Transcription
Prince George's CountyMemorial Library SystemStrategic Framework 2021-2024
This strategic framework was developed by thePrince George's County Memorial LibrarySystem, in collaboration with Margaret SullivanStudio and Ashana Crichton of Arc Growth.This project was made possible in part by theInstitute of Museum and Library Services and theMaryland State Library. [Grant No. 520207]
Table ofContentsStrategic Framework 2021-202404Letters from the Board of LibraryTrustees & the CEO06Prince George's Proud08Mission, Vision, Values10Strategic Focus Areas24The Path Forward26Thank You3
Letter fromthe Board ofLibrary Trustees2019 and 2020 have been important years of transformationfor all of us here at the Prince George’s County MemorialLibrary System (PGCMLS). We are entering a new decadewith a strong commitment to serving the evolving needs of thevibrant community, while maintaining a focus on championingliteracy and building a child-friendly county. The Library'srapid and ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic andeconomic crisis demonstrates its essential role in the lives ofall Prince Georgians.Whether partnering with agencies to provide access toemployment relief services, presenting virtual anti-racismprograms for a global audience, or opening spectacular newbuildings, PGCMLS exemplifies the power of the communityworking together to create a better future.The Library's new chief executive officer, Roberta Phillips,and her talented staff share a spirit of collaboration thatis attracting new partnerships, like with the WashingtonNationals and Black Caucus of the American LibraryAssociation. The team is expanding access to services inperson and online, ensuring that every person that engageswith the Library feels like its most important customer,regardless of the setting.Literacy and learning are at the heart of any great library.PGCMLS staff and community partners provide programsthat inspire discovery for all ages. Recent highlights includethe "Hip-Hop Architecture" program for teens, Ibram X. Kendi'svirtual author event for adults, and a visit from NASA astronautSerena Auñón-Chancellor for children. Our customers alwayswant to grow, improve the community, and share knowledge,making the "everyday" at PGCMLS extraordinary.PGCMLS plays a vital role in supporting Prince George'sCounty's growth. The Library strives to deepen engagementwith the community, providing customers with the tools toilluminate their surroundings, embrace their dreams with acommitment to resoluteness, and together—in this decade—go further than ever before.Samuel A. Epps IVPresident, Board of Library Trustees (2016–2019)Prince George's County Memorial Library System4Strategic Framework 2020-2023
Letter fromthe CEOWelcome to the Prince George’s County Memorial LibrarySystem Strategic Framework! Staff from every part of theLibrary came together to form a strategic working group withthe aim of charting a path forward for PGCMLS. The processrelied on input from community members, staff, the Board ofLibrary Trustees, county officials, and partners. This strategypositions the Library as a powerful leader in the effort toadvance Prince George's County's strategic priorities throughsocial impact and literacy: education, youth development,quality of life, economic development, healthy communities,and safe neighborhoods.This framework will guide the work of PGCMLS for the nextthree years. It enables staff to be intentional, nimble, andflexible with their approach to providing essential servicesto customers. By living our values and demonstrating aninvestment in strengthening our institutional culture, PGCMLSwill support individual achievement and camaraderie inthe County. We will "live in the why," expanding our abilityto positively impact the lives of our customers in real andmeaningful ways.PGCMLS invites you to explore the new mission, vision, andvalues, which guided the Library's response to the globalchallenges in 2020 and will inspire its forward momentum. Theframework's five strategic areas of focus provide a startingpoint for PGCMLS to evolve services and programs in orderto foster community, equity, and opportunity. As a leader inPrince George's County, PGCMLS will serve as a catalyst forchange.With joy,Roberta PhillipsChief Executive OfficerPrince George’s County Memorial Library SystemStrategic Framework 2020-20235
