North Manchester Public Library
LONG RANGE PLAN 2025-2030
Mission Statement: The mission of the North Manchester Public Library is to provide materials, programs, and services necessary to meet the recreational and educational needs of the community in a comfortable and easily-accessible facility, which is a community center of activity and information.
Introduction
The North Manchester Public Library (NMPL) invited stakeholders from the community, Board of Trustees, and library staff to provide feedback regarding library resources and services through a survey or in person interview process. The survey and interview process sought input to identify community needs which the library could address through the development of mission-focused service responses. The survey and in person responses were gathered and compiled for review for the draft process by library staff. The Board of Trustees reviewed and contributed to the draft of the plan to ensure the library meets the state standards for long range planning.
Statement of Community Needs and Goals
North Manchester Public Library serves as the community hub, adding enrichment for all ages. According to the survey, 77% of respondents said programming is the biggest strength. Even if book use declines with the introduction of the internet and new technology, the library will still serve as an active part of the community by offering materials, programs and services.
The North Manchester Community has a population of 5,277 (2020 Census) and is located in Wabash County. North Manchester is a closely knit, family oriented community with a common love for the town and desire for the community to thrive into the future. The United States Census statistics, as of 2020, reports the town's Race and Hispanic Origin population as predominantly white/Caucasian at 91.7%, Hispanic/Latino 3.7%, and Black/African American 4.1%. The town has an increasing senior population with two retirement facilities, Peabody Retirement Community and Timbercrest Senior Living Community. The 2020 Census reports that 24% of the population is age 65 and over.
Wabash County is one of the most underserved communities in the state of Indiana in regards to library service areas. The tax levy district for North Manchester Public Library is the same as the town limits. As a way to help address the lack of library access, NMPL offers paid library cards (referred to as non-resident cards) and reciprocal agreements with neighboring libraries.
Survey responses point to a desire to broaden our programming to include areas such as health and wellness, bilingual skills, neurodiversity, community connections, and programs geared towards the 65 and older population.
The library is fortunate to have extensive grounds and outside green space, however, it is showing its age. Survey responses highlighted the need for repairs, updates and enhancements.
Over these past few years, our community has become more and more engaged with technology, which seems to be decreasing the digital divide. In-person conversations point to a desire for the library to have more technology and support devices for use.
From this assessment of community needs, four overarching areas of library services have been identified from the compiled feedback. Mission supported goals and objectives for these overarching areas were developed in response: Library Building and Grounds, Technology, Outreach, and Programming.
Assessment of Facilities, Services, Technology, and Operations
Facilities
The current library was built in 1995. The structure received a new roof in 2018, and updated air conditioning HVAC in 2020. In the next five to ten years, the heating HVAC controls and the carpeting in the building need to be updated. The building is now thirty years old and will require continual maintenance. The Library Board does a yearly “walk through” of the library building and grounds to review issues that need to be addressed.
Services
Current program provided by the library include:
The North Manchester Public Library (NMPL) invited stakeholders from the community, Board of Trustees, and library staff to provide feedback regarding library resources and services through a survey or in person interview process. The survey and interview process sought input to identify community needs which the library could address through the development of mission-focused service responses. The survey and in person responses were gathered and compiled for review for the draft process by library staff. The Board of Trustees reviewed and contributed to the draft of the plan to ensure the library meets the state standards for long range planning.
Statement of Community Needs and Goals
North Manchester Public Library serves as the community hub, adding enrichment for all ages. According to the survey, 77% of respondents said programming is the biggest strength. Even if book use declines with the introduction of the internet and new technology, the library will still serve as an active part of the community by offering materials, programs and services.
The North Manchester Community has a population of 5,277 (2020 Census) and is located in Wabash County. North Manchester is a closely knit, family oriented community with a common love for the town and desire for the community to thrive into the future. The United States Census statistics, as of 2020, reports the town's Race and Hispanic Origin population as predominantly white/Caucasian at 91.7%, Hispanic/Latino 3.7%, and Black/African American 4.1%. The town has an increasing senior population with two retirement facilities, Peabody Retirement Community and Timbercrest Senior Living Community. The 2020 Census reports that 24% of the population is age 65 and over.
Wabash County is one of the most underserved communities in the state of Indiana in regards to library service areas. The tax levy district for North Manchester Public Library is the same as the town limits. As a way to help address the lack of library access, NMPL offers paid library cards (referred to as non-resident cards) and reciprocal agreements with neighboring libraries.
