ALWAYS FORWARD
STRATEGIC GOALS 2021-2025
Vision
Lemont Public Library District Vision Statement
The Lemont Public Library District will continue to evolve into a thriving community hub facilitating
enlightenment, entertainment, and access to information – always embracing and anticipating the needs of
our community with a drive towards future growth.
Community Commitment
Lemont Public Library District Community Statement
The Lemont Public Library District will assure that all members of the Lemont community have equal access to
Library services and programs.
Diversity Commitment
Lemont Public Library District Diversity Statement
The Lemont Public Library District values diversity and is dedicated to celebrating an organizational culture
that respects, understands, honors and welcomes all members of the staff and community.
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STRUCTURE
The Library Board of Trustees is comprised of seven elected members serving in the important role of stewardship and
governance to the Lemont Public Library District. Their key functions include advocacy, policy creation, fiscal diligence
and comprehensive attention to the library facility. Library Board members serve 4-year terms, with no compensation
and donate their time to serve the library community.
The Library Board of Trustees hires and works collaboratively with the Library Director to serve the needs of the Lemont
community. The Library Director serves in a main leadership role. Duties include the preparation and implementation of
the library budget, the development of employment and service policies, strategic planning, public, community and
governmental relations and facility oversight. The Library Director reports to and advises the Library Board.
It is the responsibility of the Library Director to ensure compliance with laws, create ordinances and resolutions, solicit
grant funding and create funding initiatives. The Library Director oversees and approves hiring and is responsible for
directing staff through empowerment and development.
A highly skilled and invested staff is the cornerstone of the library’s operational success. Staff members report to their
Department Manager, and/or Administration as required. They work collaboratively, as a team, to serve the Lemont
community.
LEADERSHIP
The Library Board of Trustees
Vytenis Kirvelaitis, President
Patricia Camalliere, Vice President
Michaeline Skibinski, Treasurer
Catherine D. Sanders, Secretary
Thomas Burton Jr., Trustee
Thomas Culcasi, Trustee
Renee Pravdik, Trustee
Library Management
Heather E. Shlah, Library Director
Rachel Snyder, Assistant Director
Justin Williams, Adult Services Manager
Beth Kerns, Youth Services Manager
Vanessa Liptack, Technical Services Manager
Christopher Schoenherr, IT Resources Manager
Kathleen Baker, Patron Services Manager
LIBRARY HISTORY
In the fall of 1942 Daniel O’Sullivan, superintendent of Lemont’s School District 113, called a meeting to discuss the
establishment of a public library. On April 20, 1943, a referendum was successfully passed. Shelves were built by a local
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carpenter, tax money was used to buy books, and the first library was opened in a 900 square foot room in the rear of
the Village Hall.
In 1976, a tornado devastated the Lemont High School library, and the school library was moved into the 9000 square
foot school gym. With more space than was needed for the high school library, an offer was made to share space with
the public library. Volunteers moved 16,000 public library books to the new location over Christmas break. The library
remained at the high school for sixteen years.
In November 1981, a referendum expanded the library from a village to a district library. By matching the boundaries of
Lemont Township, township students had access to the public library. In 1984 the library expanded again, adding a
2000-square-foot balcony and creating a children’s section. In 1987 the district expanded again by adding homes in
DuPage County north of the Des Plaines River.
The library continued to add new books and staff, but the space became very cramped. The library board purchased
2.74 acres of land on Wend Street but were unable to pass a referendum to fund the building of a new library, despite
population growth of 70%. Then in 1996 the high school demolished the room in which the library was housed to
complete a renovation, forcing the library to move to a 2,400 square foot temporary location in Lemont Plaza while a
new library was being constructed.
In 1997 the library finally opened in its permanent location at 50 E. Wend Street, a 17,000 square foot space, and once
again volunteers and boy scouts stepped up to re-locate the books.
Almost two decades later, the need arose to renovate the library due to wear and tear, changing technology, evolving
library standards, and community expectations. In April 2016, the library completed a renovation that added 2,550
square feet, along with a redesign of the interior to extend the useful life of the building and to satisfy the community’s
demand for technology, meeting rooms, and gathering space.
