Welcome to the Tama Library

 

Tama Public Library Strategic Plan

The Louise & Lucile Hink Tama Public Library

Strategic Five Year Plan

2025-2030

 

Mission Statement: Connecting you to the joy of reading to live, learn and grow.

Vision Statement: Our vision is to support a connected community of readers, learners, doers and dreamers. 

 

Service response based on patron surveys and feedback

  • Maintain strong high speed connection to online public internet access.

  • Encourage curiosity and lifelong learning opportunities.

  • Foster a safe, comfortable community space to visit and enjoy.

  • Develop programs and collections which stimulate imagination through reading,  listening, speaking and viewing for pleasure.

Values

  • We provide friendly, knowledgeable service and work to meet the expectations of our users.

  • We provide open and free access to all library users.

  • We protect the privacy of every individual who uses the library.

  • We respect each person or staff member in the library.

  • We use taxpayer dollars efficiently and seek to improve productivity whenever possible. 

 

Tagline: Your Bridge to Information

 

Service Response: Maintain strong high speed connection to online public internet access and digital learning opportunities.

 

Goal 1: All residents will have availability to the library’s high speed internet access to the digital world with no unnecessary restrictions or fees to ensure that everyone may benefit from the ever growing resources and information available through the internet. 

 

  • Objective A: The library will maintain and replace as needed computer technology.

    • Activity 1: The library will schedule review of digital technology via Information Technology (IT) services annually.

    • Activity 2: The library will adapt to and change the library collection of digital and electronic technology based on the annual technology review data, to adjust to the ever changing needs of patrons and resources of information.

  • Objective B: The library will maintain digital subscriptions to databases, on-line audio and ebooks that support the reading collections and extend access to print for information or leisure. 

    • Activity 1: The library will maintain the Bridges online reading platform, as well as the Ancestry database subscriptions.

    • Activity 2: The library will continue to house an audiobook collection for adults and grow the Vox Book collection for children. 

  • Objective C: The library will maintain Patron and Staff computer workstations which provide digital access to information, employment inquiry, financial and personal communication, or study and research needs.

    • Activity 1: The library will maintain a budget line item which will provide support for technology maintenance, updates, or security needs that arise.

    • Activity 2: The library will purchase licensing for digital security, public access, staff access, and email, or writing and communication needs of patrons and staff each year.

  • Objective D: The library will maintain a social media presence through a well maintained website, Facebook page, Instagram, and on-line Card Catalog, as an effective means of communicating with Patrons and the community of Tama or surrounding areas. 

    • Activity 1: The library will keep information and communication updates to the social media platforms by staff as a successful way to support current events, promotions, and programs, on a regular weekly or monthly basis. 

    • Activity 2: Library staff will be trained to update social media platforms, and use promotional software, such as Canva, Google Suite, and Microsoft documents to design and create attractive displays and advertising of programs and events needing posted. 

  • Objective E: The library will seek training and updates to remain out in front of new technology or hardware that supports digital access for patrons. 

    • Activity 1: The library leadership will attend training, and train new or current staff members on new technology and how to support patron use. 

    • Activity 2: The library will look at ways to expand current technology into the genre of Gaming systems and STEAM kits, or materials which support exploration and curiosity as well as grow problem solving skills, imagination and leisure game playing. 

 

Service Response: Encourage curiosity and lifelong learning through collections and programs.

 

Goal 2: All residents will have the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives. 

 

  • Objective A: Circulation of book collections will increase annually.

    • Activity 1: The library will use surveys, focus groups and feedback from patrons and community members to guide decision making around what materials to purchase and which collections to add. 

  • Objective B: The library will host a Summer Reading Program which will enable patrons and community members to engage in literacy based activities and fun within the library. 

    • Activity 1: The library Children’s Summer Reading Program will support ages 5-17 as a means to increase literacy access and reading, speaking, listening and growing social connections within the community.

    • Activity 2: The library Children’s Summer Reading Program will bring STEAM presentations, read-alouds, craft making, and social game playing to children throughout the summer months. 

  • Objective C: The library will plan, host and implement programs for ALL ages. 

