Library launches new look, strategic plan

October 24, 2013 · 0 Comments

The King Township Library Board unveiled a new logo, and a long-term plan for members of the public last week.
The event, held at the King City branch, set the stage for reintroducing modern public library service to the community.
Board chair Gordon Craig welcomed and introduced council and board members in attendance. Rona O’Banion, library CEO, provided some context and background about the development of the logo, and subsequently, the multi-media video. They previewed the video for the public, which was very well received and generated a lot of positive feedback from the attendees.
The library board worked with local graphic designer Connie Clearwater for the development of the logo, and their new Programs & Services brochure, and Slipone Digital Studios for the multi-media video. Slipone is owned by Sam Reid, keyboardist for Glass Tiger.
Craig provided a brief summary of the Strategic Plan and its four main themes and goals:

Community Destination

This theme’s primary focus is on King’s facilities; specifically to make them community destinations by transforming them into vibrant, creative spaces for learning, discovery and relaxation. Library officials will incorporate green principals into their building plans and continue to align ourselves with the Township’s sustainability philosophy.

Strengthened Services

This focuses on revitalizing the libraries collection, programs and services to meet the needs of our growing community.
“We want to also ensure that our staff have the necessary support and training opportunities to continue to grow and refine their skills.”

Innovation and Connections

The library system will continue to foster a dynamic culture of innovation and leverage cutting-edge technology wherever possible to enhance library services.

Elevated Profile

The Library strives to be recognized and valued as an essential service by all members of the community. They will continue to work with community partners to realize this goal. And the first step in raising their profile is the video and the new logo.
Library board members also publicly recognized Vicki Leung, the King City Secondary School student who did the manga mural that’s hanging in the children’s area in King City. Kelley England, manager of children and young adult services, thanked Vicki and presented her with a token of their appreciation (an art book on manga).
Sharon Bentley provided a brief overview of the activities we have planned for Ontario Public Library
In 2012, the library board initiated a renewal of its strategic plan to identify priorities and chart a course for the King Township Public Library (KTPL) over the next four years. The new plan builds on past achievements and responds to the challenges of rapid changes in technology and intense population growth.
The board engaged the community in a variety of ways to solicit their feedback on current and anticipated services. The consultation process included public input in the form of in-house and online surveys and community focus groups. The library board, staff, senior municipal staff and elected officials were also canvassed to contribute their vision of future library services in the Township.
Results of the public consultation process were encouraging – KTPL scored very high in the area of customer service and its current users are very supportive of the library. Key areas identified as requiring attention included more spacious, functional facilities, and improved marketing and communication strategies.
“Public libraries have become catalysts of innovation and creativity, hubs for social interaction and engagement and, we need to ensure that facilities can fulfil these diverse roles. We must broaden our marketing to raise our profile within the community and ensure that all stakeholders recognize and appreciate the value of modern, 21st century public library service.”
In order to realize these goals, the KTPL will spend the next four years focused on the four strategic themes. The goal is to advance library service and be recognized as an essential part of a sustainable Township of King.
“We will inform, inspire, enrich and entertain our citizens by respecting the past and embracing the future,” according to Craig and O’Banion.