Killeen council adopts first five‑year library strategic plan, staff warn of funding needs

The Killeen City Council on March 24 adopted the Killeen Public Library (KPL) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the city’s first formal five‑year plan for library services.

Library interim leadership told council the plan grew from a community and staff planning process beginning in August 2025, and identified four priorities: clear communication and brand identity; community engagement and partnerships; programming tied to needs and opportunities; and strengthening service capacity and physical spaces. "KPL provides access to knowledge and services that engage and support Killeen's continuously evolving community," the presenter said while summarizing mission and vision statements.

Staff presented a peer analysis showing KPL ranks low on e‑materials per capita, total collection per capita and operating revenue per capita (the staff slide said KPL ranked 11 of 11 among peers reviewed). Staff said those gaps suggest a need for increased investment to meet current and future user expectations and noted the plan will ask for funding in upcoming budgets and identify infrastructure options, including potential expansion or a new facility.

Council members praised the outreach and plan, and asked staff to include funding requests in the budget process. Council adopted the plan as part of the consent agenda in a 4–0 vote.

Staff said next steps include posting the strategic plan and bringing funding requests forward during the budget cycle for council review.