When you think of the Indianapolis Public Library, do you imagine a stereotypical vision of endless stacks of dusty books and an older woman who provides no real assistance, only evil looks?
Well, think again. Not only is Indy’s library far from libraries of yesteryear, its top officials have devised a strategic plan they believe epitomizes the future of libraries.
“We are looking at the new kind of patron,” said Dorothy Crenshaw, president of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees during an editorial meeting with the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. “Many people are bringing their own devices, for example, or coming to use the computer to apply for jobs.”
Indianapolis Public Library CEO Jackie Nytes adds that while the library plans to continue its traditional, fundamental roles, such as helping kids learn to read, they have come up with an enhanced, detailed plan that outlines goals, strategies and actions for the future.
One of the most noticeable changes will be to build new branches, combine branches or move branches. For example, a library is scheduled to be added to the Fort Benjamin Harrison area. The existing Lawrence Township Library branch will be updated. The Glendale Branch’s lease is up in 2022, and there are plans to move. There will also be a branch added to Indianapolis’ South Side to better serve that community.
The goal is to maximize accessibility to the library and its services.
The facility at 2822 E. Washington Street, currently not wheelchair accessible, will be among the first to see changes. Next will be changes to the Brightwood Branch at 2435 N. Sherman Dr., not far from the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper.
Besides modernizing library facilities, another goal is to enrich Indianapolis’ desire for personal growth and learning. In this realm, planners want to strengthen the library’s contribution to formal education such as marketing services to educators or homeschoolers; be a source for free informal instruction programs; and help prepare residents for successful employment.
Nytes said the library is making sure they’re not losing teens.
“We’re also adding more local art which is a great way to connect with young people,” said Crenshaw.
Professional 30-somethings are also on the list of groups the library is working to retain.
“If we’re going to attract young people to Indianapolis, they have to know there are public places here and spaces they can enjoy and make their own,” added Nytes. Library staff would also like to strengthen Indianapolis neighborhoods, by establishing the library as a civic focal point and resource center. Buildings will become more flexible to neighborhoods’ changing needs, while specific services will be created for key groups such as teens or immigrants. They also aim to nurture healthy and vibrant communities through collaborations; encouraging staff to participate in neighborhood activities; and be a free Internet access point for neighborhoods.
The library would also like to educate the business community about library resources; build relationships with them; and channel library projects to small businesses, for example.
Nytes said the library planners have thought boldly and want to act as agents of innovation in the Indianapolis community.
A multi-lingual website is also in the works. Spanish will be first and Nytes said her staff is currently researching other languages that should come next based on population projections. Bilingual staff will also be hired to aid these communities.
The Indy Library’s plans are based on 18 months of citizen input culminating in the approval of a Strategic Plan for the years 2015 – 2020 describing how the library can help meet community needs in the areas of education, workforce readiness, early childhood literacy and business development.
The next step in this process is how to pay for these ambitious plans.
“We’ve actually calculated the cost of operating these buildings and staffing them. We’ve gone through each branch to figure this out. We’ve also looked at how our libraries operate. For example, if we put more self-checkout, that reduces the need for circulations staff,” said Nytes. “And as more people transition to e-books, that will reduce the need for people to shelve books.”
Calculations are based on projected patronage and projected interest rates of bond issues. The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation has also committed to raise money for programming.
Nytes has taken the library’s strategic plan to the Municipal Corporations Committee of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council. Separate bond issues totaling $58 million currently are being considered by council. The bond issues would be structured so tax rates would not be increased for the library. This measure received unanimous support from the committee. The library’s plan will be taken before the entire council for a vote Nov. 10.
If the library approves the plan, it will be taken back to the Library Board to begin issuing bonds to start projects. If the council doesn’t approve the plan, Crenshaw said the library will go back to the drawing board, raise money and use existing money to make as much change as they possibly can.
To learn more about the library’s strategic plan, visit indypl.org.
