Changes coming to Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local library has created a new strategic plan after asking for input from the community.

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has released its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. More than 1,750 people responded to a community survey to help the library come up with its new plan, according to a social media announcement.

This is the first time the library has developed a strategic plan since 2009. The need for a new plan to guide the library for the next few years came from major changes in the local community such as the COVID-19 Pandemic. Five major themes are identified in the plan and listed in a statement from the library’s CEO.

“Our library is prepared for an exciting future with a new strategy based on a planning process that includes your voice. You let us know what you need from your library from more than 1,750 responses to a community survey and 9 meetings. You told us that the library is an integral part of your life, and you want more opportunities to learn, explore and connect. What does that look like? I am thrilled to share that it is focused on connection, learning, space, joy and people. Your input has enabled us to create not only a new strategy but also a working document that will empower our library to continue to be a trusted community institution for all our citizens throughout their lives.”

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library CEO Marie Pyko

Some other big highlights to keep an eye out for in the future are outlined near the end of the plan. These include:

Offer next-level emerging tech classes (2024-2025)

Expansion of Spanish language collections to the community (2024)

Expansion of remote lockers to at least two more areas of the community and explore satellite/colocation of library services (2025-2029)

Launch new Digital Library website (2024)

Create Juvenile Detention Center program (2024)

Expansion of art creation classes and workshops for adults (2025)

Build a dynamic Genealogy & Local History website (2024)

You can read through the full strategic plan online by clicking here or by looking through the document below:

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