North Manchester Public Library
LONG RANGE PLAN 2020-2024
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 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
The North Manchester Community has a population of 6,200 (2010 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 2019, reports the town Race and Hispanic Origin population as predominantly white/Caucasian at 92%, Hispanic/Latino 6%, and Black/African American 1.7%.
The town has an increasing senior population with two retirement facilities, Peabody Retirement Community and Timbercrest Senior Living Community. Due to this large senior population, the library needs to explore increasing senior programming and collaborations to fill service gaps, and to bridge the divide between the elderly and the youth.
Survey responses point to underserved minority groups due to language barriers and lack of awareness in the community. The library desires to explore cultural awareness to encourage social dialogue, understanding, appreciation and knowledge of multicultural communities within the town. The library also needs to develop library related services and programming through this community cultural awareness exploration.
The library is fortunate to have extensive grounds and outside green space, however, it is minimally utilized. Survey and interview responses expressed a need to increase utilization of the library grounds for programming and services.
Due to the rural socio-economics of this north central Indiana county and an aging population, keeping up with current technology is an ongoing challenge for the community and the library. The lack of broadband service in the county continues to perpetuate the digital divide. Survey responses and interviews expressed a need to look at developing programming in information literacy skills and awareness as well as basic technology skill building and awareness.
From this assessment of community needs, four overarching areas of library service gaps 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 and the carpeting in the building need to be updated. The elevator in the library is currently functioning well, however, it is now twenty-five years old and will eventually require updating. The Library Board does a yearly “walk through” of the library building and grounds to review issues that need addressed.
Services
Current program provided by the library include:
The North Manchester Public library 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
The North Manchester Community has a population of 6,200 (2010 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 2019, reports the town Race and Hispanic Origin population as predominantly white/Caucasian at 92%, Hispanic/Latino 6%, and Black/African American 1.7%.
The town has an increasing senior population with two retirement facilities, Peabody Retirement Community and Timbercrest Senior Living Community. Due to this large senior population, the library needs to explore increasing senior programming and collaborations to fill service gaps, and to bridge the divide between the elderly and the youth.
Survey responses point to underserved minority groups due to language barriers and lack of awareness in the community. The library desires to explore cultural awareness to encourage social dialogue, understanding, appreciation and knowledge of multicultural communities within the town. The library also needs to develop library related services and programming through this community cultural awareness exploration.
The library is fortunate to have extensive grounds and outside green space, however, it is minimally utilized. Survey and interview responses expressed a need to increase utilization of the library grounds for programming and services.
Due to the rural socio-economics of this north central Indiana county and an aging population, keeping up with current technology is an ongoing challenge for the community and the library. The lack of broadband service in the county continues to perpetuate the digital divide. Survey responses and interviews expressed a need to look at developing programming in information literacy skills and awareness as well as basic technology skill building and awareness.
From this assessment of community needs, four overarching areas of library service gaps 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 and the carpeting in the building need to be updated. The elevator in the library is currently functioning well, however, it is now twenty-five years old and will eventually require updating. The Library Board does a yearly “walk through” of the library building and grounds to review issues that need 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:
- Curbside Pick Up Services
- Meeting Rooms
- Faxing & Laminating
- E-Libraries (Hoopla & Overdrive)
Outreach
Currently, the Programming Coordinator and Children’s Department Manager visit the local day care (MELC) on a weekly basis to do storytimes, and also to the Manchester schools on a monthly basis. They also visit the Manchester schools to promote summer reading programs.
The Outreach Coordinator collaborates with the two area retirement communities regarding library materials for patrons in these communities on a weekly basis. Library volunteers or employees deliver and pick 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 homebound patron via phone or the web, or our volunteers will choose materials for homebound patrons based on their reading preferences.
