Strategic Plan

We would like to share some of the ways we put our Strategic Plan into action last year and what we would like to accomplish in 2016.

During an ambitious renovation of the Halperin Building we extended hours at the West Harrison Branch, continued to provide the same number of library programs in 7 different locations, launched a new digital collections archive, Harrison Remembers, and a new website, introduced new digital services like Flipster, Lynda.com, and more!

Refresh and revitalize the Library's facilities for twenty-first century service delivery.

Beginning in 2014, the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building will undergo a significant upgrade that will enhance the physical plant, provide a more attractive environment, expand technological capabilities, and provide increased access for patrons.


Accomplished

 Executed a Campaign to Introduce the New Facility

 Completed Construction and Reopened for Business


Next Up...

 Replace Roof

 Install Interior Doors

West Harrison Branch:

The West Harrison Branch is in a much-loved older building, centrally located in the neighborhood's retail heart. It provides a familiar and comfortable venue for patrons of all ages and we believe that it is important to retain this atmosphere while continuing to upgrade the facility.


Next Up...

 Undertake Comprehensive Study of Patron Needs to Identify Opportunities to Renovate the facility to better serve the community

 Identify steps to achieve improvements including additional funding and using under-utilized spaces in the Senior Center

Proactively promote a lifelong passion for reading, personal development and learning among all segments of the Harrison Community.


Accomplished

 Launched Harrison Remembers, a Digital Collections Archive

 Created 2 Collections (Parsons, Hills) to Enhance School Curricula


Next Up...

 Expand Programs for Teens and Preschoolers

 Increase Participation in the Summer Reading Game

Objectives:

  • Serve as a leading advocate for all forms of ongoing intellectual development and education for the community, especially for Harrison's youth.
  • Ensure that the Library can deliver a full range of offerings that will promote ongoing learning and personal growth.

Expand community awareness and participation. Reach out to underserved populations in the community.


Accomplished

 Redesigned Library Website

 Hired Outreach Librarian


Next Up...

 Expand Offerings for Seniors with an Emphasize on Socialization & Learning

 Expand Efforts to Reach & Serve Hispanic Population

Objectives:

  • Ensure that the Harrison community as a whole is aware of the unique services provided by the Library.
  • Identify and reach out to groups of residents who may not be familiar with the Library and who might benefit from its programs.

Become a recognized leader in the community for providing access to and training in new information and digital technologies.


Accomplished

 Opened Learning Center with Laptops and Adobe Software

 Opened Children's Discovery Center with AWE Learning Computers, iPads, a Smart Table, Robots, and More

 Expanded Digital Offerings with Lynda.com, University of Fashion, IndieFlix, and Flipster


Next Up...

 Provide Access to Technology Patrons May Not Be Able to Afford (3D Printer)

 Coordinate with Local Tech Companies to Design & Implement Innovative Computer Programs

 Target and Create Tools to Improve Communication & Access for Patrons

Objectives:

  • Provide increased technology training opportunities.
  • Assure that patrons of all ages and backgrounds are comfortable with technology.
  • Adopt new, cost-effective tools and technologies that efficiently deliver services and offerings.

Cultivate and sustain a responsive culture of service.


Accomplished

 Purchased and Installed Self-Check Machine

 Created New Feedback Mechanisms on Website & Service Desks


Next Up...

 Hire English/Spanish Library Assistant

 Offer Additional Support for Sunday Visitors

 Identify Opportunities for Specialized Employees or Consultants

Objectives:

  • Reduce cost of service delivery through improved staffing practices.
  • Provide an environment where staff feels motivated to deliver the highest standards of service to all patrons.

Ensure stable, dependable and diversified funding.


Accomplished

 Established Kiyoko Brown Endowment Fund


Next Up...

 Reconfigure the Friends Organization into Sub-Groups

 Plan a Large Annual Event Attracting High-Income Parents

 Contract with a Professional Development Director

 Better Coordinate Friends with HPLF to Explore Development Activities

Objectives:

  • Create/expand revenue-generating programs and services that the Library is specially positioned to offer.
  • Establish and maintain a more extensive fundraising capability targeting new public and private sources of funding.