community feedback sessions are designed to get participants thinking about the future of their community and their library,” Carman says, “it’s an opportunity to vision together about what the coming years will look like."
If you’re unable to attend one of these sessions, a survey will be available at all service desks in the Iowa City Public Library, and online at icpl.org/strategic-plan Carman also invites the public to email him their thoughts at elsworth-carman@icpl.org or call 319-887-6003 to schedule a meeting.
For more information, contact the Library at (319) 356-5200.
The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity.
