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Library Mission and Plans

Library Mission

To be an essential resource and place for learning, engagement and innovation that provides for our community's changing needs.

Learn. Engage. Innovate.

Essential Libraries Initiative

The Essential Libraries Initiative is a long-range strategic plan that re-envisions the Library to address the changing needs of residents and trends in library use.

Printable Essential Libraries Initiative

Approved by the Board of County Commissioners
June 8, 2021

Annual Plan for Library Service, Fiscal Year 2025

The Annual Plan for Library Service sets yearly goals to assist the Library in meeting the long-range strategic plan.

Printable 2025 Annual Plan

Approved by the Board of County Commissioners
September 2024

Goal 1: Literacy and Lifelong Learning

To serve as a resource in developing the skills needed to be successful socially, intellectually, financially, and technologically at any age by promoting traditional and non-traditional forms of literacy.

Strategies and Actions

  1. Champion adult and youth literacy as the foundation for learning and discovery.
    1. Increase accessibility of library resources to vulnerable populations through library card outreach programs.
    2. Host literacy programs and events that support the library’s collection and resources to encourage youth and adults to access and use the library’s materials.
    3. Offer a variety of programs that contribute to lifelong learning by fostering continuous personal development.
  2. Provide technology training for all ages to contribute to a digitally literate community.
    1. Provide free basic and intermediate digital literacy programs.
    2. Promote and provide access to the library’s digital and technology resources.
  3. Support lifelong education for seniors and retirees with programs that entertain, educate, and provide connections to community resources.
    1. Develop and present programs addressing the interests and emotional, social, mental, medical, and financial well-being of seniors and their caregivers.
    2. Host events that encourage social connections through shared interests.
  4. Develop early learning resources for parents and guardians to teach their children the skills they need to succeed in school.
    1. Model early learning skills during story times using research-based practices.
    2. Promote early literacy tools and materials that help caregivers
      reinforce early literacy skills.
  5. Support K-12 students in developing core academic and learning success skills: literacy, problem solving, creativity and innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and communication.
    1. Offer one-on-one tutoring and homework help via the Homework Hub program.
    2. Host programs that focus on developing a wide variety of learning success skills, including using the Library’s online studying tools.

Goal 2: Business and Workforce Development

To support a strong local economy by acting as a resource for businesses and individuals seeking professional development.

Strategies and Actions

  1. Provide programs that develop skillsets needed to build a thriving workforce.
    1. Provide programs and activities with local partners to introduce youth of all ages to a variety of career fields and help them develop leadership skills to ready them for the workforce.
    2. Host workshops on job seeking strategies, career coaching and related topics.
  2. Offer resources for job seekers and to those transitioning to new careers.
    1. Evaluate and maintain an up-to-date collection of business and workforce materials.

Goal 3: Civic and Community Engagement

To serve as a vibrant, active hub of civic discourse and participative democracy, building relationships and bridging gaps in all segments of the community.

Strategies and Actions

  1. Provide opportunities to engage in civil discourse around topics that impact Leon County and are of interest to the community.
    1. Provide resources on relevant civic and community-based topics and issues that impact Leon County residents.
    2. Develop programs, host facilitated discussions and provide spaces that encourage community member to engage with one another.
  2. Serve as a gateway to connect people with community services and government programs.
    1. Coordinate with local human services agencies to identify program opportunities that help patrons navigate and connect with community-based and government resources.
  3. Collaborate with local colleges and universities to maximize outcomes in areas of mutual interest.
    1. Use subject matter experts from local colleges and universities to enhance program content.
  4. Act as a resource and partner to local nonprofit service providers in addressing community issues.
    1. Develop collaborative food programming with the Leon County Office of Sustainability and local partners to offer programs that promote food security and nutritional health.

Goal 4: Arts and Humanities

To support residents in their creative, intellectual, and recreational pursuits and foster cultural enrichment.

Strategies and Actions

  1. Offer a diverse physical and digital collection that supports the needs and interests of the community.
    1. Maintain the Library of Things to support the County’s sustainability efforts and offer programs and events that highlight the items.
    2. Analyze and maintain the library’s collection to ensure the materials reflect the community.
  2. Collaborate with arts, humanities, and other creative organizations to provide programming for all ages.
    1. Expand and enhance art and creative programming to help patrons of all ages discover new hobbies, fostering personal growth.
    2. Provide a range of humanities programming to enrich the community’s cultural and intellectual life, encouraging exploration of literature, history, philosophy, and the arts.
  3. Offer timely and relevant cultural events and classes that showcase all members of the community.
    1. Celebrate cultural heritage months and other annual observations by
      providing relevant resources, displays, and materials to educate patrons about a variety of cultures, histories, and traditions.
    2. Participate in community-wide cultural events through outreach efforts.
  4. Support creativity through the Library’s collection, collaborative spaces, events, and classes.
    1. Maintain and promote the library’s display spaces by partnering with local artists, archives, colleges, and community organizations.
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