WHO WE SERVE
The Lemont Public Library District serves portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties. Located 28 miles from Chicago,
Lemont covers a geographic area of 8.65 square miles, and serves a population of 22,492 (Lemont is growing at a rate of
.55%, and the population has increased by 6.9% since the last census in 2010.)
The median age range in the Lemont is 46.1. This number is consistently on the rise from age 44 in 2017. As of the last
census (2010) the racial makeup of the village was 94.1% white, .07% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.7%
Asian and 1.9% from two or more races. 7.3% are Hispanic or Latino.
Median household income $95,221
Median property value $360,200 (1.57 times larger than the national average.)
OUR STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES
The Lemont Public Library District continues towards growth in the collection, outreach and programming, even in
situations of limited resources. The library not only meets community standards, but exceeds them.
The library strives to respond to the challenges of diversity and inclusion to ensure that every member of our community
is adequately served. With 19.2% of the population of Lemont aged 65+, resources that respond to that demographic
need to be considered. Lemont is unique in that aside from the 35-54 age range, the senior population makes up the
largest demographic.
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While the poverty rate in Lemont is relatively low (4.9%) the cost of living is higher than the State average with housing
being 52% higher than the State average.
The Lemont Public Library District is a tax capped environment which means that although operating and staffing costs
are steadily increasing, the District is limited in the amount of property tax that they can legally levy for.
The Library has a bond that was issued in 2015 which will not retire until 2029.
The Library, despite its modern facelift, still faces the challenges of a drastically changing service environment. With a
prospect of declining revenues, the library struggles with increasing staff costs, major anticipated infrastructure repairs
and an aged technological infrastructure. The Lemont Public Library is a District Library. It receives no supplemental
funding from Municipal bodies. It is responsible for following all applicable State laws, industry standards and library
laws. It provides data to the Secretary of State and to the counties of Cook and DuPage while following Administrative
Codes. All grant funding/donations are procured solely by the Lemont Public Library District.
A FEW FACTS
Total population served: 22,492
Total staff: 31 (13 Full Time and 18 Part Time)
Operating hours: Monday thru Thursday, 9am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 1pm to 5pm
Building construction/renovation dates: 1997, 2016
Total income: $1,352,000
Total patron visits: 82,814
Total programs: 511 in person/virtual, 98 passive
Total program attendance: 9,801 in person/virtual, 5,071 passive
Total circulation of materials: 152,766
Total grant procurement: $30,000+
WHAT THE COMMUNITY HAS TO SAY
“I am thrilled to see magazines added to the Libby app! It is so much more convenient to have them in the same place as
eBooks and audiobooks - one less login, one less app. It’s seamless!” – Melissa F.
“Thanks for everything! It was a great experience for our troop. Thanks for being so flexible and organized.” – Julie H.
“While I can't wait to start attending these workshops in person, I am really starting to like the Zoom/ virtual workshops,
too. For example, I am at work right now so I was able to have the Zoom meeting opened on my tablet and listen and
take notes. If it wasn't for Zoom, I would have missed out. It works out in the evenings, too, because I sometimes get
home too late to be able to make it to the library.” – Debbie M.
“I love all the board games that are being added to the collection.” – Patron
“This event was AMAZING!!! We hope you do it again soon!” – Erin R.
“That was super fun today. Thanks again for taking the time to do it. I appreciate it and my son was excited for it too and
he says he enjoyed it as well.” – Jerry U.
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“Thank you!! This truly brought more Christmas spirit into our home. And my daughter was looking forward to Storytime
with Santa.” – Sarah H.
“Our sons loved Tinker Tots today. Thanks so much for the work you put in to making that a safe virtual event. It was a
great lesson. Just wanted to drop a thank you your way!” – Jessi E.
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STRATEGIC PLAN
LEMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
2021-2025
THE PROCESS
Due to the limited resources of the library, the anticipation of future growth and changing demographics, planning is a
necessary tool to determine goals and to make decisions about expanding or limiting resources and services. This plan
provides a framework of priorities that have been determined by the community, the staff, the Library Board of Trustees
and various Strategic Planning Committee initiatives.