Prince George'sProudIn 2019 and 2020, PGCMLS engaged in animmersive strategic thinking initiative. Thepurpose of this effort was to evaluate existingstrengths and opportunities for evolution withthe goal of renewing the Library's commitmentto having a positive impact on the daily livesof county residents. The timing of this workaligned with the arrival of energetic, bold, andaspirational county and library leadership.PGCMLS is poised to more effectively partnerwith the community to ensure that all in PrinceGeorge's County are supported in their pursuitof happiness.The PGCMLS staff strategic team collaboratedwith Margaret Sullivan Studio to gathercommunity and stakeholder input on how tosupport the Library's evolution into a morecommunity-centric institution. The group'sfindings confirmed that the combination of awonderfully talented staff and wide-rangingpartnerships make PGCMLS an integral partof life in Prince George's County. From thesefindings, PGCMLS developed an inclusivemission, vision, and set of values that signal theLibrary's path to a future that places customers'evolving needs at the core of all services.Public libraries are a gift to the community, aplace where graciousness, compassion, andaffirmation inform every opportunity to engageas individuals or as a group. This strategicframework articulates the community's preferredfuture for PGCMLS. It is not a fixed future, butone that focuses on adaptability and the abilityStrategic Framework 2021-2024"Ready 2 Read" Story Time at the Baden Branchto constantly reimagine service models based onevolving community needs. It offers an outcomedriven illustration of how PGCMLS will serveresidents no matter their stage of life, interests,background, or educational goals. The strategicareas of focus outlined in the framework aredesigned to anticipate and facilitate dynamicresponses to the community's needs at any giventime. PGCMLS will be a leader in creating socialcapital, resulting in the practical benefits ofeducation, wellness, and economic advancementfor a stronger Prince George’s County.6
1,2,3 Andrés event at the Beltsville BranchPGCMLS will approach its new mission bylooking outward and developing a renewedunderstanding of community needs throughmore robust engagement with the County,customers, and partners. Staff will continueto enrich their skill sets to adeptly approachcomplex issues with compassion, creativity,and integrity. It is not enough to be a passiveprovider of information. It is critical thatPGCMLS embraces its role as a developer,convener, and facilitator of vibrant communitylife.The Library and its customers will co-leadthe County to a brighter future by deepeningrelationships through openness and creatingconditions for all in the community to flourish.Brainstorming at the D.R.E.A.M. Lab Production Camp at theFairmount Heights Branch"Whether you are a childlearning how to read,a job-seeker, an artist,or a retiree, PGCMLSis here to support yourcuriosities, aspirations,and imagination."Book discussion at the Greenbelt Branch7— Stephen FitzgeraldPGCMLS Team MemberStrategic Framework 2021-2024
4OUR VISIONWe provide a collaborativefoundation within thecommunity for all PrinceGeorgians to create theworld they want to see.OUR MISSIONWe build relationshipsthat spark and supportdiscovery by providingequal access toopportunities rk2021-20242021-2024
OUR VALUESWe are Prince George’s Proud andput community first by esilientStrategic Framework 2021-20249
Strategic FocusAreasThe new PGCMLS strategic focus areas emerged from identifying the needs, strengths, challenges,and opportunities that communities in Prince George's County are experiencing. The focus areasare informed by an extensive process of gathering and analyzing staff, public, and stakeholderfeedback about the future of the Library. By declaring these five priorities, PGCMLS will intentionallyactivate staff skills and talents, key partnerships, services, collections, technologies, and spacesto create a positive impact throughout the County. Each year, PGCMLS will engage the public toevaluate the successes and new opportunities that emerge from the strategic work. Together withthe community, the Library will be bold, aspirational, and Prince George's Proud.InclusionCreativityLiteracy ic Framework 2021-2024
Community Impact"We are committedto our communityand to designingexperiences thatenable individuals toachieve their pursuitof happiness."— Roberta PhillipsChief Executive OfficerStrategic Framework 2021-202411
Creating FlourishingCommunitiesThe Aspen Institute’s "Rising to the Challenge:Re-Envisioning Public Libraries" report statesthat the 21st-century public library experiencecan occur anywhere libraries create communitythrough the deployment of their brand, values,services, and assets. The Aspen report findings,which are reflected in the new PGCMLS missionand the Carnegie model of American publiclibraries, challenges bold and aspirationallibraries to lead by creating conditions forcommunities to flourish. PGCMLS embraces thiscall to action by leveraging existing communitynetworks to align strategic areas of focus withcountywide initiatives established by civicleaders.Cat Adoption Fair at the Laurel BranchPGCMLS and county agencies will strengthencollaborations to celebrate the distinct characterof the County and the many different localcommunities that make the area one of themost diverse in the country. The Library's roleis to provide individuals with opportunities forlearning and discovery that foster personal,economic, and community growth.Curbside Service at the Hyattsville Branch12Strategic Framework 2021-2024
