The Salem Public Library’s five-year strategic plan will serve the library through 2027. This plan outlines the library’s goals and priorities, ensuring it continues to meet the changing needs of the Salem community. By providing clear direction, the strategic plan helps the library focus its resources and efforts on areas that matter most to residents.

Download and print a PDF of the Strategic Plan 

Why the Strategic Plan Matters

The Salem Public Library is a vital resource for the community, offering access to books, technology, programs, and services that support learning, connection, and growth. The strategic plan ensures the library remains responsive to the community’s needs by addressing key areas such as equitable access, outreach beyond the library building, and the development of its collection.

This plan is important because it provides a clear framework for decision-making, ensuring that all services, programs, and budget choices align with the library’s mission and values. It is also designed to be flexible, allowing for regular reviews and adjustments to track progress and respond to new challenges or opportunities.

About the Salem Public Library Strategic Plan Process

In December 2020, the City of Salem began the process of creating a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the Salem Public Library for the next five years. The Portland-based Coraggio Group was selected to lead this effort. Their process included a thorough situation assessment and a review of best practices to ensure the plan reflects the library’s mission and core values.

The planning process focused on several key areas:

• Ensuring equitable access to the library building.
• Expanding services beyond the building to reach more residents.
• Clarifying the purpose of the library’s collection and updating its collection development policy.
• Considering the community’s needs and the library’s capacity within the larger City organization.

The strategic plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Progress on goals and objectives will be tracked and measured annually, ensuring the library remains accountable and responsive to the community.

Next Steps

Strategic Plan Implementation

The “Get Focused” phase of the strategic planning process has begun. This phase includes an Implementation Roadmap Work Session, which will take place in October or November (date to be determined).

Steering Committee

To support this process, the Mayor appointed a steering committee made up of elected and appointed officials, including City Council members, board members, and commissioners. This committee will provide guidance and feedback at key milestones and decision points.

Community Input Opportunities

The library values input from the Salem community. There will be many opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and ideas about the strategic plan. You can stay informed and get involved by:

• Visiting the library’s website.
• Following the library on Facebook.
• Signing up for library email notifications.

The Salem Public Library Strategic Plan ensures the library remains a welcoming, accessible, and innovative resource for everyone in the community.

PAST MEETINGS

Library Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Revisions Session
1-4 p.m. Tuesday, September 13 | On Zoom

Full meeting agenda

Planning Session 4 Recording - Access Passcode: Xs1b*0D0

Slide Deck from Revisions Session - To review approved wording for the Vision, Mission, Values, and each of the five Imperatives, go to the following pages: 10, 13, 20, 23, 25, 27, & 30

Library Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Planning Session 3
2-5 p.m. Wednesday, September 7 | On Zoom

Full Meeting Agenda

Planning Session 3 Recording - Access Passcode: Wgv.5pg=

Library Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Planning Session 
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2022 | On Zoom

Full Meeting Agenda

Planning Session 2 Recording - Access Passcode: i?0nS53s

Library Strategic Planning Steering Committee: Planning Session 1
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2022 | On Zoom

Full meeting agenda

Planning Session 1 Slides

Planning Session 1 Recording - Access Passcode: EdFu0c+d

Planning Clarity Retreat
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 6 | Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library

Full meeting agenda

Planning Clarity Presentation

Meeting photos and notes

Insight Report Review Session
9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022 | On Zoom

Full meeting agenda

Strategic Plan: Situation Assessment Report

Meeting Recording