New Ulm Public Library has completed our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and we’re excited to share our vision for the library’s future!

We began the strategic planning process in fall 2022. An eight-member committee of representatives from the library staff, New Ulm Public Library Board, and the New Ulm community met monthly from October 2022-December 2023. Public input was received through three open-ended questions displayed in the library, online, and in print. In addition, the committee shared information regarding the ongoing process online and in the local media. The entire library staff had the opportunity to respond throughout the process, and every staff member was invited to contribute their activity ideas, which were refined by the committee.

The result represents a five-year strategic plan for New Ulm Public Library that prioritizes goals that reflect the New Ulm community. It will be implemented in spring 2024 and reviewed annually by library staff and the Library Board. This plan includes a new mission statement (why we exist), vision statement (what we want to be), and values (what we value). They are as follows.

Mission: New Ulm Public Library invites and inspires learning, imagination, discovery, and connection.

Vision: New Ulm Public Library advances literacy, enriches lifelong learning, empowers community engagement, and fosters cultural appreciation.

Values:

• Service – We provide helpful, reliable, and consistent service in a positive and welcoming environment.

• Equality – Every person we serve receives equal access to information and materials.

• Trust – All library staff serve with honesty, transparency, and accountability for their actions.

• Compassion – We strive to understand the needs of those we serve, to appreciate their challenges, and to respond with kindness.

•· Innovation – We investigate, explore, and experiment to provide the best and timeliest services.

• Curiosity – We encourage our staff and those we serve to learn and grow as individuals and as part of the community.

Our mission, vision, and values statements are the foundation for the three goals that have been developed. Within these broad goals are objectives that describe how we will meet each goal. Activities have been identified to help us reach each objective. The full plan can be viewed at www.newulmlibrary.org; choose About Us. A print copy is also available for viewing in the library.