    • Activity 1: The library children’s programming will continue to host a weekly storytime, after school activities, and literacy events such as book clubs for older readers, reading buddies with adult volunteers, and STEAM activities to engage in stationary play and interaction. 

    • Activity 2: The library will host adult monthly and weekly programming or events to encourage social opportunities to gather, explore and learn through presentations, exhibits, and reading groups. i.e. art exhibits, book clubs, reading challenges, coffee groups, health and well-being presentations.

    • Activity 3: The library will adjust staff scheduling and seek out volunteers to support events and programs, as well as bring in outside resources to present and share information, entertainment, and cultural opportunities to patrons and the community for the purpose of learning and leisure.

    • Activity 4: The library will implement monthly teen programming to encourage tweens and young adults to enjoy reading, connect socially, and expand curiosity and creativity. I.e.book club for teens, game playing, puzzling, and arts and crafts. 

  • Objective D: The library will offer digital literacy opportunities for patrons to grow.

    • Activity 1: The library will provide one on one help by appointment or in learning group sessions with staff or volunteers each month. 

    • Activity 2: The library will provide structured classes or sessions on internet use or social media use monthly. 

    • Activity 3: The library will provide basic computer classes and sessions to advance the digital skills of patrons, from staff or outside resources seasonally each year. 

    • Activity 4: The library will design and offer STEAM and Makerspace opportunities for patrons to explore the arts and sciences seasonally each year, with staff support or in collaboration with the State Library of Iowa and the local school district. 

 

Service Response: Foster a safe, comfortable community space for residents to visit and enjoy.

 

Goal 3: Residents will have safe and welcoming physical spaces to meet and interact with others or to sit quietly and read, or view content of interest, and have open accessible virtual spaces that support networking, socialization, or study. 

 

  • Objective A: The library will provide a meeting room for public use, tracked through a calendar schedule and data spreadsheet for the month.

    • Activity 1: The library will continue to offer a small meeting space for the public with access to presentation technology and privacy. Regular social events or meetings will be offered and a reservation or use schedule will be maintained. 

    • Activity 2:The library will offer a children’s assembly area in which to view monthly library events. I.e.magicians, art workshops, music/movement sessions, science programs, movies, and storytime.

    • Activity 3: The library will maintain licensing and presentation schedules to provide guest speakers, performance events, and movie days to patrons.

 

  • Objective B: The library will monitor and review building maintenance needs annually to support patron use of space, efficiency of utilities, accessibility and safety needs. 

    • Activity 1: The library will review the building needs annually with the Director, Board of Trustees, and City Council Liaison in a mid-year meeting or as often as necessary to address needs.

    • Activity 2: The library will monitor the monthly utility expenses to track utility efficiency of doors, windows, HVAC systems, and electrical systems for lighting and technology. 

    • Activity 3:  The library will conduct a needs assessment for building facilities in collaboration with the City Council Liaison and Board of Trustees, to determine priorities or needs related to maintenance needs and repairs or remodel (2025).

 

Service Response: Develop programs and collections which stimulate imagination through reading,  listening, speaking and viewing for pleasure.

 

Goal 4:  Residents will be able to access materials and programs to enhance their leisure or learning options with support from library staff.

 

  • Objective A: The community will see the library as a source of social connection and entertainment through the events, programs, and collections offered.

    • Activity 1: The library will maintain and offer multi-media viewing options such as computer gaming, DVDs, audio or ebooks, and movie events, book clubs, storytime, and game nights or after school groups. 

    • Activity 2: The library will offer news and current event updates through periodical collection, and e-news subscriptions available on the Libby application, in the patron lounge area or at patron workstations.

    • Activity 3: The library will offer seasonal presentations of art, music or learning sessions for patrons to access in the programs and events hosted.

    • Activity 4: The library will provide options for patrons to engage in social gatherings for all ages each month, i.e. Coffee Break days and Afterschool Gang board game or craft days, table top Toys for Tots, Puzzle Nite, Friday Cards, and Puppets. 

 

Date of Revisions and Board Approval: 03/11/2025

 

The Library Board of Trustees and the Director will review and update the Strategic Plan annually at a regular Fall meeting.