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BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Fountaindale Public Library District is setting their sights on the future with the launch of a new mission, vision and five-year strategic plan to help guide them. The library, an innovative community institution committed to serving the needs of their patrons, began their comprehensive strategic planning process in the fall of 2021 when they hired Fast Forward Libraries LLC to facilitate the planning process.

"We are very excited to enter this new era," said Robert Kalnicky, President of the Fountaindale Public Library Board of Trustees, "I am very proud of this plan and the direction it will take us. It will not only enhance our already great library, but it will ensure that we continue to meet the expectations of our patrons and grow with our community."

In January and February of this year, Fountaindale initiated the strategic plan's first phase by administering a community survey, holding staff feedback sessions, conducting a staff and Board of Trustee survey and facilitating targeted focus groups with community members and stakeholders. The library's planning committee then moved into phase two where they developed specific goals that will focus efforts on developing spaces, collections and services to enable patrons to discover, create and grow-which also serves as their new vision. The final strategic plan was then presented to the Board of Trustees at the July 21 board meeting where it was approved. The transition from planning to implementation is currently underway.

So, what is Fountaindale Library's new mission statement? "We inspire lifelong learning, foster creativity and connect you to resources and to the community through our robust collection of books and technology, extensive services and knowledgeable staff."

"Our new vision and mission perfectly encompass what our library does for the community," said Kalnicky. "We're here to help the people of Bolingbrook discover, create and grow through access to resources, materials and our staff. And we're committed to making our library even better over the next five years with our new strategic plan. It's truly an exciting time for Fountaindale."

To view Fountaindale Library's mission, vision and FY23–FY27 strategic plan, visit fountaindale.org/about-us/mission-vision-and-strategic-plan/.

About Fountaindale Public Library District

Fountaindale Public Library District's mission is to inspire community through education, enrichment and discovery. With a collection comprised of nearly 350,000 items, a state-of-the-art digital media studio and a variety of programs, services and resources, the library is dedicated to serving Bolingbrook residents from early childhood through adulthood. For more information about the library, visit fountaindale.org.