Survey responses point to a desire to broaden our programming to include areas such as health and wellness, bilingual skills, neurodiversity, community connections, and programs geared towards the 65 and older population.
The library is fortunate to have extensive grounds and outside green space, however, it is showing its age. Survey responses highlighted the need for repairs, updates and enhancements.
Over these past few years, our community has become more and more engaged with technology, which seems to be decreasing the digital divide. In-person conversations point to a desire for the library to have more technology and support devices for use.
From this assessment of community needs, four overarching areas of library services have been identified from the compiled feedback. Mission supported goals and objectives for these overarching areas were developed in response: Library Building and Grounds, Technology, Outreach, and Programming.
Assessment of Facilities, Services, Technology, and Operations
Facilities
The current library was built in 1995. The structure received a new roof in 2018, and updated air conditioning HVAC in 2020. In the next five to ten years, the heating HVAC controls and the carpeting in the building need to be updated. The building is now thirty years old and will require continual maintenance. The Library Board does a yearly “walk through” of the library building and grounds to review issues that need to be addressed.
Services
Current program provided by the library include:
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Children’s Programs
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Teen Programs
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Family Programs
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Adult Programs
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Current services provided by the library include:
- E-Libraries (Hoopla & Libby)
- Mango Languages
- Room Rentals & Meeting Room Spaces
- Flat Playground
- Genealogy Services
- Faxing & Laminating
- Computer Labs & WIFI
- 3D Printer
- Home Based Program
- Little Free Library
- Tower Garden & Outside Garden Beds
- Seed Library
- Curbside Pick Up Services
Outreach
Currently, the Programming Coordinator and Children’s Department Manager share outreach duties. They provide monthly Storytimes to Manchester Early Learning Center, Peace Patch Preschool, and Head Start during the school year. They also visit Manchester Elementary School and Manchester Intermediate School to promote Summer Reading and host the Kindergarten classes at the library each spring. They host tours for Manchester University students and Homeschool Coops upon request.
The Home Based Coordinator collaborates with the two area retirement communities regarding library materials for patrons in these communities on a weekly basis. Additionally, the Home Based Coordinator delivers and picks up materials by special arrangement to anyone within the town limits who is unable to come to the library due to limited mobility. Library materials can be requested by the home based patron via phone or the web, or our staff will choose materials for home based patrons based on their reading preferences.
The library continues to build reciprocal partnerships with other libraries to increase services for unserved areas.
Collections and Circulation
The library maintains a broad collection of materials for circulation by patrons. Collections with the highest consistent circulation are the Adult Fiction & New Arrivals, Juvenile Fiction Books, Juvenile Picture Books, and Large Print. DVD circulation has decreased in recent years, but still circulates well. The library’s hotspots also maintain a high circulation. Newer collections that are currently growing are the Makerspace-To-Go collection (including Take Home Craft kits, puzzles, and board games), Graphic Novels, Spanish language materials, Homeschool Resource Center, Sensory-2-Go, and Science Kits. In the past few years, effort has been made to catalog and organize the historical collection in the library’s Indiana Room, as well as continuing to educate and promote community awareness of this collection.
Current Technology
The library has nine public computers available for patrons and the general public to use along with five children’s computers. Throughout the library, there are three library catalog computers available. The library has four hotspots that patrons may check out. There are five laptops for in-house patron use. WiFi reach has been expanded so as to be accessible from every area of the NMPL property and available to access 24/7.
A 3D printer enables patrons to explore creative STEM opportunities. In the library Makerspace, patrons of all ages are free to create, tinker, and investigate hands-on STEM based projects. The Makerspace features art & craft stations, board game stations, gaming stations, tech stations, and sewing stations. The Children’s Department has a circulating Science Kit Library and a Homeschool Resource Center. These collections provide library users with educational manipulatives for math, reading, science, robotics, coding, electronics, green energy, genetics, forensics, foreign language learning and music. A Sensory to Go Collection provides patrons with access to fidgets, Special Olympics sports equipment, adaptive aids, frustration free building materials and soothing sensory materials.
The library offers a variety of technology resources for patron and community use, such as printers, a copier, a fax machine, a new microfilm reader, a lamination machine, and a 3D printer.
Due to budget restrictions, the library often needs to extend or hold off replacement of aging computers and other equipment
Service Responses
GOAL: LIBRARY BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Objective: Improvement of appearance and function of library grounds.