In order to formulate the Strategic Plan, a professional consultant was engaged, and feedback was solicited from staff
and the community. Patron surveys were distributed, and discussions occurred in Management meetings, Library Board
Committee meetings, and Staff Committees.
A 7-goal Strategic Plan was developed.
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THE 5 YEAR PLAN FOR STRATEGIC SUCCESS
Community
Responder
Administrative
Distinction
Effectiveness
Strategic
Employee
Investment
Plan Technology
Leaders
Marketing Community
Genius Hub
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GOAL ONE
Goal One – The Library as a Community Responder Due Date Measured Success
The library will strive to understand and anticipate the unique needs of the community of Lemont by increasing and improving
convenience and access to services and materials which include adaptive access – both physically and digitally - and the inclusion of
services for psychological/emotional challenges, homelessness, and economic disadvantage. The library will strive to become a digital
home for local history and work in conjunction with the Lemont Historical Society and other community organizations to gather local
records for a digitization project.
Create a digital sign for visible display at the front entrance Jul-21
Organize and standardize display features – catalogue new locations Feb-21 Completed
Update adult non-fiction collection and periodical offerings Ongoing
Rewrite the Collection Development Policy Jun-21
Assign Collection duties Completed
Create Patron Use Survey (FY 22)
Design and implement an adaptive and inclusive website that meets ADA requirements Jun-21
Install and implement a new phone system – VOIP Feb-21 Completed
Build and install a Mini Food Pantry to respond to new and specialty needs with rotating themes on a monthly basis. Meet with existing
pantry providers to ask how we can participate in a small, yet meaningful way. Coordinate with churches to ask how we can best serve Jun-21 Completed
families and our seniors.
Library Lock Boxes (FY 24)
Complete a needs assestment of our space, collections, and programs with educators serving special needs students to make sure that
we a welcoming and inclusive environment. Extend these findings to serving adults with disabilities. (FY 22)
Partner with a local history archivist to consult on a survey to gather and locate local history for digitization. Partner with The Lemont
Historical Society to display historic photos. Ongoing
Partner with local organizations to raise donations: Veterans, Bethany Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Christmas Wish Tree Ongoing
Resume Passport Processing Services Mar-21 Completed
Provide Free Notary Service Jul-21
The library will solicit community responses and feedback on a regular basis. As part of the regular outreach program, brief surveys will
be taken to events and staff will engage with the public for comment. Install a comment box at Patron Services. Ongoing
A large community event designed to thank our patrons for their support will become a yearly celebration. (NLW?) (FY 23-25)
Donations for the Litte Free Food Pantry will be solicited with concentration on special offerings based on the season. Ongoing
Resume preschool and public/private school in-person outreach to promote our programs and services. Jun-21
Grow our Senior Outreach Efforts
Short term goals: visits to the Township for their Senior lunches, partnerships with Franciscan Village and Pathlights, partnering with
area libraries to serve seniors, library card drive, monthly senior appreciation coffee and cookies day, and senior specific programming.
AARP and Township Partnership to offer tax prep help for seniors. Ongoing
Long term goals: Memory Care Kits, Home Delivery Services, Intergenerrational Programming. (FY 24-25)
Partner with the school district to offer a pickup spot for Summer lunches for students receiving free & reduced lunches. (FY 22-23)
Increase Early Literacy offerings for patrons with materials and programming. (FY 22-24)
Development of programs and materials for homeschool families. (FY 22-24)
Implement findings from the Diversity Audit within our collections including purchasing, cataloging, displays, marketing, and more. (FY 23-24)
Create new pop up collections (Binge Boxes, Adult Book Bundles, and more). Ongoing
Establish Library of Things satellite collections thoughout town, such as a sled library, stick library, etc. Ongoing
In collaboration with Pinnacle, update subject headings based on current trends, EDI best practices, and changing knowledge. Ongoing
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GOAL TWO
Goal Two – Distinction Due Date Measured Success
What sets us apart from other libraries or community organizations? The Lemont Public Library District will strive to be recognized as
leaders in the community through state-of-the-art offerings and viable community partnerships. The library will be a leader in both
traditional and emerging definitions of service.
