Deep Dive: Strategic Plan of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library
Listen to the “Deep Dive” on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Outlined and explained is the Levi Heywood Memorial Library Strategic Plan for FY2026-FY2030, which was approved by the Board of Trustees in September 2024. This plan details the library’s mission, vision, and core values, established after an extensive process involving community members, city officials, and library staff to identify needs and priorities. The strategic goals are organized into four main areas: Access to Resources, Community Connections, Programming, and Staff Development, all focused on improving library services and community engagement in Gardner, Massachusetts. Supporting data includes a survey summary indicating patron satisfaction, common reasons for dissatisfaction (e.g., inconvenient hours, limited programming, customer service issues), and preferences for expanded library hours. The methodology section explains that the plan was developed through focus groups, interviews with key leaders, and a community-wide survey, ensuring the final priorities reflect the needs of the city’s residents.