Collections and Circulation
The library maintains a broad collection of materials for circulation by patrons. Collections with the highest consistent circulation are the DVD collection followed by children’s books, newly arrived titles, and large print titles. The library’s hotspots also maintain a high circulation. Newer collections that are currently growing are the Makerspace-To-Go collection, Spanish language materials, the seed catalog, and the children’s activity kits. The historical collection in the library’s Indiana Room was recently reorganized and genrefied, however, more needs to be done 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 seven children’s computers. Throughout the library, there are three library catalog computers available. The library has three hotspots that patrons may check out. There are five laptops for in house patron use. Currently, there is a limited WiFi area in the library parking lot.
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. Children can practice thinking directionally, problem solving, and simple coding with the library Code-A-Pillar. Five library PBS Kids Tablets allow children to watch live streams of PBS TV shows, play pre-loaded games, and experiment with basic coding.
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, disc cleaners, a lamination machine, and a video and photo conversion station.
Due to budget restrictions, the library often needs to extend or hold off replacement of aging computers and other equipment. Survey and interview feedback states a growing need for more WiFi hotspots, as well as increased WiFi presence on the library grounds. Staff survey responses convey a need to improve staff equipment and technology resources in order to more efficiently serve the community and to provide more streamlined services.
Service Responses
GOAL: LIBRARY BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Objective: Create specific outside independent interactive features to engage patrons and community utilizing library grounds space.
Activity: Work with the creators of the Story Walk movement to explore our options for a permanent Story Walk installation at NMPL.
Activity: Explore outdoor seating installations to provide designated spaces for outdoor book talks and afterschool programs.
Activity: Investigate and implement a flat playground concept for outdoor play.
Activity: Market and invite patrons to use outside space - i.e. have a picnic, come and read, play games on the lawn.
Activity: Create a Little Free Library outside-facilitate take a book/leave a book exchange.
Objective: Develop programming and outreach to increase use of outside library grounds.
Activity: Encourage outdoor play by developing STEM and STEAM activities on the library lawn.
Activity: Develop nature literacy programming for kids.
Activity: Collaborate in the fall community Harvest Arts Fest utilizing library grounds - provide hands on craft programming, storytimes, free books giveaway.
Objective: Make sure the library physical environment is accessible for neurodiverse individuals and individuals with physical disabilities.
Activity: Invite staff and guests from Daniel’s Place to come to the library to complete a walk through of the library and provide us with recommendations.
Activity: Invite special education staff and students from Manchester Community Schools to complete a walk through of the library and provide us with recommendations.
Activity: Invite Bowen Center staff who focus on Autism services and interested clients to complete a walk through of the library and provide us with recommendations.
GOAL: TECHNOLOGY
OBJECTIVE: Explore technology resources to enable staff to provide more streamlined services.
Activity: Purchase a credit card machine to increase convenience of patrons.
Activity: Purchase patron computer sign up scheduling software for increased patron
convenience and staff efficiency.
Activity: Compile an archive of helpful tools, tutorials and simple lessons on basic computer functions that patrons can easily access from the public computer desktops to assist their continuing tech education.
OBJECTIVE: Explore technology resources to more efficiently serve the community.
Activity: Purchase electronic signage for library grounds to improve and increase marketing.
Activity: Increase number of WiFi Hotspots to assist more patrons without broadband access.
Activity: Provide increased WiFi access outside the library building to assist patrons without broadband access.
Activity: Purchase a Krayon Kiosk https://aridanbooks.com/shop/ and tablets to facilitate interactive sensory learning experiences.
GOAL: COLLECTIONS
OBJECTIVE: Grow the Activity Kit and Makerspace-To-Go collections.
Activity: Add more household tools and supplies that would encourage cooking and DIY Projects.
Activity: Assemble STEM and STEAM activity bags for the kit collection.
Activity: Explore ways to use themed take-home kits to supplement library programming
and encourage learning before and after library program activities.
OBJECTIVE: Obtain collection materials for struggling readers.
Activity: Purchase additional Large Print materials for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Purchase Dyslexic Reader friendly materials for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Purchase additional Braille books for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Purchase additional sensory centered books for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Increase the Spanish Language collection.
GOAL: PROGRAMMING AND OUTREACH
OBJECTIVE: Continue to build a collaborative relationship with the North Manchester Center for History.
Activity: Host a yearly escape room.