Establish partnerships with other libraries, schools and organizations with the goal of uniting as a community and offsetting costs. This
will include among other things, the prospect of rotating exhibitions, community read projects, large scale community events, local Ongoing
history displays and local author events.
Establish a Digital Museum to feature local history thru the work of our Archivist. Add work space and equipment for the Archivist. Jul-21
Host a large-scale community event/Fundraiser August-21 (FY 22)
Host a community read initiative Spring 2022
Partner with local businesses to increase library card registrations by arranging store-based incentives for having a library card. (FY 22)
Market and brand the library through the establishment of a viable Marketing Committee. Mar-21 Completed
Create a Library of Things and then later, Maker Spaces March-June 2021
Continue to find projects to partner with the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts on. Ongoing
Programming partnership with the Forge to offer library programs in an outdoor setting, including a walking bookclub, storywalk, Family
Pass checkout, and more. (FY 23)
Business Butler: Create a business center with technology and materials for local or small businesses to utilize. (FY 22)
Establish a Book Bike calendar for the public to request the bike's presence at community events like sports games or block parties for
pop up checkouts, storytimes, and programming. (FY 23-24)
Business library card drive (FY 22-23)
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GOAL THREE
Goal Three – Technology Leaders Due Date Measured Success
The Lemont Public Library District will be a leader in the development and implementation of a state-of-the-art technological
infrastructure. The library through networking, community, staff, and Board input will continue to upgrade existing technology,
and be vigilant in regards to emerging trends.
Server upgrade: Commenced - Proposal accepted Feb-21
Phone system upgrade: Commenced - Contract signed Feb-21 Completed
Email migration Feb-21
Digital signage Jul-21
New website (see Community Responder section for details) Jun-21
Assessment of database holdings Ongoing
Overdrive emagazine migration from RB Digital to Overdrive product (consortia) Dramatically increasing emagazine content. Feb-21 Completed
Aggressive grant procurement Ongoing
Create a Technology Inventory and replacement schedule as part of a larger Technology Plan. Commenced
Implement new technologies to increase participation amongst our senior community. (Smart Hot Spots) Grant work has
Jul-21
commenced.
Laptops with VPN tunnels for key staff members. Jun-21
Work with the Village to purchase and install WiFi hotspot picnic tables throughout town to bridge digital divide. (FY 24)
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GOAL FOUR
Goal Four – The Lemont Public Library District as a Community Hub Due Date Measured Success
The Lemont Public Library District is committed to facility upgrades and improvements to maintain both current levels of progress and
the enhancement of the existing facility and services.
Outdoor spaces - The library will maintain and create clean, safe, aesthetically pleasing and interesting outdoor spaces. Patio
furnishings will be maintained in good condition (planters including two large entrance planters) will be added, as well as “fill ins” on of
a terraced STEM garden for children’s programming and other landscaping and the creation events. May/June 2021
Tree planting, fencing entrance amendments and a water element (Children’s Patio.) Consulting with vendors currently underway. FY 22
Community Partnerships Ongoing
Large scale community fundraising event (Mini golf tournament, “taste of events”, historical and other photo displays, Local artist
August 2021 (FY 22)
displays, wine and cheese, beer tastings, garden parties etc.) Planning Commenced
Add a Little Free Library (leave one/take one) to work in tandem with our Little Free Pantry (FY 22)
Interior paint upgrade (FY 23)
Murals in the Children's Department (FY 25)
Public Communication Protocols (Social Media.) Establish an accountability schedule. May-21 Completed
The Library of Things - for check out and “in house” use of unconventional items such as tools, electronics, crafting equipment and
Ongoing
supplies and kitchen equipment.
