Long-Range Plan of Service
BERKSHIRE FREE LIBRARY
LONG-RANGE PLAN OF SERVICE: 2019-2024
Vision Statement
To serve as a focal point of community life and individual enrichment for Berkshire & Richford.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Berkshire Free Library Association is to provide a variety of materials and programs for all ages in the community; to be an access point for print and on-line information from other sources; to encourage children and young adults to develop an interest in reading and learning; and to serve as a community historical resource and meeting area.
Roles of the Library
Current materials collection: The library features current, popular interest materials in various forms such as books, magazines, local newspapers, DVDs, and large print books. Through the Finger Lakes Library System, cardholders can borrow books and other materials from 35 area libraries in 5 counties; watch e-books for children, and download e-books, audiobooks, videos, and music.
Public computer workstations: This popular service provides on-line access to a world of information and social connections. On-line college courses, tax forms, e-mailing, and employment information & on-line application are a few of the many ways public computers are utilized.
Children’s door to learning: The library encourages children & young adults to develop an interest in reading and learning through materials and special programs. Collaborations with local schools and homeschool families encourage library participation for young members of the Berkshire & Richford communities.
Historical and community resource: The library houses the Berkshire History Museum and provides meeting space and shared resources for groups and individuals.
Long-Range Goals of Service
- Plan for physical facilities maintenance and upgrades.
- Evaluate financial plan and seek new public and private funding sources.
- Promote and expand library services and programs to the community.
- Evaluate and promote efficiency with Board of Trustee and special committee roles.
Long-Range Goals and Objectives
1. Plan for physical facilities maintenance and upgrades.
* Provide a safe, well maintained building with adequate space, electrical, and access needs.
* Secure funding for and completion of painting the exterior of the library building.
* Maintain historical integrity of the building.
- Evaluate financial plan and seek new public and private funding sources.
* Increase sustainable operating funds.
* Secure funding to provide appropriate salary for employees.
* Make full use of volunteers where appropriate and evaluate “Friends of the Library” opportunites.
* Continue to offer and improve fundraising events like books sales, pie and ice cream social, and annual fund drive.
* Work to maintain or increase public support, municipal funding, and alternative sources of community support.
* Continue to secure technological resources to keep up with this rapidly changing resource.
- Promote and expand library services and programs to the community.
* Maintain and update collection.
* Increase membership and materials circulation through marketing of services.
* Evaluate children’s and young adult programming to identify ways for increased participation.
* Collaborate with school and parent groups to promote the library and its services.
* Promote library & FLLS specialized services.
* Use FLLS and Town web pages to highlight library events and services.
* Encourage display in the library from area schools and other community organizations.
- Evaluate and promote efficiency with Board of Trustee and special committee roles.
* Annually review bylaws, FLLS services and policies, State plans and services, and Federal
programs for updates and changes.
* Evaluate special committee roles and annual goals.
* Annually review and update library policies and job descriptions.
Passed: October 13, 2019