Mission and Strategic Plan

Residents indicated overwhelmingly in the 2023 City Survey that Books and Electronic Collections are the most important services that the Library provides to the Lake Forest community. Balanced, diverse, and current library collections are vital to establishing a foundation for early literacy and an ongoing support for lifelong learning. Collections are key to providing open and free access to information and the welcoming atmosphere our patrons can expect to encounter. Our outstanding staff will draw on their talents and professional expertise to encourage reading for pleasure and enrichment for all residents.
Action Plan

1. Provide the best and most relevant collections of librarymaterials in multiple formats for all residents.
2. Analyze library usage data and monitor reading trends to purchase books, eBooks, and other materials in appropriate quantities to deliver popular titles speedily to residents.
3. Review Library spaces and shelving to improve access to and display of library collections. As needed, right-size collections based on meaningful metrics, relocate popular collections to more accessible locations, and find new and creative ways to display and merchandize collections.
4. Expand access to library collections in the state of Illinois and provide an upgraded kiosk with a greater variety of materials at the West Train Station.
5. Strengthen outreach efforts and partnerships with community organizations, expand or refresh ongoing community-wide reading programs, and raise awareness about home delivery services for elderly or other individuals in need.
6. Digitize local historical resources not available elsewhere.

The Lake Forest Library building is a source of great joy and pride to community residents. In August 2023, we completed the repair and restoration of its dome and interior Rotunda. And in March 2024, we completed the repair, restoration, and cleaning of the Nicolai Remisoff murals that grace the Rotunda, a project funded by a grant from the Friends of Lake Forest Library. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum as we engage with stakeholders to identify additional opportunities to preserve and enhance the building.

Action Plan

1. Collaborate with experts and community stakeholders to develop a Master Plan for the Library to reimagine and repurpose its existing spaces for optimal use in a phased manner, while preserving and enhancing its historical integrity and significance.
2. Improve building operations with reliable, energy-efficient infrastructure and systems that improve use of staff time and enable them to deliver exceptional library services, collections, resources, and programs to all community residents.
3. Enhance Library access by addressing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, upgrading the elevator, repairing and restoring the exterior landscaping and courtyards, and also finding creative and cost-effective solutions to parking challenges.
4. Investigate ways to increase flexibility of existing spaces with updated furnishings and movable shelving.
5. Enhance the external appearance and landscaping for a more welcoming approach to the building.
6. Partner with The Lake Forest Library Foundation and the Friends of Lake Forest Library to grow philanthropic support and an endowment for the Library to fund future capital improvements.

The Lake Forest Library staff is among its most prized assets. We continually receive compliments from residents on the outstanding service they receive from our dedicated and innovative staff. We will empower our employees to deliver the best physical and virtual Library experience for all our patrons through exceptional personalized customer service. Staff will continually monitor trends in the library and retail landscape and evaluate and cautiously adopt industry and technological innovations to deliver top-notch customer service to patrons.

Action Plan

1. Develop a staffing structure to effectively match program and service needs. Ensure that staff salaries and benefits are competitive in order to attract and retain excellent employees.
2. Provide meaningful staff learning and development opportunities through formal coursework or attendance at local and national conferences.
3. Reduce departmental boundaries and empower staff with broad knowledge and skills to work across functional areas.
4. Create a work environment where staff are reflective, use data-driven approaches to report on results, and remain accountable to the community and ourselves.
5. Foster employee engagement through authentic conversations and recognition. Increase job satisfaction among staff, ultimately resulting in better service to the community.
6. Encourage staff to innovate and conduct pilot projects to test new ideas without fear of failure.
7. Formalize and implement a succession plan for key roles in the organization.

Lake Forest Library hosts hundreds of programs and other enrichment opportunities for community residents throughout all ages and phases of their life. These include book discussions, author visits, story times, take-home kits and other self-directed activities. We will reflect on what we have provided in the past and look for ways to enhance it going forward. We will provide enlightening and entertaining learning experiences for residents of all ages and abilities that open doors to a world of learning and discovery.

Action Plan

1. Provide diverse and high-quality Library programming for all residents - from support for new parents, to recent graduates, to re-engaging young adults in the Library, to services for retirees and those Aging in Place.
2. Continue to tap into existing community interests on literary, environmental, and historical topics as well as other subjects desired by residents in the Community Survey. Leverage and complement the offerings of our community partners.
3. Consider ways to provide meaningful and accessible programming for individuals with different needs and abilities (neurodiversity, dementia, etc.).
4. Pilot additional family programs in the evenings and on weekends to meet needs of working parents.
5. Provide expanded and reimagined Media Lab learning opportunities.
6. Explore ways to encourage residents to try and experiment with new interests and ideas.

We are excited to adopt a new communications philosophy during the upcoming three years. Based on the StoryBrand approach by Donald Miller, we will reframe communications with the Lake Forest resident as the hero and the Library as the guide in their life story and along their journey to success.

Action Plan

1. Coordinate across Library departments to develop larger, overarching marketing campaigns and themes. Identify and implement other effective ways to connect people with the Library.
2. Use community engagement tools to identify and engage with new residents and unserved/underserved areas of the community.
3. Identify and reduce any barriers to library card access and Library use. Launch a Get a Library Card campaign.
4. Redesign and reorganize the Library website to improve clarity and ease of use.
5. Strengthen partnerships with community organizations by learning about their goals and determining how the Library can be part of their story. Identify and connect with other potential Library ambassadors and advocates.
6. Effectively communicate an inspiring vision and the Library’s story of impact.
7. Find innovative ways to help residents become aware of and effectively use library resources to find newer/better opportunities for themselves.