Strategic Plan

In 2023, Palatine Library District conducted a planning process to develop a three-year Strategic Plan. The process was guided by the Library management and Board of Trustees. A comprehensive community needs assessment was conducted, followed by a strategic planning workshop to develop the framework for the plan.

In order to develop a shared understanding of the Library’s current operating environment, data was collected by four methods: a survey of Library district residents, individual interviews with key stakeholders, five focus groups to gain more feedback from members, and a survey to Library staff for their input.

Since the last strategic plan, we have made great strides in improving service to our community. We renovated the public areas of all three facilities, joined the CCS library consortium to increase access to materials, increased hours at our Branches, added new collections and engaging programs, and increased our community partnerships. And we have done so while maintaining our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

It is with this same commitment and spirit that we present the Library’s Strategic Plan for 2024–2026. In the years to come, our mission will remain unchanged: welcoming everyone to access diverse materials, collaborative spaces, technology, programs, and services. The Strategic Plan will allow us to respond to the current and future needs of our residents by addressing four key goals.

This document is intended to be an evolving roadmap for Palatine Library District’s future. It will be powered by the efforts of our dedicated staff, the passions of its residents, and support from the Library Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Palatine Library, and the Palatine Public Library Foundation.

Download the plan. 

1. Maintain high levels of service by investing in staff: providing sufficient tools and training, optimal staffing levels, advancement opportunities, and fair compensation, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
2. Increase visibility and remove barriers to participation for all members of our diverse community through meaningful engagement, increased partnerships, and targeted communications.
3. Adapt programs and collections to deliver relevant content that serves changing community needs by restructuring systems, dedicating resources to these activities, and engaging in ongoing dialogue between members and staff.
4. Begin to understand how the library will serve the Palatine community of the future by developing a long-term plan for existing and potential new spaces.