The new vision for PGCMLS positions theLibrary as an essential institution locally forfacilitating and modeling inclusion, socialjustice, cultural awareness, and respect. Witha distributed network of facilities and popup locations throughout the 27 municipalitiesthat the Library serves, PGCMLS will designexperiences that foster a sense of belonging,community pride, strength, support, andprosperity.Library staff will continue to embrace allcultural identities by creating the spaces andopportunities for customers to share theirstories with and their compassion for eachother. PGCMLS will encourage and convenethe inclusive listening and learning necessaryto effectively live the new foundational values.The Library will ensure all Prince Georgians haveaccess to resources, services, and programsthat can fill their future with hope, optimism,possibility, and opportunity for all.Teens attending "Show Your Pride" and creating artwork at theGreenbelt Branch"PGCMLS has the greatestpeople working there. Much love and respect."— Tosha O'NealCommunity MemberHaving fun at "Chess for Kids" at the South Bowie BranchStrategic Framework 2021-202413
InclusionWe strengthen neighborhoods by embracing culture,inclusion, and social justice.The Prince George’s County Memorial LibrarySystem is committed to being an anti-racistlibrary, by providing equitable access to inclusivephysical and virtual spaces for learning andgathering. The Library will facilitate, model, andcreate opportunities to celebrate and exploredifferences and shared heritage. Real changehappens when barriers are eliminated and honestconversations raise awareness of communityneeds. These inclusive conversations allow staffto explore equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism topics in order to expand relationshipswith partners and provide and adapt services tosupport customers."We want to support ourcommunities and help people fromall backgrounds and walks of lifefeel welcome, valued, and enrichedby their library experience."— Vanessa Chandler-KingPGCMLS Team MemberPGCMLS branches will serve as anchorsfor surrounding neighborhood communities,celebrating the differences and unique qualitiesof the customers they serve. The Library and itspartners will advance the community's sense ofbelonging at libraries through thoughtful customerservice interactions, increased multilingual accessto the Library, and engaging outreach.Staff will promote a library experience thatwelcomes and affirms all in our community. Thisvision is reflected in customers' experience ofPGCMLS as a trusted resource for supportingtheir day-to-day needs and aspirational lifegoals. The Library will foster a deeper senseof belonging in the County by celebrating themany cultures represented in our neighborhoods.At every point of service, whether in person oronline, our staff and partners will incorporate bestpractices for embracing culture, diversity, andsocial justice advocacy.Anansegromma of Ghana celebrating Black History Month at theAccokeek Branch14Strategic Framework 2021-2024
THE WHY, NATIONALLY:THE SOLUTION: Create conditions for customers' heritageto be celebrated by facilitating, modeling,convening, and leading cross-culturalengagement. Amplify the less-heard voices in ourcommunity to help them shape their idealfuture for Prince George's County.The United States is growing moreracially and ethnically diverse. For manyAmericans, embracing this shift ischallenging and complicated, eventhough diversity generates stronger,equitable communities and social capital.THE WHY, LOCALLY:THE HOW: Prince George’s County enjoysextraordinary diversity, yet there arechallenges and immense opportunity foradvancing inclusion and understanding. Advance employee skills for supportingintercultural communities and growconfidence for serving the County's diversepopulation. Language barriers exist in the Library thatlimit access to some resources and staff. Ensure social justice initiatives are centralto PGCMLS' programming and outreach. Expand equitable language access to theLibrary for non-native English speakerswith additional staff skills and artificialintelligence technology.IN THE NEAR FUTURE VIRTUAL DIVERSITY EVENTSVirtual events for all ages expand access toPGCMLS services. Appearances by bestsellingauthors, community leaders, creators, and librarystaff provide the community with opportunities tosee themselves reflected and learn about equity,diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. LIBRARY PODCASTSA new PGCMLS podcast series will highlightthe successes and dreams of County residents.Stories of inspiration, hope, and kindness will beshared by customers and library staff. Award-winning illustrator Gordon C. James presenting tocommunity members at the Oxon Hill BranchPRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HERITAGE PROJECTIn 2020, the Library launched the Prince George's County Heritage Project, which is a hub for learningabout the cultures that compose the diverse local community. These dynamic pages will grow andevolve throughout 2021-2024 with new resources and programs that reflect the Library's commitment tocelebrating diverse communities year-round, not just during heritage months. MOVIES THAT MATTERThe Library will host film screenings and watch parties of thought-provoking movies in collaboration withthe Prince George's County Human Relations Commission. Screenings will be paired with discussions ofthe films' themes, led by community members.Strategic Framework 2021-202415
