Strategic Plan 2025-2028
Message from the Library Director and Library Board Chairman
As Director of Library Services and Chairman of the Library Board, we’re proud to introduce our very first Library Strategic Plan. This is a forward-looking yet attainable roadmap, with clear priorities that show how we can continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of North Haven residents and the surrounding community.
This Strategic Plan is more than just a document—it’s a shared vision, shaped by the voices, values, and aspirations of the people we serve. It is grounded in what makes North Haven so special: a deep-rooted sense of community, a love of lifelong learning, and a strong belief in the Library as a place of growth, connection, and opportunity for all.
Created through a thoughtful and inclusive process, this plan reflects the input of patrons, staff, and community partners. From surveys and focus groups to interviews with key stakeholders, every part of this plan was guided by the real needs and dreams of the people we serve.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Strategic Plan Work Group—our dedicated Library Staff and Library Board members—whose commitment, collaboration, and care were essential in shaping this vision. Their hard work is woven throughout this plan and has helped create a clear, meaningful plan for the Library’s future.
Most of all, we thank you—our community—for your continued support and engagement. Your voices shaped this plan, and your passion for the North Haven Memorial Library has been evident every step of the way.
As we move into the implementation phase, we are excited to continue this journey with you, working together to ensure the Library remains a vibrant and inclusive resource for all.
The North Haven Memorial Library has always been more than a building. It’s a place to discover new ideas, meet new people, and feel a sense of belonging. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring that the North Haven Memorial Library continues to be your space to enjoy, explore, and connect.
With excitement and gratitude,
Michael Fletcher, Library Board Chairman & Susan Griffiths, Director of Library Services
Mission
The North Haven Memorial Library is your space to enjoy, explore, and connect.
Vision
The North Haven Memorial Library will be a vibrant hub of connection, innovation, and learning, where all members of the community feel they belong and are valued.
Values
Accessible and Welcoming: All members of the community can comfortably access resources in spaces that meet their needs.
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Committed to Exceeding Library Users' Expectations: NHML will foster a healthy and supportive library staff culture that is reflected in delivering positive patron experiences.
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Always Curious: NHML is committed to supporting lifelong learning and fostering a sense of wonder and discovery, helping each person experience the joy of reading and the power of ideas.
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Collaborative Leaders: NHML leads by example, bringing together community members and groups, bridging gaps and supporting new ideas.
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A Gathering Place: NHML is the space where people of all ages can come together to experience community.
Goals
Creating Community Connections: Both new and longtime community members will see the Library as the place that connects them to one another and to the wider community by having access to opportunities to share ideas, resources, and meaningful experiences in a welcoming environment.
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Visit a Comfortable Place: ​Community members will feel welcomed into accessible spaces, both physical and virtual, that give them the opportunity to meet and interact with others, enjoy quiet moments, study, work, and learn, and find the resources they need.
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Promote Lifelong Learning: Community members of all ages will feel supported and engaged in learning opportunities that meet them at their individual life stages so that they can access the resources they need to be successful in school, work, and life.
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Spark Curiosity & Encourage Imagination: Community members will encounter reading, viewing, and listening materials, programs, and hands-on experiences that spark their interest, reflect and expand their perspectives, and enrich their lives through skill-building and fun.