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Cook Memorial Library trustees revise 2026–28 strategic plan, flag Tamworth poverty increase
Summary
At their June 8 meeting trustees reviewed and edited a draft strategic plan for 2026–28, identifying priorities in programming, technology support, facility improvements and professional development while noting Tamworth’s poverty rate at about 9.2%. Next steps include finishing the narrative and a public announcement.
Cook Memorial Library trustees reviewed and revised a draft 2026–28 strategic plan during their June 8 meeting in Tamworth.
Mary Cronin, the library director, presented a summary sheet and has been drafting the narrative and updating demographic information. The board discussed that Tamworth is skewing younger and that the town’s poverty rate has “gone up a significant amount” since the last review; the minutes record the figure as about 9.2 percent below the poverty level. Trustees also noted that Tamworth has the second-highest tax rate in Carroll County.
Discussion focused on setting actionable priorities rather than aspirational language. Trustees prioritized programming and event collaboration aimed at community concerns such as housing, transportation and local news; expanding the library’s role as a space for discussion and information; and investing in facility improvements to enhance programming access, including bathrooms and hearing accessibility. On technology, the board agreed to support patrons in learning new tools and to increase technology staffing; members removed the word "emerging" from the draft language on technologies such as AI. Professional development for staff was discussed as a separate priority.
The draft document was edited in real time at the table to reflect these changes. The board identified the next steps as finishing the narrative portion of the plan, deciding final strategic priorities, and publicly announcing the plan and sharing it with other town boards and committees. The trustees are scheduled to review the red-lined policy drafts at a July meeting before finalizing related items.
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
