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Iredell County Public Library presents FY26–30 strategic plan; staff‑led process emphasizes outreach and mobile branch
Summary
Library leaders presented a staff‑led FY26–30 strategic plan that prioritizes collection development, outreach (including a new mobile library), marketing, space improvements and expanded programming; commissioners approved the plan by consent.
Iredell County Public Library staff presented the library system’s FY26–30 strategic plan at the board’s pre‑agenda meeting and received board consent to adopt the plan.
Julie Moore, the library presenter, introduced the staff team and described a staff‑led process that combined surveys, focus groups and community outreach. The plan’s five strategic goals are: strengthen the collection; expand outreach and impact (including a mobile library that will operate as a fourth branch); improve marketing and communications; address spaces and access (notably expansion needs at the Troutman branch and consideration of Sunday hours); and refine programs and services with emphasis on adult and teen offerings.
Staff described data from the community process: roughly 605 survey responses, focus groups across eight community groups and repeated requests for Sunday hours, better signage, more space at Troutman, improved digital collections and transportation access. Amanda Cain and Amy Weber outlined collection priorities and noted that digital titles (ebooks/audiobooks) often carry metered licensing and can be substantially more expensive to provide than print copies.
Library staff detailed outreach plans for the forthcoming mobile library, which will offer Wi‑Fi, holds pickup and programs tailored to community stops. The presenters said the mobile unit will increase access for homebound patrons, seniors and residents with transportation barriers.
Commissioners asked questions about digital costs, courier service to schools and staffing implications for adding Sunday hours. Staff said reinstituting Sunday hours at the main branch would require additional part‑time hires (estimated five part‑time positions for circulation, youth services, information services and local history for the main branch). Staff also reported state programs such as NC Kids Digital that provide recurring digital content funded at the state level.
The board consented to approve the plan and later approved a proclamation declaring National Library Week, April 6–12.