Activity: Host a yearly book talk in connection with traveling/featured exhibits.
Activity: Host a murder mystery evening at NMCH that promotes local genealogy and history.
Activity: Continue to use NMCH as an off-site location for community events and programs.
OBJECTIVE: Develop outreach for elderly community members with a strong focus on intergenerational programming.
Activity: Facilitate connecting area retirement homes and elementary school classes to
develop a pen pal program.
Activity: Increase advertising of Homebound services for Peabody and Timbercrest
Residents.
Activity: Create a Winter Reading Challenge for Peabody/Timbercrest residents (encourage more Homebound sign up/checkout). Work with Friends of the Library (for FOL merchandise) and Peabody/Timbercrest staff (for campus gift shops and cafes) to offer incentives.
Activity: Schedule yearly visits from the Peabody Bus during Community Helpers Storytimes.
Activity: Your Library @ Peabody/Timbercrest - host joint arts/crafts/game programs at retirement communities. Invite library families to meet their librarians at the retirement centers for a fun time with residents.
Activity: Explore possible collaborations with the Garber Simmons Senior Center.
OBJECTIVE: Provide programs and services designed for non-English speakers.
Activity: Provide bilingual storytimes inside and outside of the library.
Activity: Meet with St. Robert’s Church pastor to explore the possibility of setting up a library table at cultural events/celebrations.
Activity: Advertise job openings through St. Robert’s in order to recruit Hispanic staff members.
Activity: Choose a minimum of 3 signs a month (1 child, 1 teen, 1 adult program) to duplicate in Spanish for in-house advertising.
Activity: Explore the possibility of Spanish language students (from MHS or MU) creating a Spanish version of the newsletter twice a year (Spring and Fall).
OBJECTIVE: Promote financial literacy in the community.
Activity: Periodically invite local banks to distribute free piggy banks and talk about smart money management as part of existing programs that already have a consistent attendance (i.e. Evening Tales, Creative Kids).
Activity: Highlight books about kids and entrepreneurship in virtual book talks.
Activity: Host adult programming provided by banks, tax preparation services, and other community organizations.
OBJECTIVE: Increase services to people who are developmentally disabled.
Activity: Host tours of library/resources for Daniel’s Place guests, special education classes from Manchester Community School system, and family members.
Activity: Provide special programming at the library, Daniel’s Place, and schools.
Activity: Continue to provide opportunities for special education students to volunteer at the library.
Activity: Utilize Beanstack to create special reading challenges for this population.
OBJECTIVE: Increase usage and awareness of the Indiana Room.
Activity: Host genealogy and archive workshops for Adult, Teens and Children.
Activity: Post special Social Media features on different Indiana Room “finds” and features.
Activity: Create displays to feature our non-circulating collections (i.e. the Woman’s Club collection).
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. Although there are many unknowns at this time due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, the library administration anticipates that funding will remain adequate to continue operation of the library to meet standards and community needs.
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 resource sharing member of SRCS, NIDL, and also maintains a reciprocal relationship with the Roann Public 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.
The library also partners with Manchester University through student volunteerism with library related programs and events such as the Teen Makerspace and BeTween programs. Partnerships with MU professors provides writing workshops, book discussions and music programs in the library. Then reciprocally, the library provides outreach programming to MU students through collaboration with university instructors and administration.
North Manchester community businesses and local nonprofit organizations strongly support the library’s successful summer reading program through yearly sponsorships. These sponsorships, for example, have enabled the library to subscribe to Beanstack, a virtual reading tracker software to enhance online reading programmings.
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 the Pony Creek Basket Guild.
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, however, more collaborative opportunities need to be explored.
Currently, the Programming Coordinator and Children’s Department Manager visit the local day care (MELC) on a weekly basis to do storytimes, and also to the Manchester schools on a monthly basis. They also visit the Manchester schools to promote summer reading programs.
The Outreach Coordinator collaborates with the two area retirement communities regarding library materials for patrons in these communities on a weekly basis. Library volunteers or employees deliver and pick 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 homebound patron via phone or the web, or our volunteers will choose materials for homebound patrons based on their reading preferences.
