Strategic Plan
2025 to 2030
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Introduction
The Cochrane Public Library is thrilled to present our new Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
This plan will guide us over the next five years, and each new initiative we undertake will support our strategic goals.
We envision a library that embraces technological advancements while honouring its roots as welcoming space where individuals of all ages come together.
We are dedicated to enhancing our services and programs to be more inclusive, innovative, and engaging, making our library a vibrant and dynamic hub for everyone.
This plan isn’t solely the work of the Library Board and staff; it was crafted with valuable input from the community, insights from census and demographic data, and the library’s own data collection.
We also had enormous support from Allison Pilon at Ontario Library Services.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to reimagine our library—a cornerstone for community growth and enrichment.
Background information
Our board aims to use our resources wisely, meet the needs of our community, and adapt to change. That’s why we created this strategic plan—to help guide us over the next five years and ensure the library continues to be a welcoming and essential space for everyone.
We knew we wanted this plan to focus on the library as a community hub—a place that brings people together and connects all of Cochrane.
Our planning committee looked at past strategic plans, keeping what worked well and letting go of what didn’t. As part of this process, we took time to revisit the library’s purpose and the people we serve.
We did a SWOT and PEST analysis—looking at our strengths, challenges, opportunities, and the bigger trends affecting libraries today. These insights helped us focus on what matters most for the future.
We also dug into library data from the 2023 Annual Survey of Public Libraries, along with 2021 Census data, to better understand how people are using the library and what demographics we might be missing.
Then, in the fall of 2024, we reached out to the community directly. Our survey received responses from people of all ages, and we met people at local events to try to gather their thoughts.
What did we learn? Cochrane residents who use the library love their library! They appreciate the diverse collection, engaging programs, and personalized services. Many highlighted the welcoming staff and the library’s cozy atmosphere.
At the same time, some people mentioned that it can be tricky to visit due to library hours and work schedules. We also learned there are some groups of people that the library simply isn’t reaching.
The priorities identified in this plan are all based on the research outlined above.
Mission, vision, and values
OUR MISSION
Cochrane Public Library inspires our community to connect, explore, grow, and play.
As we developed our new mission statement, we focused on capturing why the library exists, who it serves, and the impact it strives to make.
Through thoughtful discussion, we identified four powerful words that define our work: connection, exploration, growth, and play.
OUR VISION
To enrich every community member's life through collaboration and innovation.
As we developed our new mission statement, we focused on capturing why the library exists, who it serves, and the impact it strives to make.
We also looked ahead to the library’s future and honed in on what we want the library to become.
Our vision statement is ambitious by design, painting a picture of the library at its fullest potential.
By focusing on our strategic priorities, making thoughtful decision, and staying true to our mission and values, we will continue moving closer to this vision.
OUR CORE VALUES
We identified what matters most to us as a library and as a team.
These values are the foundation of our service, shaping how we interact with patrons, develop programs, and build a welcoming space for all.
We work with integrity, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
We embrace creativity, explore new ideas, and are responsive to the needs to the needs of the community.
We strive to ensure that everyone can access and enjoy our programs and services.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our community feels valued, supported and inspired through our interactions.
We are a valued community partner, sharing knowledge and broadening opportunities.
Strategic Priorities
PRIORITY 1
Goal: Increase library visibility
Create a communications plan
Develop a plan that establishes strategies for advertising, social media, posters, website, and community outreach.
Implement and expand new library branding
Along with a new original logo, ensure the library has an engaging, inviting, and consistent voice and materials.
Develop programs to reach new users
Using data collected for this plan, identify groups that are currently underserved by the library and create new initiatives targeting those groups.
Goal: Strengthen community partnerships
Strengthen engagement and increase activity with existing partners
Check in regularly with partners for increased collaborative opportunities.
Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities
Create a database of local and regional organizations that could align with the goals and objectives outlined in this plan and secure new partnerships.
Establish new formal partnership agreements
Secure at least three new formal community partnerships over the length of the strategic plan.
Goal: Expand library services
Establish a self-serve station in the community
Pilot a self-serve station with in-house use at the Tim Horton Event Centre or other high-traffic community centre.
Expand our lending library of non-traditional items
Acquire more non-traditional items for loan, with a focus on materials that encourage innovation, connection, and exploration.
Develop mobile library programs and services
Offer traveling programing and services.
PRIORITY 2
Goal: Expand flex and multi-purpose spaces
Assess space and build a plan to optimize
Improve sightlines and flow upstairs and ensure space on both floors is used harmoniously in support of the library’s mission.
Pursue feasibility plan for building expansion
Set the groundwork for expanding the library building, if possible.
Inventory and optimize library furniture and assets
Streamline library operations to create a more welcoming environment.
Goal: Create more work and study space for users
Establish reservable workspaces
Establish private or semi-private areas for patrons to attend meetings or appointments.
Ensure library can meet patrons’ tech needs
Upgrade library Wi-Fi and investigate introducing lendable hot spots.
Expand available public seating areas
Ensure new seating areas include up-to-date adaptors and power sources.