Activity: Explore outdoor seating, table, and hammock installations to provide designated spaces for reading and relaxation.
Activity: Explore pollinator and native garden expansion on the south side of the library building.
Activity: Transform south side garden and flower bed insets into usable spaces for patrons and staff.
Activity: Replace trash cans and book drop.
Activity: Research permanent signage to indicate that this building is a library, ideally next to Market Street entrance.
Activity: Repair fencing around trash cans in parking lot.
Activity: Explore possibility of repairs to Flat Playground by EduMarking.
Activity: Explore funding options for sunshades over strategic outdoor spaces.
Activity: Add Percussion Play to the library grounds.
Activity: Assess the long term needs of trees and landscaping throughout grounds.
Objective: Better utilization of library spaces.
Activity: Explore office space options for full-time adult department staff.
Activity: Assessment of the Children’s Department Computer Lab layout to maximize space and efficiency.
Activity: Assess the Indiana Room collection and archives for potential adjustments to collection.
Activity: Continue to explore funding opportunities for a sensory space in one of the library reading nooks.
Activity: Explore pricing for updating décor, carpet, and furniture throughout the building.
Activity: Add more wayfinding signage and/or signage encouraging people to ask staff to help reach books in stacks.
Activity: Explore the possibility of shifting DVDs so shelves no longer block lines of sight.
Activity: Make Montessori inspired updates to the playroom toys and layout.
GOAL: TECHNOLOGY
OBJECTIVE: Purchasing and installing unique equipment to better the services of the library for our patrons.
Activity: Purchase cell phone charging stations to install throughout the building for library patrons.
Activity: Find grant opportunities to create a Preservation Station in the computer lab with equipment to convert old media formats into digital files.
OBJECTIVE: Updating outdated technology so as to not have disruptions in service.
Activity: Update to children’s computer lab.
Activity: Purchase a card catalog for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Assess network infrastructure and assess cost analysis with Intrasect Technologies.
GOAL: COLLECTIONS
OBJECTIVE: Continue to grow niche collections.
Activity: Expand the Spanish language collection.
Activity: Expand the graphic novels collection.
OBJECTIVE: Increase circulation of physical materials and continue to update/modernize existing collections.
Activity: Weed outdated collections.
Activity: Research the possibility of adding front facing end cap displays to better showcase the collection.
Activity: Explore the possibility of being a resource sharing library on ShareIt.
GOAL: PROGRAMMING AND OUTREACH
OBJECTIVE: Promote culinary arts and nutrition education for all ages.
Activity: Pursue funding for a Charlie Cart to host regular food based programming.
OBJECTIVE: Continue to increase the quantity and diversity in adult programming.
Activity: Host regular hobby and craft programs for adults.
Activity: Host local experts for educational and adult learning sessions.
OBJECTIVE: Promote health and fitness in our community.
Activity: Partner with local instructors to offer fitness classes at the library, and explore grant opportunities to fund classes at no cost to the community
Activity: Host community walks and family scavenger hunts.
Activity: Host mental health programs for all ages. (i.e. practical strategies/aids for stress management, meditation, aromatherapy, etc.)
OBJECTIVE: Promote community connections.
Activity: Offer Spanish language classes to the community.
Activity: Offer regular Spanish language Storytimes.
Activity: Increase Spanish/dual language signage in and around library building.
Activity: Partner with local businesses for sponsorships and hosting.
Activity: Partner with Daniel’s Place.
Activity: Continue to explore connections with Manchester University.
Activity: Partner with Friends of Library to enhance programming opportunities.
OBJECTIVE: Reach older community members with programs and outreach.
Activity: Grow existing Home Based program.
Activity: Regularly schedule age-specific activities (i.e. felting for 65+, Lifelong Learning sessions)
Activity: Regularly schedule Your Library @ Peabody/Timbercrest and host joint arts/crafts/game programs at retirement communities.
OBJECTIVE: Reach neurodivergent community members
Activity: Increase Science of Reading, Decodables, dyslexia friendly reading materials.
Activity: Explore options for sensory friendly programs and activities.
Activity: Create quiet zones for big programs and events.
OBJECTIVE: Increase our library service area.
Activity: Reach out to Akron Public Library to pursue a Reciprocal Partnership.
Activity: Reach out to Pierceton Public Library to pursue a Reciprocal Partnership.
Activity: Reach out Warsaw Public Library to pursue a Reciprocal Partnership.
