July 2024 

By Gaylee Harris, Montgomery City Public Library Director

The Montgomery City Public Library is an amazing library for such a small town.  In addition to having books, the library has space to play with your children, read a book while drinking coffee, tables to study at, and two meeting rooms.  We have magazines, DVDs, games, book discussion kits, STEAM kits, Memories Matter kits, a Library of Things, and a Creation Station Maker Space.  Some might think that the librarians randomly decide what the library should be, but that is not so.  Many people study survey data, speak to community groups, research other libraries, and collaborate to plan the future of the Montgomery City Public Library.

From January through June 2024, a steering committee diligently created a new strategic plan for the library.  The committee consisted of Montgomery County residents, the MCPL Board of Trustees, and MCPL staff.  This document lays out the library’s mission, values, vision, goals, and activities for the next three years.  

Montgomery City Public Library’s mission is to create an environment for lifelong learning and personal growth to meet the needs of our diverse community.  

Our values include Community, Future-Focused, Integrity, Intellectual Freedom, and Collaboration.  We respond to community needs and support the free exchange of diverse ideas to strengthen our community and stimulate personal growth.  We respond appropriately to emerging practices and technology in library and information sciences and anticipate change in our community and environment.  We are committed to transparency, accountability, and treating our patrons, staff, and diverse community members with respect and courtesy.  We uphold the right to privacy, confidentiality, and the right to seek, access, and express diverse points of view.  

Montgomery City Public Library’s vision is to: connect with the needs of a growing and diverse community; develop strong community ties through a variety of literacies, programming, and activities; offer instruction and increase access to evolving technology; provide valuable patron service by motivated, knowledgeable, and friendly staff; and, exhibit fiscal responsibility and community awareness.  

Goals for the Montgomery City Public Library include expanding the community’s knowledge of the library through advocacy, increasing volunteer participation, offering programs that support various types of literacy (reading, food, technology, social, financial, health, etc.), and creating programming for all ages to attract new users to the library and provide the public with opportunities for lifelong learning.  Other goals include continuing to add to the library’s technology resources, maintaining a transparent budget, and seeking additional funding sources.  There are several specific activities for each goal.  The two largest activities include creating a plan and budget for a designated space for the Creation Station Maker Space and a renovated kitchen space which would include a demonstration setup and increased cooking capabilities. 

The library staff and Board of Trustees will review the strategic plan annually to check its progress.  Notes and adjustments will be made as necessary.  In 2027, a new team will be created to review, revise, and update the strategic plan.  You are invited to MCPL to look at a hard copy of the Montgomery City Public Library Strategic Plan for July 2024-June 2027.

The Montgomery City Public Library wishes to thank the following people for being instrumental members of the 2024 Strategic Planning Steering Committee:  Nancy Cope, Bill Dreyer, Trisha Happe, Brooke Herod, Dhara Jethwa, Sara Johnson, Joan Treis, Clinetta Weinrich, Pat Garrett, Jim Guffie, Molly Taylor, and Katie Bainbridge.