Collections and Circulation
The library maintains a broad collection of materials for circulation by patrons. Collections with the highest consistent circulation are the DVD collection followed by children’s books, newly arrived titles, and large print titles. The library’s hotspots also maintain a high circulation. Newer collections that are currently growing are the Makerspace-To-Go collection, Spanish language materials, the seed catalog, and the children’s activity kits. The historical collection in the library’s Indiana Room was recently reorganized and genrefied, however, more needs to be done 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 seven children’s computers. Throughout the library, there are three library catalog computers available. The library has three hotspots that patrons may check out. There are five laptops for in house patron use. Currently, there is a limited WiFi area in the library parking lot.
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. Children can practice thinking directionally, problem solving, and simple coding with the library Code-A-Pillar. Five library PBS Kids Tablets allow children to watch live streams of PBS TV shows, play pre-loaded games, and experiment with basic coding.
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, disc cleaners, a lamination machine, and a video and photo conversion station.
Due to budget restrictions, the library often needs to extend or hold off replacement of aging computers and other equipment. Survey and interview feedback states a growing need for more WiFi hotspots, as well as increased WiFi presence on the library grounds. Staff survey responses convey a need to improve staff equipment and technology resources in order to more efficiently serve the community and to provide more streamlined services.
Service Responses
GOAL: LIBRARY BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Objective: Create specific outside independent interactive features to engage patrons and community utilizing library grounds space.
Activity: Work with the creators of the Story Walk movement to explore our options for a permanent Story Walk installation at NMPL.
Activity: Explore outdoor seating installations to provide designated spaces for outdoor book talks and afterschool programs.
Activity: Investigate and implement a flat playground concept for outdoor play.
Activity: Market and invite patrons to use outside space - i.e. have a picnic, come and read, play games on the lawn.
Activity: Create a Little Free Library outside-facilitate take a book/leave a book exchange.
Objective: Develop programming and outreach to increase use of outside library grounds.
Activity: Encourage outdoor play by developing STEM and STEAM activities on the library lawn.
Activity: Develop nature literacy programming for kids.
Activity: Collaborate in the fall community Harvest Arts Fest utilizing library grounds - provide hands on craft programming, storytimes, free books giveaway.
Objective: Make sure the library physical environment is accessible for neurodiverse individuals and individuals with physical disabilities.
Activity: Invite staff and guests from Daniel’s Place to come to the library to complete a walk through of the library and provide us with recommendations.
Activity: Invite special education staff and students from Manchester Community Schools to complete a walk through of the library and provide us with recommendations.
Activity: Invite Bowen Center staff who focus on Autism services and interested clients to complete a walk through of the library and provide us with recommendations.
GOAL: TECHNOLOGY
OBJECTIVE: Explore technology resources to enable staff to provide more streamlined services.
Activity: Purchase a credit card machine to increase convenience of patrons.
Activity: Purchase patron computer sign up scheduling software for increased patron
convenience and staff efficiency.
Activity: Compile an archive of helpful tools, tutorials and simple lessons on basic computer functions that patrons can easily access from the public computer desktops to assist their continuing tech education.
OBJECTIVE: Explore technology resources to more efficiently serve the community.
Activity: Purchase electronic signage for library grounds to improve and increase marketing.
Activity: Increase number of WiFi Hotspots to assist more patrons without broadband access.
Activity: Provide increased WiFi access outside the library building to assist patrons without broadband access.
Activity: Purchase a Krayon Kiosk https://aridanbooks.com/shop/ and tablets to facilitate interactive sensory learning experiences.
GOAL: COLLECTIONS
OBJECTIVE: Grow the Activity Kit and Makerspace-To-Go collections.
Activity: Add more household tools and supplies that would encourage cooking and DIY Projects.
Activity: Assemble STEM and STEAM activity bags for the kit collection.
Activity: Explore ways to use themed take-home kits to supplement library programming
and encourage learning before and after library program activities.
OBJECTIVE: Obtain collection materials for struggling readers.