Ongoing Annual Evaluation
The Library Board of Trustees will evaluate progress toward the goals in this long range plan annually. The library managers will also meet annually with the library director to assess progress toward the long range plan goals.
Financial Resources and Sustainability
The North Manchester Public Library receives major funding support through local property tax revenue, and to a lesser degree local income taxes such as LIT, CVET and FIT. The library maintains both LIRF and Rainy Day funds. The library also has several endowment funds established through the Community Foundation of Wabash County that are drawn from yearly. The Friends of the Library support many library programs, especially children’s programming.
Personnel Professional Development
Ongoing professional development promotes consistent staff growth and development. The North Manchester Public Library encourages and supports ongoing staff development through a yearly staff training day for all staff to attend. Staff are also encouraged to attend virtually, or in-person, Indiana Library Federation, Indiana State Library, and American Library Association, trainings, webinars, round tables discussions, conferences, etc. Staff are provided off desk time to attend any professional development. Attendance at various State Library programs, and Indiana Library Federation conferences are paid for through the library budget when possible.
Library Collaboration
The North Manchester Public Library strongly believes that collaborations and partnerships within the local community and library community are beneficial. The library is an institutional member of the Indiana Library Federation. The library is a member of Share It, a resource sharing member of the Indiana Digital Library, and also maintains a reciprocal relationship with the Roann Public Library, Wabash Carnegie Public Library, South Whitley Public Library, and North Webster Public Library. NMPL is also a State Reciprocal Borrowing Library. The Friends of the Library organization collaboratively supports many library events and programs as well as the purchase of additional supplies.
The library is a collaborative partner with Manchester University enabling those students who attend the University to obtain a free library card. The library works collaboratively with the Manchester Community Schools system as well. Any student who attends the Manchester Schools system but does not live within the town limits is eligible, and encouraged, to obtain a free library card as well. This service is also extended to students in daycares, preschools, and any homeschooled students, and teachers.
North Manchester community businesses and local nonprofit organizations strongly support the library’s successful summer and winter reading programs through yearly sponsorships and donations. The donations enable the library to support local businesses while offering valuable prize incentives to reading program participants.
The library’s Blocher Community Room is available and frequently used by various community organizations and groups such as the Shepherd’s Center Senior Group, local quilting clubs, DAR, and others.
As discussed above in the assessment portion, the library also collaborates with the two retirement communities to provide weekly access to library materials to the seniors in those communities and provides outreach to local preschools and schools.
Currently, the Programming Coordinator and Children’s Department Manager share outreach duties. They provide monthly Storytimes to Manchester Early Learning Center, Peace Patch Preschool, and Head Start during the school year. They also visit Manchester Elementary School and Manchester Intermediate School to promote Summer Reading and host the Kindergarten classes at the library each spring. They host tours for Manchester University students and Homeschool Coops upon request.
The Home Based Coordinator collaborates with the two area retirement communities regarding library materials for patrons in these communities on a weekly basis. Additionally, the Home Based Coordinator delivers and picks up materials by special arrangement to anyone within the town limits who is unable to come to the library due to limited mobility. Library materials can be requested by the home based patron via phone or the web, or our staff will choose materials for home based patrons based on their reading preferences.
The library continues to build reciprocal partnerships with other libraries to increase services for unserved areas.
Collections and Circulation
The library maintains a broad collection of materials for circulation by patrons. Collections with the highest consistent circulation are the Adult Fiction & New Arrivals, Juvenile Fiction Books, Juvenile Picture Books, and Large Print. DVD circulation has decreased in recent years, but still circulates well. The library’s hotspots also maintain a high circulation. Newer collections that are currently growing are the Makerspace-To-Go collection (including Take Home Craft kits, puzzles, and board games), Graphic Novels, Spanish language materials, Homeschool Resource Center, Sensory-2-Go, and Science Kits. In the past few years, effort has been made to catalog and organize the historical collection in the library’s Indiana Room, as well as continuing to educate and promote community awareness of this collection.
Current Technology
The library has nine public computers available for patrons and the general public to use along with five children’s computers. Throughout the library, there are three library catalog computers available. The library has four hotspots that patrons may check out. There are five laptops for in-house patron use. WiFi reach has been expanded so as to be accessible from every area of the NMPL property and available to access 24/7.
