NEW HAVEN, CT – The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) is excited to announce the launch of community feedback sessions as part of its 2024 Strategic Planning Process. In July 2024, the Library embarked on its new planning process aimed at shaping the future of library services for the New Haven community. NHFPL invites all members of the public to join an engagement workshop and share their thoughts on opportunities and challenges to strengthen our services in New Haven. As part of this process, the Library will host ten community engagement workshops citywide to gather input directly from residents on how NHFPL can best support their informational, cultural, and educational needs.

“We believe that community connection and inclusivity are at the heart of a thriving library system,” said City Librarian and Director Maria Bernhey, “By reaching out to our diverse community in multiple languages and formats, we’re ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of our Library. The insights we gather will be essential in helping us create a long-term vision that aligns with the community's evolving needs and aspirations for the next three years.”

The Library is committed to ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard and considered in the strategic planning process. Participation in these workshops allows library staff to develop and tailor programs, services, and collections to better meet the needs of New Haven's residents. Beginning in September, The Library will offer workshops including two facilitated in Spanish, one in Chinese, and one English-language workshop available online for those who are unable to attend an in-person session. 

The community engagement workshops schedule is as follows:

• September 9, 6-7:30 pm: Mitchell Branch, 37 Harrison Street (English)
• September 19, 6-7:30 pm: Fair Haven Branch, 182 Grand Avenue (English)
• September 23, 6-7:30 pm: Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street (English)
• September 24, 6-7:30 pm: Wilson Branch, 303 Washington Avenue (English)
• September 26, 6-7:30 pm: Fair Haven Branch, 182 Grand Avenue (Spanish)
• September 28, 1:30-3 pm: Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street (English)
• September 30, 6-7:30 pm: Virtual, Zoom (English)
• October 1, 6-7:30 pm: Wilson Branch, 303 Washington Avenue (Spanish)
• October 2, 6-7:30 pm: Stetson Branch, 197 Dixwell Avenue (English)
• October 8, 6-7:30 pm: Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street (Chinese)

In addition to the workshops, Library staff will engage with the community at various citywide outreach events, where they will conduct surveys and collect testimonials to gather further feedback. Information collected from the workshops and surveys will play a crucial role in determining the Library’s priorities for the coming years.

“The New Haven Free Public Library is a cornerstone of our community, and must continuously adapt to reflect evolving community needs, challenges, and opportunities.  This fall’s multilingual community workshops and outreach events will give all residents in all neighborhoods the opportunity to weigh in on what they want from their Library,” said New Haven Free Public Library Board President Andrew Giering, “We encourage all New Haveners to take part in the 2024 Strategic Planning Process and to share your input and insights.  With your help, this essential institution can evolve to meet changing times and needs while continuing to build a strong, resilient, and informed community where everyone can thrive.”

The Library’s new Strategic Framework document will be released in early 2025, detailing the initiatives and goals the Library plans to address. NHFPL is dedicated to evolving to meet the changing needs of the community and providing services that enhance the lives of all residents. Please stop into your local branch, visit nhfpl.org, or follow the Library on social media at @nhfpl to stay updated on workshop dates and locations.

About the New Haven Free Public Library

The New Haven Free Public Library welcomes over 800,000 visitors annually through our front doors and digital portals, realizing our mission of fostering lifelong learning, inspiring curiosity, and building community through shared access to resources, experiences, and opportunities for all. The library system includes the Ives Memorial Library on the historic New Haven Green, 24/7 online services, the Readmobile and Book Pedaler bike bringing books to early childhood learning centers, and four neighborhood libraries: Fair Haven, Mitchell, Stetson, and Wilson. Now and tomorrow, the New Haven Free Public Library will transform lives and contribute to creating a strong, resilient, and informed community where everyone can thrive.

The New Haven Free Public Library is a 2019 winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for distinctive service to their communities. For more information, visit nhfpl.org.

PRESS CONTACT

Rory Martorana: (203) 833-1893|rmartorana@nhfpl.org