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Mitchell Library board adopts three-year strategic plan and approves small project funding
Summary
The Mitchell Library Board approved a 2025–2028 strategic plan and voted to fund several small projects including painting, a second art-bus session, and a test prize for teen summer reading; board members reaffirmed support for matching half the cost of a proposed digital sign pending city funding.
The Mitchell Library Board on Tuesday approved a 2025–2028 strategic plan and authorized several modest expenditures to support marketing, programming and building repairs.
Library Director Kevin told the board the plan focuses on marketing and outreach (including a proposed digital sign), reorganizing collection space for children and an intermediate collection, testing social-media outreach, exploring a drive-up book return and pursuing a space-analysis study. The board voted to approve the plan after committee review.
In separate votes the board approved three funding requests intended as short-term, local investments: $500 to buy paint and supplies to improve lighting under the building soffit before installing perimeter track lighting; $400 requested by staff to co-pay for a second two-hour session of the “magic art bus” run in partnership with the Mitchell Area Council for the Arts; and a staff proposal to test whether a single larger prize might boost teen participation in summer reading (staff listed two possible prize figures in the meeting materials).
Director Kevin said the board has indicated it will provide half the cost of a digital sign if the city approves the other half through the municipal supplemental budget. He said a city council first reading had already passed and the second reading was expected at the next council meeting.
Board members and staff discussed implementation benchmarks included in the plan: installing the digital sign when funding is secured; creating how-to webpages and short videos; choosing a second social-media platform; and a phased approach to a space analysis and potential consultant procurement. Staff said they will pursue grant or city funding for any consultant work.
The board’s motions were approved by the members present without recorded opposition. After the vote the board chair set the next regular meeting for May 20 at 5:15 p.m. at city council chambers.
Why it matters: the plan and the small expenditures are aimed at increasing visibility and participation for library services, particularly among children and teens. The digital sign and social-media work are intended to support circulation growth and program attendance already reported by staff.
What’s next: staff will proceed with the paint purchase and art-bus scheduling, refine the teen-prize proposal for summer reading, and publish the strategic plan online once the board’s approval is processed.
