Brandon Twp.- Business success, job and career development, and community planning efforts emerged as the top priorities for the library during a day-long community planning meeting held March 27 at the library.
The meeting, attended by numerous community officials, was intended to help library staff in identifying area needs as they develop a strategic plan for the library for 2010-2012.
‘I think it went really well,? said Library Director Paula Gauthier.
‘I felt the people who participated had a lot of knowledge and background. They were very thoughtful about the community’s present and future needs and mindful about how the library can play a role in the community’s vision.?
During the meeting, participants identified strengths of the township, including highly rated schools, library, a new park, effective and efficient emergency services, a rural atmosphere, and active volunteers. They also noted the community is lacking in several areas? including sewers, jobs and a tax base.
In defining an ideal future, the participants developed a community vision in which small business owners would have support from the community; independent living centers would be available for seniors; a sewer system would be implemented; the park would be fully developed, and more.
In taking this vision into consideration, as well as strengths and weaknesses, participants reached conclusions on priorities for the library’s strategic plan. Of highest priority were:
‘Build Successful Enterprises: Business and nonprofit support?’Business owners and nonprofit organization directors and managers will have the resources they need to develop and maintain strong, viable organizations.
‘Make Career Choices: Job and Career Development?? Adults and teens will have the skills and resources they need to identify career opportunities that suit their individual strengths and interests.
‘Support Collaborative Planning: Community Planning Efforts?? Library board members and staff will develop their planning skills and work on a collaborative basis with other planners in the community to form a community collaborative planning group.
Other areas in which the library plans to maintain a strong emphasis are public internet access; community resources and services; local, national and world affairs information; health, wealth, and other life choices resources; information fluency; and materials to enhance reading, viewing and listening for pleasure.
The library board will discuss the information from the community planning meeting at 7 p.m., April 6, during the board meeting at the library, 304 South St.