We are &strongpartners inLiteracyLearningeducation and promote lifelongWe are strong partners in education andlearning for all.promote lifelong learning for all.Preparing Prince George's County citizensfor change involves teaching the followingessential skills: literacy and a love of reading,critical thinking, communication, creativity, andcollaboration. PGCMLS provides customerswith the educational tools and resourcesto prepare for and respond to the rapidtechnological, economic, and social change inthe County.The Library will expand its role as the primarycountywide convener for community partners towork together to provide customized learningfor residents at every age and stage of life. Tosupport this commitment, customers will beencouraged to advance their love of learningthrough discovery, exploration, and embracingtheir passions.“I have always loved learning howto do things. At my library I canfind a variety of resources thatinspire me to keep learning andcreating. Whether it is from books,online resources like Creativebug,or the people I meet, I always findsomething that sparks my desire tolearn or try something new."— Gia SchwatkaPGCMLS Team MemberThe PGCMLS vision will be realized throughthe positive impact of programs, services,and opportunities developed to help all stylesof learners obtain 21st-century skill sets. TheLibrary will create customized experiences thatembrace effective learning techniques, such asproject-based, intergenerational, and co-createdlearning.Customers will improve their understandingof human development, health, and wellness,with a specific focus on early childhooddevelopment, family development, tween andteen development, veterans, and seniors. With afocus on the four Cs—creativity, collaboration,critical thinking, and communication—PGCMLScustomers will be resilient in the 21st centuryknowledge economy."Young Women in STEM" fair at the Bowie Branch"Meet the Author" event with Dolen Perkins-Valdez at the Oxon HillBranch16Strategic Framework 2021-2024
THE WHY, NATIONALLY:THE SOLUTION: Citizens need to be equipped with 21stcentury skill sets—literacy, curiosity,critical thinking, communication,creativity, and collaboration—to evolveand be prepared for a rapidly changingfuture. Provide access to educational resourcesand programs so customers can obtainnew skills and achieve their personal goalswhile minimizing economic barriers.Build parents' confidence for supportingand strengthening family connections.Ensure that every child starts life withan abundance of resources to advanceliteracy skills.THE WHY, LOCALLY:THE HOW: The Library provides learning andenrichment opportunities for all communitymembers to explore their interests,passions, and goals. The Library promotes the enjoyment,accomplishment, and self-awareness thatcome from a love of reading and learning. The Library creates learning experiencesthat are customized to meet communitymembers where they are in their lifelonglearning journies.Prince George's County faces challengeswith meeting goals for: Workforce readiness Graduation rates Kindergarten readiness Fourth grade reading proficiencyIN THE NEAR FUTURE REIMAGINE THE CURIOSITY CUBEThe Curiosity Cube vehicle will be reimaginedto provide internet access and opportunities toengage with services in unusual places, servingcustomers in their own neighborhoods andincreasing awareness of the Library's offerings. BOOKS FROM BIRTHPromotion and increased participation in "Booksfrom Birth" will establish home libraries forchildren up to age five, fostering early literacy,kindergarten readiness, and a love of readingbetween parents and their children. Teens using technology to produce music at the D.R.E.A.M. LabProduction Camp at the Fairmount Heights BranchD.R.E.A.M. LAB EXPANSIONExpanding the D.R.E.A.M. Lab at the Fairmount Heights Branch, with support from the PGCMLSFoundation, will increase the Library's engagement with teens and young adults looking to explore careersand passions in the areas of music, digital production, media, and graphic arts. UNICEF CHILD-FRIENDLY CITIES INITIATIVEThe Library will partner with the County’s health, human services, and education agencies to ensure thatall children in the community have equal access to resources for health, education, and happiness. PrinceGeorge's County is the first county jurisdiction to participate in UNICEF's Child-Friendly Cities Initiative.Strategic Framework 2021-202417