A 3D printer enables patrons to explore creative STEM opportunities. In the library Makerspace, patrons of all ages are free to create, tinker, and investigate hands-on STEM based projects. The Makerspace features art & craft stations, board game stations, gaming stations, tech stations, and sewing stations. The Children’s Department has a circulating Science Kit Library and a Homeschool Resource Center. These collections provide library users with educational manipulatives for math, reading, science, robotics, coding, electronics, green energy, genetics, forensics, foreign language learning and music. A Sensory to Go Collection provides patrons with access to fidgets, Special Olympics sports equipment, adaptive aids, frustration free building materials and soothing sensory materials.
The library offers a variety of technology resources for patron and community use, such as printers, a copier, a fax machine, a new microfilm reader, a lamination machine, and a 3D printer.
Due to budget restrictions, the library often needs to extend or hold off replacement of aging computers and other equipment
Service Responses
GOAL: LIBRARY BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Objective: Improvement of appearance and function of library grounds.
Activity: Explore outdoor seating, table, and hammock installations to provide designated spaces for reading and relaxation.
Activity: Explore pollinator and native garden expansion on the south side of the library building.
Activity: Transform south side garden and flower bed insets into usable spaces for patrons and staff.
Activity: Replace trash cans and book drop.
Activity: Research permanent signage to indicate that this building is a library, ideally next to Market Street entrance.
Activity: Repair fencing around trash cans in parking lot.
Activity: Explore possibility of repairs to Flat Playground by EduMarking.
Activity: Explore funding options for sunshades over strategic outdoor spaces.
Activity: Add Percussion Play to the library grounds.
Activity: Assess the long term needs of trees and landscaping throughout grounds.
Objective: Better utilization of library spaces.
Activity: Explore office space options for full-time adult department staff.
Activity: Assessment of the Children’s Department Computer Lab layout to maximize space and efficiency.
Activity: Assess the Indiana Room collection and archives for potential adjustments to collection.
Activity: Continue to explore funding opportunities for a sensory space in one of the library reading nooks.
Activity: Explore pricing for updating décor, carpet, and furniture throughout the building.
Activity: Add more wayfinding signage and/or signage encouraging people to ask staff to help reach books in stacks.
Activity: Explore the possibility of shifting DVDs so shelves no longer block lines of sight.
Activity: Make Montessori inspired updates to the playroom toys and layout.
GOAL: TECHNOLOGY
OBJECTIVE: Purchasing and installing unique equipment to better the services of the library for our patrons.
Activity: Purchase cell phone charging stations to install throughout the building for library patrons.
Activity: Find grant opportunities to create a Preservation Station in the computer lab with equipment to convert old media formats into digital files.
OBJECTIVE: Updating outdated technology so as to not have disruptions in service.
Activity: Update to children’s computer lab.
Activity: Purchase a card catalog for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Assess network infrastructure and assess cost analysis with Intrasect Technologies.
GOAL: COLLECTIONS
OBJECTIVE: Continue to grow niche collections.
Activity: Expand the Spanish language collection.
Activity: Expand the graphic novels collection.
OBJECTIVE: Increase circulation of physical materials and continue to update/modernize existing collections.
Activity: Weed outdated collections.
Activity: Research the possibility of adding front facing end cap displays to better showcase the collection.
Activity: Explore the possibility of being a resource sharing library on ShareIt.
GOAL: PROGRAMMING AND OUTREACH
OBJECTIVE: Promote culinary arts and nutrition education for all ages.
Activity: Pursue funding for a Charlie Cart to host regular food based programming.
OBJECTIVE: Continue to increase the quantity and diversity in adult programming.
Activity: Host regular hobby and craft programs for adults.
Activity: Host local experts for educational and adult learning sessions.
OBJECTIVE: Promote health and fitness in our community.
Activity: Partner with local instructors to offer fitness classes at the library, and explore grant opportunities to fund classes at no cost to the community
Activity: Host community walks and family scavenger hunts.
Activity: Host mental health programs for all ages. (i.e. practical strategies/aids for stress management, meditation, aromatherapy, etc.)
OBJECTIVE: Promote community connections.
Activity: Offer Spanish language classes to the community.
Activity: Offer regular Spanish language Storytimes.
Activity: Increase Spanish/dual language signage in and around library building.
Activity: Partner with local businesses for sponsorships and hosting.
Activity: Partner with Daniel’s Place.
Activity: Continue to explore connections with Manchester University.
Activity: Partner with Friends of Library to enhance programming opportunities.
