Themes for the Future

To prepare for the future, the Library engaged a cross section of the Royal Oak community to examine community data, Library performance and national library trends. These residents shared their ideas of ways in which the Library could better meet the current and emerging needs of the Royal Oak community.

From these conversations, six themes emerged:

Focus on Royal Oak Demographics

In 41% of Royal Oak households, people live alone. Of Library patrons, 68% are between the ages of 25 and 65, and 64% are women. Youth under age 17 comprise 15% of patrons, while only 9% are ages 18-24. Additional programs and services should engage seniors, teens and tweens, and men, ensuring that the Library serves a greater representation of the community.

Pursue Collaborations in the Royal Oak Community

Initiate more partnerships with schools, nonprofit and community organizations, and use these partnerships to reach a broader segment of the community and be a resource for supporting community issues.

Increase Convenience and Accessibility

Add Sunday hours, upgrade parking access, and increase web-based services to better serve the needs of the community.

Convene the Community

Further connect the Library with the community consciousness by hosting dialogue and information-sharing events about community issues and concerns and by educating people about the community.

Strengthen and Grow the Collection

Balance the need of desired new media holdings with the need of protecting the classics; expand foreign language collections and ensure sustained quality of the overall collections.

Increase the Marketing/Education about Programs and Services

Inform the community about the Library services and programs using a cohesive, 21st century marketing approach.

These themes are the basis for three strategic goals for our future, with an ultimate vision of the Library as a partner in serving the distinct, vibrant community of Royal Oak.