Offering more adult community ed classes, technology training for senior citizens and increased bookmobile services are among the library’s goals for the next five years.

The library’s new five-year strategic plan was created with the goals of inspiring learning, improving quality of life and enhancing the library’s services.

Executive Director Carol Wohlford said after completing the 2023 community survey, she and the board developed the strategic plan based on community needs. The plan was built to better serve Eudora and to create more of an impact in what the library does.

“That’s how we came about the goals, and we really wanted it to be simple,” Wohlford said.

Library Board President Kenny Massey said it’s been over five years since they’ve updated the library’s strategic plan and it was necessary to redo the plan to fit the library’s new goals.

“It’s important, at least in my perspective, to make your strategic plan fit into your mission and value statements,” Massey said.

Here are some of the initiatives included in the plan:

– Implement national “ready to read” programs

The programs will encourage children to read and teach them art, music and dance. Although the library has a few programs, like the “1,000 books before kindergarten” challenge, Wohlford thinks implementing more programs would benefit the community. She said the library’s largest barrier in adding more programs is the lack of space in the current library.

– Adult programming

Wohlford said she hopes to continue hosting events for adults, like pasta making and flower arranging classes, as well as providing technology classes for seniors. She hopes these programs and classes create a space where adults can regularly gather with the community.

– Connect more people to Eudora’s local history

Wohlford said the library is looking to partner with the Eudora Area Historical Society to encourage the community to learn more about Eudora’s history. She hopes to add more resources about Eudora, Lawrence and Kansas City history to the library. Along with written history, Wohlford wants to develop an oral history collection. Massey said this oral history collection is important because it will preserve a good amount of Eudora’s local history.

– Increase the library’s accessibility

Wohlford wants the library to provide equitable services to all Eudora residents. She said the proposed new library will be ADA compliant and the library will continue to gain community input about how they can increase its accessibility. She said the library will talk with residents using the library’s home delivery service to ask how they can improve. Along with these changes, Wohlford said the library may consider changing the library’s hours to accommodate community needs.

– Develop mobile and pop-up library services

Wohlford said they are considering increasing the amount of service through the library’s bookmobile service. The library has two volunteers who bring books to residents’ homes and the nursing home, but Wohlford said two people can’t meet all of those needs. She also hopes to increase the use of the library’s Book Bike to provide more pop-up and delivery services to parks, schools and businesses.

– Add computer reservation system

Wohlford said the proposed new library will have a computer desk with laptops available for the community to use. The library expects this to be a popular feature and wants to ensure computer users can reserve a computer time either through the website or by calling the library. Massey said a reservation system allows the library to regulate how many people are using the computers and will make it fair for those who need computer access at a specific time.

– Upgrade website and add online catalog

Wohlford said once they receive the increased selection of books at the proposed new library, the library will have an online catalog of the collection to allow residents to check out and place holds on books virtually. She also hopes to place links and information on the website about resources for residents in need. This could be food pantry hours, mental health services and other essential resources.

– Add a position to help provide more creative programs

Wohlford wants to add a position to help encourage young people to get involved in their dream career as soon as possible. She said they may add a 3D printer into the library for those interested, as well as inviting authors to speak about their books and experiences. She said she hopes the library will encourage residents to be creative.

Massey said this strategic plan is a working document.

“Even though it’s a five-year plan, I would venture to say within the next two years, you’re gonna have to redo it,” Massey said. “It’s a living document.”

Wohlford said this plan is just the foundation of what the library wants to be. She said the most important part is ensuring that the library is taking community feedback into consideration.

“We want to offer what Eudora wants out of the library,” Wohlford said.

Wohlford and Massey both agreed they hope to have a new library five years from now. Massey said whether he’s on the board or not, the library’s goal should be to keep growing.

“The foundation has to be built that this library and what it represents is continually moving forward,” Massey said.

Reach reporter Ryn Drummond at [email protected].

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