Strategic Planning

Mission

Evanston Public Library aims to be the heart of our diverse community by promoting the development of independent, self-confident and literate citizens, and providing equitable access to cultural, intellectual, technological, and information resources.

Vision Statement

The Evanston Public Library Board of Trustees envisions a community in which the Library engages all residents in reaching their aspirations. The Library’s staff, collections, programs, technology and leadership help ensure that:

  • All Evanston residents of every background and ability have the opportunity to enjoy an intellectually and culturally rich life
  • Every child experiences the pleasure of reading, the joy of learning, enters school with the requisite developmental skills and continues to develop critical thinking skills including functional literacy
  • Our community celebrates, appreciates and supports its diversity in all of its forms
  • Those in need can find assistance and information with ease
  • Every resident experiences the pleasure of reading and the joy of lifelong learning

The Evanston Public Library endorses and embraces the American Library Association’s Equity of Access Statement:

Equity of Access

Equity of access means that all people have the information they need – regardless of age, education, ethnicity, language, income, physical limitations or geographic barriers. It means they are able to obtain information in a variety of formats – electronic, as well as print. It also means they are free to exercise their right to know without fear of censorship or reprisal.
In addition to these efforts supporting equity of access, ALA also actively prioritizes access to information.

The Evanston Public Library supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

2016-2019 Strategic Planning Goals

Service Initiatives

Access: Provide all Evanston residents equitable access to the resources, spaces and information needed to support and nurture their educational, entertainment and cultural needs.

Engagement: Engage a diverse community of patrons by providing programs, spaces and services that reach them where they naturally gather, and that are focused on helping them reach their aspirations.

Learning and Literacy: Bolster learning and literacy in all its forms to bridge the achievement gap and support learning for community members of all ages through the creation of programs, services, collections, partnerships with other organizations, and participation in community-wide initiatives.

Innovation: Stimulate and promote a culture of innovation and exploration through the Library’s programs, spaces, and collections .

Internal Initiatives

Fundraising and Human Resources: Acquire the diverse human and financial resources needed to efficiently achieve and sustain the mission and goals of the Library.

Library and Board Governance: Advance the capacity of the Library Board to successfully and transparently fulfill its statutory role, commitments and fiduciary responsibilities.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

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