Goal: Introduce more accessible and inclusive
Audit facilities for AODA compliance and prioritize
Identify barriers that may limit access and update facility to create a more inclusive and user-friendly space for everyone.
Ensure online content is accessible
Optimize social media and website experiences for those this visual, auditory, and cognitive challenges.
Ensure space and services are functional for neurodiverse needs
Empower staff to adapt spaces, services, and programs to accommodate a wider range of patrons.
PRIORITY 3
Goal: Build relationships
Establish consistent communication with council
Schedule bi-annual presentations to council and follow council initiatives to understand impact on the library and opportunities for library participation.
Establish consistent communication with municipal staff
Schedule quarterly check-ins with CAO and other department representatives, as needed.
Improve organizational transparency
Complete a policy review and make the most relevant to patrons available online. Publish regular updates to the website on board meetings and library developments.
Goal: Explore grant opportunities
Create a comprehensive list of funding needs
Use this plan as a starting point to prioritize the library’s big-ticket needs.
Establish consistent communication with economic development
Communicate regularly with the municipal economic development officer about the library’s goals to facilitate resource sharing.
Partner with outside organizations and agencies
Establish communications with nearby libraries and local and regional partners to explore grants that align with collaborative goals.
Goal: Achieve charitable status
Align our policies and procedures to meet charitable requirements
Begin reporting financial and community impacts in annual reports.
Promote charitable status
Target potential individual and corporate donors and highlight benefits of donating. Begin to offer receipts for donations.
Establish a legacy giving program
Encourage long-term contributions from community members.
PRIORITY 4
Goal: Highlight local history
Support the Greater Cochrane Historical Society
Provide resources to facilitate the development of in-house and traveling local history exhibits.
Index newspapers
Create index of headlines and brief content description of archived newspapers.
Expand the archives page of website
Showcase local history stories and exhibits.
Goal: Celebrate diverse cultures
Create programs that promote cultural exchange and understanding
Invite people in the community to share aspects of their own background through programs like basic greetings or potlucks.
Represent culture and languages in our space and services
Include a variety of languages and cultures of people in our community in our signage and décor.
Establish regular cultural sensitivity training for staff and volunteers
Focus on inclusive communication skills and practical application tools.
Goal: Foster artistic expression
Establish a small scale art show
Pilot a showcase for local creators and make a space on the website to feature their work digitally.
Partner with local artists to offer workshops
Develop a more in-depth art program for adults and youth while showcasing talented local residents.
Highlight the gallery
Promote and expand the visibility of the library’s gallery.
Visual identity
OUR NEW LOGO
As we worked on our new strategic plan, it became clear that this was the perfect time to update our visual identity as well. We wanted a logo that feels welcoming, dynamic, and meaningful—one that represents the library as a place for everyone to connect, explore, grow, and play.
We’re so excited to introduce this fresh, modern design—one that truly reflects who we are today and where we’re headed.
It features four distinct, leaf-like shapes, each symbolizing a core part of the library’s mission: connect, explore, grow, and play. The vibrant colors are drawn from the striking mural painted in the library by Kat Roy earlier in the strategic planning process, further tying our past and future together.
You’ll also notice a series of stacked lines—a subtle nod to books, honoring the library’s foundational role in literacy while also symbolizing the layers of discovery waiting within its walls.
With its blend of organic and structured elements, this logo reflects our balance between tradition and innovation. It represents a library that is rooted in knowledge, yet always growing and evolving—a welcoming space where imagination, learning, and community come together.
OUR MURAL
As we developed our new strategic plan, we also had the opportunity to collaborate with local artist Katherine Roy on a stunning mural, Connections, which now brightens the library space.
This mural celebrates the many ways the library fosters connections—to knowledge, community, nature, technology, and personal growth.
Its imagery of deep roots, blooming ideas, and hidden treasures perfectly reflects what the library offers: a place where curiosity thrives and people come together to learn, explore, and create.
This vision also became the foundation for our new logo.
Just as the mycelium network in the mural connects all elements of the scene, the library continues to connect people, ideas, and opportunities in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
With this strategic plan, Cochrane Public Library is charting an exciting path forward—one that strengthens our role as a welcoming, innovative, and essential part of the community.
This plan is not just a vision for the future; it is a commitment to action.
To bring our goals to life, we will follow a structured approach:
1) Allocating resources wisely to support our priorities.
2) Developing a strong communication and marketing strategy to keep our community informed and engaged.
3) Establishing clear timelines to guide our progress.
4) Creating operational action plans to ensure every initiative is achievable and impactful.
But a strategic plan is never static—it evolves alongside the library and the community it serves. That’s why we are committed to ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation.
The library’s board, CEO, and staff will track progress, celebrate successes, and address challenges as they arise. Regular updates will allow us to assess our impact and keep stakeholders informed, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Most importantly, this plan is about people—our patrons, staff, and community partners.
It is shaped by the voices of those who love and rely on the library, and it will continue to grow with their input.
Together, we will build a library that not only meets today’s needs but also embraces the opportunities of tomorrow.
We look forward to the journey ahead and invite the entire community to join us in making this vision a reality.
