New Rochelle Public Library Trustees Seek Community Input For Development Of Library Strategic Plan

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees is hosting a community meeting on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from New Rochelle residents and Library patrons regarding the Library’s programming, services and facilities. The ideas generated at this meeting and via a survey to be released after the meeting will be used to guide the goals and objectives of the Library’s next strategic plan to be implemented 2021-2026. The meeting will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle, and will also be accessible virtually.

The New York State Education Department requires that all public library systems develop a five-year Plan of Service that serves as the basic agreement between the State and the governing board of the Library, making possible the payment of state aid to the system. Failure to have a strategic plan puts the Library’s eligibility for state grants (such as construction, Arts & Culture, economic development, etc.) at risk.

“The community input session is not required by the New York State Education,” an NRPL spokesperson said. “The Library Board of Trustees and Director believe community input is essential to the creation of the Library’s plans for the future.”

“The strategic plan should be a reflection of the wants and needs of the community, as defined by the community.”

Registration is required to attend the meeting in-person or virtually, and may be done online or by calling Jordan Cosby at 347-619-2892 (ext. 714) between 9:00 am — 6:00 pm.

“Registration is required because we will be following up with attendees to provide digital access to the community survey,” an NRPL spokesperson said.

The Library has made the decision to continue requiring Library staff and patrons to wear masks at this time, for the continued safety of all staff and visitors. Mask wearing in the theater will be required for all attendees.

A recording of the meeting will be posted on the library’s website: www.nrpl.org