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Mission Statement and Strategic Plan

Brantford Public Library Mission Statement

The Brantford Public Library will foster a culture of reading and thought by serving Brantford's needs for information, life-long learning and leisure pursuits.

Principles and Values:
  • We believe in intellectual freedom.
  • We believe in access for all.
  • We will treat everyone with courtesy and fairness.
  • We will be efficient and effective in all we do to provide quality service in a welcoming environment.
  • We will be innovative and timely in our response to technology and the information needs of our community.
  • We will work in partnership with other organizations to further the Library's mission.

(Approved by the Brantford Public Library Board January 20, 2000)

We invite your comments on our performance in relation to these goals.

Strategic Plan, 2005 - 2007

Brantford Public Library is about to embark on its next 3-year strategic plan.

In this city and throughout the Province, Brantford Public Library is recognized as one of Ontario's outstanding public libraries and has been the recipient of numerous awards.

The 2001-2003 Strategic Plan set the stage for substantial achievements including:

  • A 27% increase in open hours at both library locations;
  • A substantial increase in the materials budget;
  • Recipient of the Angus Mowat Award (2003) by the Ministry of Culture for the unique partnership between Laurier Brantford and the Brantford Public Library;
  • The invitation to be included in the UNESCO Model Library Network (UNET), the only North American Library represented in this network;
  • Expansion of collections at the Main Library;
  • Increased number of library visits;
  • Expansion of facilities and materials at the St. Paul Avenue Branch Library - including an external book drop;
  • A strengthened Library Technology infrastructure and increased online databases/internet access.

We'd like to keep this momentum going and continue providing the exemplary library service you have come to expect. The Library Board's Planning Committee and staff have done their homework. By reviewing current trends in library service, examining the use of Brantford Public Library's own services, and conducting a Community Survey in October of 2003, the Board has established these 5 areas of focus:

  1. Service Development
  2. Education Connection
  3. Information Access
  4. Capacity Building and Sustainability
  5. Governance and Administration

The need for a clear plan for the Brantford Public Library is essential in an era of rapid change and growth. Our aim is to strengthen and enhance what we already do well, while ensuring that we remain engaging and innovative to our users.

Strategic Plan At a Glance

Area of Focus Strategic Directions
1. Service Development 1.1 Assume a leadership role in furthering the principles of Family Literacy.
1.2 Make the Brantford Public Library a Destination for the entire community by providing exemplary customer service.
2. Education Connection 2.1 Undertake a comprehensive approach to serving the educational needs of the community.
3. Information Access 3.1 Strengthen Information Technology infrastructure.
3.2 Promote enhanced digital content.
4. Capacity Building and Sustainability 4.1 Sustain our strong funding base by continuing to demonstrate sound financial management and accountability.
4.2 Maintain the facilities to current high standards.
4.3 Map future growth of Brantford Public Library.
5. Governance and Administration 5.1 Institute relevant evaluation standards that will provide greater public accountability.
5.2 Engage in innovative succession planning for all levels of staff and the Library Board.