Strategic Plan
Reading Public Library
Strategic Plan 2026 – 2030
As we look to the future of the Reading Public Library, one question remains clear: How will the library continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our dynamic community? By asking this question, when developing our latest strategic plan, our library reimagined our mission statement as well as a debut vision statement to showcase the relevancy and importance of our library in modern times.
Mission Statement:
“The Reading Public Library is a welcoming space that empowers the community by providing free and open access to information and trusted navigation, promoting literacy and lifelong learning, and nurturing curiosity and community connections.”
Vision Statement:
“The Reading Public Library will be an accommodating, accessible, and vibrant center of knowledge, exploration, creativity, and connection—the heart of the City—where all Reading residents and visitors regularly access culturally responsive resources and personalized services to achieve their goals, realize their potential, and inspire their community.”
Through our research, including careful analysis of community surveys and program & service statistics, we identified the following objectives to prioritize between 2026-2030:
• Grow and Support Organizational Capacity
• Grow and Support Organizational Capacity
• Increase Community Awareness and Engagement
• Broaden Adult Programs and Services
• Ensure Financial Sustainability of the Library
Broaden Adult Programs and Services
A. Broaden educational, informational, creative, and cultural adult programs and services, including partnership based programming such as citizenship and/or GED classes .
B. Establish a Concierge Service in partnership with the City of Reading.
C. Expand the Digital Literacy program (pending secured funding).
Grow and Support Organizational Capacity
A. Foster a strong culture of employee support (enhance benefits and review staffing capacity).
B. Align the board structure with the strategic direction of the library.
Increase Community Awareness and Engagement
A. Establish and implement an advocacy campaign focused on changing the community’s perception of the library.
B. Redesign community engagement strategy and position to educate the community about the library and available programs and services.
Ensure Facilities Are Accessible and Foster a Welcoming Environment
A. Enhance accessibility features such as signage, bilingual materials, and parking improvements.
B. Evaluate and optimize operational hours via community surveys.
Ensure Financial Sustainability of the Library
A. Strengthen fundraising and diversify funding streams.
B. Evaluate staff capacity around grants management.