OBJECTIVE: Reach older community members with programs and outreach.
Activity: Grow existing Home Based program.
Activity: Regularly schedule age-specific activities (i.e. felting for 65+, Lifelong Learning sessions)
Activity: Regularly schedule Your Library @ Peabody/Timbercrest and host joint arts/crafts/game programs at retirement communities.
OBJECTIVE: Reach neurodivergent community members
Activity: Increase Science of Reading, Decodables, dyslexia friendly reading materials.
Activity: Explore options for sensory friendly programs and activities.
Activity: Create quiet zones for big programs and events.
OBJECTIVE: Increase our library service area.
Activity: Reach out to Akron Public Library to pursue a Reciprocal Partnership.
Activity: Reach out to Pierceton Public Library to pursue a Reciprocal Partnership.
Activity: Reach out Warsaw Public Library to pursue a Reciprocal Partnership.
Ongoing Annual Evaluation
The Library Board of Trustees will evaluate progress toward the goals in this long range plan annually. The library managers will also meet annually with the library director to assess progress toward the long range plan goals.
Financial Resources and Sustainability
The North Manchester Public Library receives major funding support through local property tax revenue, and to a lesser degree local income taxes such as LIT, CVET and FIT. The library maintains both LIRF and Rainy Day funds. The library also has several endowment funds established through the Community Foundation of Wabash County that are drawn from yearly. The Friends of the Library support many library programs, especially children’s programming.
Personnel Professional Development
Ongoing professional development promotes consistent staff growth and development. The North Manchester Public Library encourages and supports ongoing staff development through a yearly staff training day for all staff to attend. Staff are also encouraged to attend virtually, or in-person, Indiana Library Federation, Indiana State Library, and American Library Association, trainings, webinars, round tables discussions, conferences, etc. Staff are provided off desk time to attend any professional development. Attendance at various State Library programs, and Indiana Library Federation conferences are paid for through the library budget when possible.
Library Collaboration
The North Manchester Public Library strongly believes that collaborations and partnerships within the local community and library community are beneficial. The library is an institutional member of the Indiana Library Federation. The library is a member of Share It, a resource sharing member of the Indiana Digital Library, and also maintains a reciprocal relationship with the Roann Public Library, Wabash Carnegie Public Library, South Whitley Public Library, and North Webster Public Library. NMPL is also a State Reciprocal Borrowing Library. The Friends of the Library organization collaboratively supports many library events and programs as well as the purchase of additional supplies.
The library is a collaborative partner with Manchester University enabling those students who attend the University to obtain a free library card. The library works collaboratively with the Manchester Community Schools system as well. Any student who attends the Manchester Schools system but does not live within the town limits is eligible, and encouraged, to obtain a free library card as well. This service is also extended to students in daycares, preschools, and any homeschooled students, and teachers.
North Manchester community businesses and local nonprofit organizations strongly support the library’s successful summer and winter reading programs through yearly sponsorships and donations. The donations enable the library to support local businesses while offering valuable prize incentives to reading program participants.
The library’s Blocher Community Room is available and frequently used by various community organizations and groups such as the Shepherd’s Center Senior Group, local quilting clubs, DAR, and others.
As discussed above in the assessment portion, the library also collaborates with the two retirement communities to provide weekly access to library materials to the seniors in those communities and provides outreach to local preschools and schools.
Summary
Since the 2020-2024 long range plan, NMPL has navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, rebounded to record breaking door counts, added additional reciprocal library partnerships, and hosted countless programs. Below are a sampling of annual statistics from 2023:
Circulation
In summation, the North Manchester Public Library staff and board work tirelessly to provide year round enrichment activities. With strategic decisions guided by this long range plan, NMPL plans to grow the community impact in the upcoming years.
Since the 2020-2024 long range plan, NMPL has navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, rebounded to record breaking door counts, added additional reciprocal library partnerships, and hosted countless programs. Below are a sampling of annual statistics from 2023:
- Door Counts: 67,412
- WiFi Usage: 8,129
- Computer Usage: 8,523
- Public Programs: 411 (Attendance: 9,554)
Circulation
- Physical Materials: 64,327
- Electronic/Digital: 23,363
- Holdings/Items in Building: 67,801
In summation, the North Manchester Public Library staff and board work tirelessly to provide year round enrichment activities. With strategic decisions guided by this long range plan, NMPL plans to grow the community impact in the upcoming years.