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Orem library staff present strategic-plan goals: patrons, makerspace and curated arts programming
Summary
Division managers briefed the commission on a patron-focused strategic plan that emphasizes staff training, makerspace expansion, curated arts programming at Library Hall and volunteer/intern pipelines. Presenters asked the commission for ongoing feedback and potential collaboration.
Library division managers presented strategic-plan highlights that center on a patron-focused experience, staff development and expanded community-facing programming.
The patron experience lead opened the division's segment with the plan's summary statement: "The Orem Public Library will work collaboratively and creatively within well trained teams to create a more patron focused experience." The presenter said 40% of patron-experience librarians are new or in new roles in 2025 and described training, cross-training and professional-development priorities to sustain service quality.
Presenters described an expanded events calendar and a curatorial approach for Library Hall programming: prioritizing quality artists and community dialogue rather than simply filling calendar slots. An events presenter said the library aims to be a venue and a convener, investing in relationships with local artists and care groups that have received grant funding.
Staff also outlined makerspace expansion plans, monthly workshops, and a push to improve booking and reservation processes for equipment and recording studios. The meeting record shows an existing informal internship program with Orem High School and efforts to recruit volunteers and volunteers-as-interns for technical roles; staff said two interns have already been hired through that pipeline.
Other operational changes under the strategic plan include a major movie-call-number reclassification to improve browsability, pop-up programming, greenhouse-based programs and increased use of digital signage and targeted marketing. Presenters asked the commission to share community needs and to consider three commission priorities for 2026 to provide strategic guidance to staff.
Next steps: staff will continue to implement training and programming goals and asked commission members to offer ongoing feedback and consider focused priorities to contribute across the year.
