Strategic Plan 2026-2029 Overview
Introduction
Over the course of 2025, the Hastings Public Library engaged with key stakeholders to learn what the community needs from us. That feedback led to an updated Vision statement, a new Purpose statement, and a new 4-year Strategic Plan. Our new Strategic Commitments will guide us as we maintain our role as a vital hub of learning, enrichment, and connections for the community at large.
The library staff and the Board of Trustees sincerely thank the entire community for participating in surveys & focus groups and giving us honest feedback. That helped us create a plan to meet the needs of the community.
Download the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan without the Appendices
Download the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan Appendices
The full downloadable plan above has more details, but below is a brief summary.
Purpose and Vision
These two statements define who we are as a library:
The library is dedicated to providing access to the information and resources essential for exploring the world, envisioning new possibilities, encouraging imagination, and embracing lifelong learning while fostering connections among individuals.
The library strives to be a vital hub of trust and knowledge at the heart of our community, where everyone is embraced and empowered to come together for personal growth and collective enrichment.
Strategic Commitments
These Strategic Commitments will guide us moving forward:
| Commitment | Description & Key Focuses |
|---|---|
| Resources |
Enrich the resources available to the community
|
| Partnerships |
Enhance existing partnerships and establish new connections
|
| Innovation |
Explore innovative approaches to educate, entertain, and inform the varied communities we serve
|
| Operations |
Expand organizational capacity to support future growth and lasting community impact
|
Action Plan Updates
Over the life of the plan, the library will provide updates on specific action plan items to the Board at the beginning of each quarter at the normally scheduled Board Meetings.
Updates will also be posted below for public review.
Questions can be directed to the Library Director.
Q1 2026 Action Plan Update
Resources: Enrich the resources available to the community
Completed
Physical Collection:
- Increased the Book Budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by 20%.
- Increased the DVD Budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by $250.
- Increased the Library of Things Budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by $1,000. Added a High School non-fiction subscription to expand the teen assortment during 2026.
- Explored Adding Video Games: Research identified a high cost for entry into this category, high rates of loss, and high costs to maintain and expand the category as new platforms are introduced. HPL will not add video games to the collection at this time.
Digital Collection:
- HPL subscribed to Comics Plus, adding digital access to thousands of graphic novels and comic books for all ages.
- HPL became an affiliate of Family Search, providing patrons access to tens of thousands of genealogy records not available to the general public.
Building:
- Automatic door openers installed on all three downstairs bathrooms, increasing accessibility.
- A filtered water bottle filler and new drinking fountains were installed downstairs.
In Progress
Building:
- Receipt of a grant from the American Library Association has enabled us to pursue adding handicapped accessible parking in front of the library on State St. Initial design work has been started
Innovation: Explore innovative approaches to educate, entertain, and inform the varied communities we serve
Completed
Programming/Makerspace:
- Added four 3D printing digital literacy classes in the first half of 2026 with more planned.
- Added new embroidery/cross stitch programs in February and March that filled up, along with a new bi-weekly Sit & Stitch crafting group on Thursdays.
Technology:
- Added a new website accessibility tool called ReciteMe for patron use.
Operations: Expand organizational capacity to support future growth and lasting community impact
Financial Sustainability:
- Successfully applied for three grants totaling $23,180 to support special projects and new tools.
Staff Support:
- Registered HPL with the Pennock Wellness Center as a Corporate Partner (no cost), enabling discounted access for staff to the wellness center’s pool and fitness center.
- Added an Employee Assistance Program through Pine Rest for all staff, enabling access to counseling services and other life-enriching resources.
Board Support:
- Established a Board training program to support the trustees in their role.