Garland Public Library staff outlined a 2026 strategic-plan update on Nov. 10, tied to state accreditation requirements and a public engagement schedule that includes multilingual surveys and a focused staff-development day.

Staff said the library contracted 720 Design (which previously worked on the Central renovation) to oversee the update and that consultants and subcontractors will assist with data analysis, demographic review and survey design. "We officially kicked off the project with the 720 team and IV group on Oct. 21," a staff presenter said.

Why it matters: State accreditation through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission requires a governing-authority–approved strategic plan reviewed at least every five years; the board was told that updating the plan unlocks access to resources and some grant opportunities tied to accreditation.

Engagement plan and timeline: Staff described plans for public and staff surveys in December and January, outreach at Christmas in the Square to reach nonusers, utility-bill mailer inserts in multiple languages and a staff-development day on Jan. 23 devoted to the plan with consultant participation. Analysis would follow in February–March, with a draft presented in April–May to the board and then to the city council for approval.

Board members raised concerns about getting responses during the holiday period; staff said the public-survey window will last roughly six weeks and that the survey will be available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Staff asked board members to help push the survey into their networks and community groups.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the consultant-led outreach and return with analysis and a proposed plan timeline toward presentation in spring 2026.