Activity: Purchase additional Large Print materials for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Purchase Dyslexic Reader friendly materials for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Purchase additional Braille books for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Purchase additional sensory centered books for the Children’s Department.
Activity: Increase the Spanish Language collection.
GOAL: PROGRAMMING AND OUTREACH
OBJECTIVE: Continue to build a collaborative relationship with the North Manchester Center for History.
Activity: Host a yearly escape room.
Activity: Host a yearly book talk in connection with traveling/featured exhibits.
Activity: Host a murder mystery evening at NMCH that promotes local genealogy and history.
Activity: Continue to use NMCH as an off-site location for community events and programs.
OBJECTIVE: Develop outreach for elderly community members with a strong focus on intergenerational programming.
Activity: Facilitate connecting area retirement homes and elementary school classes to
develop a pen pal program.
Activity: Increase advertising of Homebound services for Peabody and Timbercrest
Residents.
Activity: Create a Winter Reading Challenge for Peabody/Timbercrest residents (encourage more Homebound sign up/checkout). Work with Friends of the Library (for FOL merchandise) and Peabody/Timbercrest staff (for campus gift shops and cafes) to offer incentives.
Activity: Schedule yearly visits from the Peabody Bus during Community Helpers Storytimes.
Activity: Your Library @ Peabody/Timbercrest - host joint arts/crafts/game programs at retirement communities. Invite library families to meet their librarians at the retirement centers for a fun time with residents.
Activity: Explore possible collaborations with the Garber Simmons Senior Center.
OBJECTIVE: Provide programs and services designed for non-English speakers.
Activity: Provide bilingual storytimes inside and outside of the library.
Activity: Meet with St. Robert’s Church pastor to explore the possibility of setting up a library table at cultural events/celebrations.
Activity: Advertise job openings through St. Robert’s in order to recruit Hispanic staff members.
Activity: Choose a minimum of 3 signs a month (1 child, 1 teen, 1 adult program) to duplicate in Spanish for in-house advertising.
Activity: Explore the possibility of Spanish language students (from MHS or MU) creating a Spanish version of the newsletter twice a year (Spring and Fall).
OBJECTIVE: Promote financial literacy in the community.
Activity: Periodically invite local banks to distribute free piggy banks and talk about smart money management as part of existing programs that already have a consistent attendance (i.e. Evening Tales, Creative Kids).
Activity: Highlight books about kids and entrepreneurship in virtual book talks.
Activity: Host adult programming provided by banks, tax preparation services, and other community organizations.
OBJECTIVE: Increase services to people who are developmentally disabled.
Activity: Host tours of library/resources for Daniel’s Place guests, special education classes from Manchester Community School system, and family members.
Activity: Provide special programming at the library, Daniel’s Place, and schools.
Activity: Continue to provide opportunities for special education students to volunteer at the library.
Activity: Utilize Beanstack to create special reading challenges for this population.
OBJECTIVE: Increase usage and awareness of the Indiana Room.
Activity: Host genealogy and archive workshops for Adult, Teens and Children.
Activity: Post special Social Media features on different Indiana Room “finds” and features.
Activity: Create displays to feature our non-circulating collections (i.e. the Woman’s Club collection).
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. Although there are many unknowns at this time due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, the library administration anticipates that funding will remain adequate to continue operation of the library to meet standards and community needs.
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 resource sharing member of SRCS, NIDL, and also maintains a reciprocal relationship with the Roann Public 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.
The library also partners with Manchester University through student volunteerism with library related programs and events such as the Teen Makerspace and BeTween programs. Partnerships with MU professors provides writing workshops, book discussions and music programs in the library. Then reciprocally, the library provides outreach programming to MU students through collaboration with university instructors and administration.
North Manchester community businesses and local nonprofit organizations strongly support the library’s successful summer reading program through yearly sponsorships. These sponsorships, for example, have enabled the library to subscribe to Beanstack, a virtual reading tracker software to enhance online reading programmings.
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 the Pony Creek Basket Guild.
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, however, more collaborative opportunities need to be explored.