Maker Space and Media Lab (FY 25)
Summer, Winter, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, 100 Books Before Graduation reading programs Ongoing
Volunteer Program made to be robust and thriving. Sufficient tasks designed to occupy. More organized. Volunteer events designed to
honor volunteers and solicit membership in the Friends of the Library. (FY 22-25)
Outdoor space designed to encourage work and programming (all seasons room next to Children's Patio) (FY 23)
Book van for home delivery, outreach, and programming. (FY 24)
Establish Student Success Cards with our partnership with SD113A so that all Lemont school children have a valid library card to use for
programs and materials. Ongoing
Develop a year round program plan that encompasses Seniors, Adults, Teens and Youth with an emphasis on library wide collaborative
programming, programming that meets the needs of all groups within the community, and creating a welcoming and inclusive
environment within those programs. Ongoing
Edible Library: Community garden for patron use and to supplement the Little Free Pantry. (FY 24)
Install a book drop box in another part of town for ease of patron use. (FY 24)
Install distictive element (statue/waterfountain) in corner of lot. (FY 22)
Establish recurring electronic recycling program and shredding program for community. (FY 22)
Overhead signage for collections. (FY 24)
Establish the Library as a warming and cooling center during open hours. (FY 21)
Make a true gathering space with beverage and snack machines for the public to use for longer gatherings. (FY 25)
Outside book donation bins. (FY 24)
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GOAL FIVE
Goal Five – Marketing Genius Due Date Measured Success
The library will reflect marketing genius and adopt best practices to achieve consistency in branding through all mediums. The
library will develop strategies for promotion to the community which will enhance awareness and participation.
Establish a Marketing Committee – This committee will plan and implement strategies and plans. The committee will solicit
feedback and cooperation from the community and staff to develop effective marketing strategies. The goal for now, is
Mission Statement work and Brand Consistency efforts (at a low cost and by using largely internal resources.) (i.e., logo, Ongoing
letterhead, business cards, marketing style guide.) The library will retain its unique branding to both increase community
recognition and to retain a unique identity setting us apart from other Agencies within the community.
Survey of programming offerings and community needs to be used for future planning purposes. (FY 23)
Establish analytic/metric methods to monitor and measure the effectiveness of all marketing channels. Employ user surveys to
trap statistics relating to where users received event messages. This could be done at the program registration level. And/or Feb-21
through post program feedback.
Assess newsletter design and production. Look into hybrid mail/online model and production in-house. (FY 22)
Update software used for library signage, eNewsletters, and other promotional materials. (FY 22)
Update signage and collateral with updated logo. Ongoing
Install a community bulletin board. (FY 22)
Marketing plan to reinvigorate how we are sharing information about long standing services and collections. Ongoing
Rebranding: New logo, color scheme, and lbrary card design. (FY 25)
GOAL SIX
Goal Six – Employee Investment Due Date Measured Success
The Lemont Public Library District will continue to consider staff a great strength. Employees will continue to be treated with
respect, and Administration will advocate for their interests so that they can best serve the Lemont community.
Job Descriptions Completed
Technology Core Competencies for each position/department Jun-21
Two Staff Institute Training days per year Completed (Scheduled)
Employee Handbook/Personnel Policies Completed
Health Insurance options Ongoing research for FY22 Completed FY21
Onboarding Package Jun-21
Employee professional development schedule Jun-21
Evaluation schedule Jun-21
Establish mentoring program (FY 23)
Establish an Internship program (FY 22)
Establish employee committee for planning morale boosters and staff recognition events (FY 22)
Install basement work space for larger projects (FY 22-23)
Institute an employee flow chart of communication to ensure work life balance Jun-21
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GOAL SEVEN
Goal Seven – Administrative Effectiveness Due Date Measured Success
The Administration of the Lemont Public Library District will continue to strive for efficiency and exemplify both fiscal
responsibility, flexibility, and fair governance.
Grant funding - Grants will be considered as a necessary and viable source of revenue. Management and other staff will be
(FY 22- onward)
required to seek grants that are within the scope of their expertise. Appoint dedicated staff to write grants on a cycle.
New Employee Orientation Program May-21
Donor Receipt and Acknowledgement program May-21
Policy Review Schedule Feb-21
Internal document review schedule (Employee Handbook, Emergency Plan, Evaluation tools, etc) (FY 22)
PerCapita Mar-21
IPLAR September 2021 (FY22)
Building Maintenance/Replacement Plan May-21
Emergency Preparedness Plan and Training March, April, May, 2021 Completed
Clean out of files in Admin office and Basement, in accordance with necessary statutes and best practices (FY 22)
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