For Immediate Release - January 28, 2025

The Guelph Public Library (GPL) has launched the 2025-2028 strategic plan, “From Barriers to Bridges: Becoming a Pillar of Public Value”.

The launch follows final approval from the Library’s Board of Directors at a meeting on Monday, January 27.

From Barriers to Bridges sets the direction behind the Library’s work for the next four years, reimagining what it means to be a cornerstone of public service.

Over the next four years, the community can expect the Library to empower them with space, resources, support and access by offering inclusive, sustainable spaces and opportunities for people to engage their curiosity and create community. Supporting that vision is the Library’s core values of trust, belonging, curiosity, and resiliency.

"The Library is a critical piece of civic infrastructure and vital to a healthy and thriving Guelph," says Danny Williamson, Chair of the Guelph Public Library Board of Directors. "This new strategic plan represents the Guelph Public Library's ongoing commitment to the citizens of Guelph now and well into the future."

The strategic plan is driven by three core themes: invest in our team, amplify our stories and build future-focused libraries.

Invest in our team

Continuous investment in the Library’s team will set the foundation for how the community experiences programs and services. These investments will include hiring and retaining staff that expand matches growth in the community. In addition, staff training will allow the Library to foster a welcoming environment that can be agile to respond to new and emerging needs.

Amplify our stories

Telling the Library’s story to share the impact its programs and services have in Guelph will help elevate how the community’s needs are being met and celebrate positive outcomes. A renewed focus on community partnerships will play an important role in breaking down barriers and providing access to services and programs.

Build future-focused libraries

Building the critical infrastructure that the Library needs to thrive in Guelph will help establish hubs of learning throughout the city with opportunities to connect and find cultural enrichment. This includes opening the new Central Library downtown, but also planning to align services and programs across branches and thinking about how our services will grow to meet Guelph’s future needs.

“In four years’ time, we want to look back at our efforts and see a new central library that is open and thriving with our branches acting as neighbourhood hubs where everyone feels welcome,” says Dan Atkins, CEO of GPL. “We want to remove barriers, make our spaces inclusive, grow community partnerships and build programs and services that are informed by the people who use them. Our vision is ambitious, but we’re excited to become a cornerstone of public value in Guelph.”

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