INDIANAPOLIS — On behalf of The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees, Board President Jim Lingenfelter and Library CEO Jackie Nytes invite public participation in a six-month strategic planning process that will define the Library’s role in the community for the years 2015 – 2020.
A local steering committee representing those in the education, non-profit, government and private sectors, as well as Library Board and Library Foundation Board members, will direct efforts to identify how Library services are aligned to address issues that impact the quality of life in the community. It is co-chaired by Carey B. Lykins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Energy Group, and Hope Y. Hampton, Director of Community Relations at the Christian Theological Seminary.
The steering committee will oversee the work of community task forces that will seek input in nine specific areas of focus for future Library involvement: nurturing healthy and vibrant communities; creating the 3rd place; fostering civic engagement through an informed citizenry; guiding the digital journey, embracing a diverse and global community; aiding workforce readiness; supporting business development; enhancing formal education; and enriching informal education.
The first opportunity for individuals to become involved in the planning process will be a special launch event, “Yours to Create,” on July 23 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. The event will feature a keynote address by Brian Payne, President and CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, which envisions life in Indianapolis through 2020 and describes issues to be addressed in the strategic plan. There will be discussion areas that relate to the nine areas of focus and a variety of resource tables throughout Central Library. Individuals can drop in anytime during the event to get information, add their opinions and volunteer for participation.
Following the July 23 public launch, task forces will conduct studies and make recommendations to the steering committee, which will develop a final report to the boards of the Library and Library Foundation. A final five-year action plan will be presented to the community for feedback in early 2014, with initial implementation reflected in the Library’s 2015 budget and operations plan.
Individuals with interest in any of the focus topics can learn about upcoming task force meetings or offer comments via the Library’s Web site at www.indypl.org.