Director Chang told the board the library system is launching a community needs assessment with the consultant Rethinking Libraries. The project includes an 18–20 question survey (estimated 10 minutes), physical and digital distribution, seven community engagement focus groups at branches and partner sites, facilities assessments and public intercept/visual‑voting activities at outreach events.

Staff plan to run the public survey for approximately a month and a half beginning Dec. 3 and to hold focus groups in different time slots and locations to capture varied public participation. Rethinking Libraries will analyze the data and return findings in a final presentation expected in April 2026, which the board will use to plan services, facility improvements and longer‑term priorities.

Next steps: staff will distribute handouts and posters, host focus groups across branches and the Citrus Springs community center, and coordinate outreach at festivals and markets to gather broad community input. The consultant will present final recommendations to the library and board when analysis is complete.