MISSION & STRATEGIC PLAN

MISSION (WHY WE EXIST)

Challenging our community to reach, explore, and transform

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION SUMMARY (WHO WE SERVE)

Everyone is welcome at La Porte City Public Library. We therefore commit to and value diversity—differences of all sorts, both visible and invisible; equity—providing every person with what they need to access and benefit from our resources; and inclusion—seeking out, engaging, and involving everyone. We commit to integrating DEI into all aspects of what we do; leveraging DEI to provide excellent service to our patrons, community, and each other; and fostering a sense of belonging in all.

We're glad you are here!

To learn more, visit the ALA's Diversity Page

CORE VALUES (WHAT WE USE AS A GUIDE)

Critical Thinking

Library Staff and guests are empowered to actively evaluate information and make informed decisions. As the contemporary world becomes more complex, especially with the ease at which misinformation and artificially generated information is disseminated, critical thinking remains a foundational skill that requires lifelong learning to maintain.

Innovation

Libraries are agents of change by offering contemporary services and resources using digital tools and creative spaces, with an emphasis on ethical stewardship of new technologies. Innovation requires library workers to be bold in thinking critically through professional development, specifically geared toward introducing new materials and resources for library guests.

Justice

Libraries play a crucial role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity by dismantling barriers and by creating spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and beneficial to all library guests. This is accomplished by intentionally and proactively fairly treating historically and systemically underrepresented and underserved individuals and groups by actively dismantling oppressive systems, practices, and policies by replacing them with actions that promote equity.

Sustainability

Sustainability encapsulates reactive, active, and proactive choices that ensure the library is working for the good of the environment, making fiscally responsible actions, and treating everyone with justice. Sustainable choices ensure physical and digital resources, as well as services, have a directly positive impact now and in the future. The Library takes actions to support climate resiliency and rejuvenation to create a better tomorrow.

STRATEGIC PLAN (HOW WE'LL ACHIEVE OUR MISSION)

Drawing on feedback gathered from a Space Needs Assessment in January 2024, a Feasibility Study in February 2026, building research from 2016-2024, an architectural consultation in March 2024, Community Surveys collected in Fall 2024, working with community leaders, in-depth focus group interviews conducted in February 2025, and consistent conversations with a verity of stakeholders, these initiatives are adopted.

INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY: Instill a desire for lifelong learning through skill development, education instruction, principles of justice, innovative initiatives, and sustainable practices.
INFRASTRUCTURAL EXPANSION: Turn the Library into a community hub that becomes a central gathering point for residents of all ages, at all life stages, and with all exceptionalities.
PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY: Library Staff have the tools and resources necessary to achieve our goals, to think critically in our strategies for connecting with the community, to ground our work in flexibility, and to facilitate innovation.
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR: The Library becomes a civic asset that justly engages the community to reach, explore, and transform through their lifetime.