Personal AchievementWe foster economic growth through careerand business development.The County workforce needs to be readyfor a changing economy with diverse skills,including coding, robotics, artificial intelligence,and engineering. PGCMLS will work witheducational institutions, local businesses, andworkforce development programs to connectcustomers with skills development opportunities,networking, and entrepreneur training.These services will be enhanced throughoutthe Library’s own facilities and beyond, asstaff develop ways to promote workforcedevelopment through a robust network ofpartners like Employ Prince George's.PGCMLS will enhance its role as an essentialpartner in the County’s economic developmentinitiatives by connecting customers with trainingand employment opportunities that facilitatetheir own personal achievement and growth,which in turn drives workforce development.The Library's vision for fostering economicgrowth will be realized in conjunction witheconomic development partners, including localgovernment agencies, social services providers,educational institutions, and employers.Outcome goals will be developed based on theeffectiveness of library-based career and smallbusiness development programs in contributingto countywide economic growth. All countyresidents will have access to the training, careerdevelopment, financial literacy programs, andspaces they need to develop individual goalsand see immediate results for themselves, theirbusinesses, and their families."Workforce skill-building isessential. Each individual will notonly be a key factor in providingfor their immediate family, butthe community family as a whole.A functioning workforce willpour the resources it has gainedback into the community. Theseresources can lead to internships,job opportunities, and, aboveall, overall sustainability. Everyworker is an intricate piece of thepuzzle that keeps the communityflourishing. You are only asstrong as your weakest link. Bystrengthening each link we arecreating a chain that can bepassed onto future generations."— Zachary JonesPGCMLS Team Member"Career Change" panel discussion at the Hyattsville Branch18Strategic Framework 2021-2024
THE WHY, NATIONALLY:THE SOLUTION: Serve as a visible, valuable contributor to athriving, growing Prince George’s Countyeconomy. Provide a foundation for individual andcommunity achievement with essentialtools and resources.Public libraries play a key role asproviders of access to information,education, and workforce developmentopportunities that contribute to financialsustainability for individuals andcommunity economic prosperity.THE WHY, LOCALLY:THE HOW: Maintain spaces and resources forentrepreneurs, small businesses, andpartner organizations. Help customers achieve career goals withworkforce development initiatives andessential skills training.Prince George's County residents are notall experiencing economic sustainability.Needs include: Employment opportunities Skills development Small business supportIN THE NEAR FUTURE CAREER KICKSTART FOR18-24-YEAR-OLDSPGCMLS Career Kickstart is an instructionalprogram that equips participants with theskills necessary to achieve employment in theworkforce. Whether it's gaining the informationfor first-time employment, reentry to theworkforce, or sharpening skills while currentlyemployed, Career Kickstart is a launchpad forpersonal advancement. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTCOMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY"Hip-Hop Architecture" camp at the Oxon Hill BranchDesignated technologies will enable customers to have the tools needed to advance their skills for the jobmarket or build small businesses. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURSThe Library will provide spaces and meetups for entrepreneurs to offer support and collaborationwithin the community. EXPANDED INTERNET ACCESSThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to increase the availability of free internetaccess through pop-up locations, boosted drive-up WiFi, additional mobile hotspots, and a partnershipwith the Department of Housing. Internet access supports customers transitioning between careers.Strategic Framework 2021-202419
CreativityWe champion creatives and value theirunique contributions to the community.The arts are fundamental to nourishing ourcollective humanity by providing avenues for theexpression of personal and shared experiences.Music, visual art, dance, theater, spoken word,and design have a transformative impact onindividuals of all ages in Prince George’s County,cultivating community and encouraging creativeexpression in daily life. Access to interactive artsprograms, live performances, and makerspaces—like the D.R.E.A.M. Lab—all contribute tofostering curiosity, collaboration, and discoveryamong youth and lifelong learners. These skillsimprove academic achievement and are highlyvalued by employers.PGCMLS will expand its commitment to servingand supporting the County's vibrant artisticcommunity by reaffirming its role as an essentialand valued resource for creators. The Librarywill provide open access to the spaces, tools,and networking