From late 2023 through 2024, Queens Public Library engaged in a strategic plan refresh process. At its core was an enduring commitment to respond to the evolving needs of our diverse communities and a recognition that the challenges and opportunities of our times require us to be as clear eyed and intentional as possible about our priorities as we look to the future.
The Library reexamined the mission, vision, values, and goals established in our 2018 strategic plan and found that they remain profoundly relevant. Still, our rapidly changing world, driven by the crises and shifts of the past several years and those on the horizon, has demanded that we continually improve and adapt, with new approaches and objectives. In this era of intense polarization, upheaval, and uncertainty, the role of the Library is exceedingly important – to connect people to learning, growth, and one another, to be a trusted source of information and help, to advance equity and inclusion, to provide steadfast support to marginalized communities, and to build resilience.
Through a comprehensive planning process informed by Library staff, board members, customers, community partners, funders, and other stakeholders, as well as by extensive data collection and analysis, we have identified eight strategic priority areas for the next five years.
- Improve and expand programs and services for immigrants
- Evolve and expand programs and services for teens
- Enhance and expand programs and services for older adults
- Promote climate literacy
- Rethink and redesign our spaces
- Improve systems and streamline processes
- Strengthen talent management and development
- Increase data utilization across the organization
Building on our core services and the strengths of our exceptional staff, these strategic priorities will expand and deepen our impact on our communities and strengthen our organizational capacity. They will guide our time, our talent, our financial resources, and our fundraising to ensure the Library continues to be a vibrant cornerstone of opportunity and is well positioned to serve the public for years to come.