Henrico County Public Library recently released its Library Services Plan, which includes new mission, vision and goals for the future of the library. The planning process, launched December 2010, engaged a wide range of stakeholders in developing a plan for the future.

Through online and print surveys, in-person sessions and individual interviews, more than 7,000 members of the community shared what they liked about the system and what needed enhancements. More than 1,500 of the survey participants shared stories about the library’s impact on their lives. Story excerpts can be viewed at http://www.henricolibrary.org.

Officials identified four main goals through the process:

Enhancing collections (materials, eBooks, DVDs and books) and making them available in a timely manner to customers;

Enhancing community outreach efforts through public relations, the Bookmobile and other methods and improving dialogue with minorities, seniors and others;

Providing customers with high-quality classes, programs and customer service;

Providing physical spaces (buildings, rooms and cafes) that will welcome and engage customers during hours that meet their needs.

The library system consists of four area and five branch libraries, a bookmobile, a law library, and headquarters. During the most recent fiscal year, the libraries welcomed more than two million visitors and circulated 3.8 million items.

For details about the Library Services Plan, visit http://www.henricolibrary.org/mission