opportunities that supportestablished and aspiring artists as they advancetheir skills and share their passions with thepublic and consumers. PGCMLS will alsocreate meaningful opportunities for customersto interact with the vibrant array of painters,poets, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, anddesigners of the region.By providing resources and platforms forcreators and their work, PGCMLS will becomea leader in the local creative economy throughcollaborations with arts organizations, residentartists, and educational institutions. The artswill be more accessible to our community, thevibrancy of the County will be enhanced, thecustomer experience will be enriched, andmoments for creative self-discovery will becentral to the PGCMLS experience.20"Artists and creatives are essentialmembers of our local, national,and global communities. The goalof PGCMLS creative programsis to ensure that PGCMLS doesits part to empower artists byproviding opportunities forprofessional development, whilealso encouraging communityengagement and contribution."— Francesca WhaleyPGCMLS Team MemberChildren creating electric vehicles at a FutureMakers program atthe Greenbelt BranchTeens performing at the "Libraries Rock!" block party at theHyattsville BranchStrategic Framework 2021-2024
THE WHY, NATIONALLY: The creative economy, inclusive of thearts and culture sector, is a criticalfactor driving economic development inthe community.THE SOLUTION: Provide creative individuals with thetools, resources, opportunities, andspaces needed to advance their craft andengage with their audiences. Connect creatives with theentrepreneurship and financial skillsneeded to sustain a rewarding career inthe arts.THE WHY, LOCALLY:THE HOW: Local creative talent needs space andentrepreneurial support to realizeindividual goals and benefit from the localeconomy. Create programs and initiatives thatshowcase artists' work and allow them toteach community members how to expressthemselves through the arts. Many residents are unable to enjoy oraccess the vibrant local arts scene due tocost barriers. Develop opportunities for the explorationof the arts for holistic education and givecreatives access to networking, resources,and audiences.IN THE NEAR FUTURE TEEN ART PROGRAMThe Teen Artist Amplified Program will guidehigh school seniors as they prepare for careersin creative fields by providing access toprofessional artistic training, while encouragingcareer exploration and self-reflection, andboosting creative confidence. HYATTSVILLE ART STUDIOThe new Hyattsville Branch will feature an artstudio to support creatives and host anartist in residence. Children painting at the "Libraries Rock!" block party at theHyattsville BranchLOCAL AUTHOR EXPO & OPEN MIC SERIESThe annual local author expo, which was adapted for the virtual environment in 2020, will allow localwriters to promote their work, network with other artists, and engage with the community. A new open micseries, featuring distinguished poets, launched in summer 2020 and will continue throughout 2021-2024. PERFORMING ARTS RESIDENCIESPGCMLS will collaborate with local arts organizations to host residencies for performers in PrinceGeorge's County to advance their careers and present their work, contributing to the creative economy. ART GALLERY SPACESCurated gallery spaces in selected libraries will promote artists' works throughout the County.Strategic Framework 2021-202421
Healthy LivingWe develop and promote skills andresources for healthy living.The role of public libraries as conveners ofcommunity organizations and resources isespecially important for the promotion of healthand wellness. Libraries across the country areat the forefront of mobilizing collaborationswith health and social services providers toincrease access to health insurance, screenings,immunizations, social workers, mental healthexperts, dental care, and healthy food options.PGCMLS is committed to enhancing equitableaccess to health and wellness information,programs, and services throughout PrinceGeorge’s County. This effort is emblematic ofthe ethos behind all of the Library’s strategicwork, which aims to serve, anticipate, andrespond to the holistic needs of communitymembers. The initiative is essential to thesuccess of all of the Library's strategic initiatives.The Library will have a tangible impact onthe health and wellness of its customers byexpanding the types and availability of servicesand information throughout the County.PGCMLS will provide access to health andwellness resources through connections,programs, and partnerships that enableindividuals to set and pursue their goals formaintaining a positive quality of life. Beyondcore health and wellness services, PG
Prince George's County, PGCMLS will serve as a catalyst for change. With joy, Roberta Phillips Chief Executive Officer Prince George's County Memorial Library System Letter from the CEO Strategic Framework 2020-2023 5. Strategic Framework 2021-2024 6 "Ready 2 Read" Story Time at the Baden Branch
