Our Next Chapter

The Park Ridge Public Library is pleased to announce the adoption of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, approved by the Library Board of Trustees on August 19, 2025. This plan will guide the Library’s priorities and investments over the next four years. Developed with extensive input from residents, community partners, and staff, the plan outlines a clear vision for how the Library will continue to evolve as a welcoming, connected, and innovative center for learning and discovery.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission Statement

At the heart of a vibrant community, the Park Ridge Library connects people with information, ideas, and one another.

Vision Statement

Inspire a future where knowledge, ideas, and connections empower every individual to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Values

Access

We ensure open, equitable access to ideas and information, defending intellectual freedom and providing a space where all feel safe and empowered to learn.

Education and Lifelong Learning

We support a culture of learning by providing reliable resources, dedicated spaces, and opportunities for human connection, and discovery at every stage of life.

Collaboration

We work together — supporting our patrons and building lasting partnerships to strengthen our community.

Community

We build trust through reliability, support, and understanding.

Innovation

We tirelessly explore all opportunities for improving our collections, services, and the patron experience.

The 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan is organized around four key initiatives that will guide our work:

• Optimize Spaces
  

Goal:
Pursue facility improvements

Activities:
– Update the Library’s interior spaces by working with staff and/or design professionals to develop options, plans, and cost estimates
– Explore opportunities for better utilization of the North Lawn (Touhy/Prospect) in collaboration with the City of Park Ridge
– Explore the viability of a future building expansion project and potential support within the community

Outcome:
Dynamic Library spaces that serve the community with excellence, both today and in the future

• Invest in Resources and Staff

Goal:
Identify opportunities to invest in materials, technology, staffing, and resources

Activities:
– Improve digital access and ease of use of the Library and its resources
– Evaluate digital materials spending to reduce wait times on popular materials
– Utilize data and feedback to maximize the use of physical materials
– Empower Library staff through continuous learning to drive excellence and sustain a high-performing team

Outcome:
Seamlessly integrated resources and high-performing staff poised to exceed community expectations and cultivate meaningful connections

• Align Programming, Services, and Outreach
  

Goal:
Advance and adapt the Library’s services, programs, and outreach

Activities:
– Develop engaging programs and services tailored to younger adults (20s and 30s)
– Expand multi-and intergenerational programming to foster community connection
– Explore and pilot artificial intelligence (AI) programs and services
– Evaluate new services that respond to community needs and enhance convenience
– Pursue partnerships to broaden outreach and services for seniors and retirees

Outcome:
Engaging programs, responsive services, and targeted outreach that reflect community needs and deliver lasting impact

• Increase Community Awareness and Support

Goal:
Increase community awareness and strengthen partnerships to grow appreciation, engagement, and support for Library services

Activities:
– Establish a Library Foundation to boost charitable giving while also supporting the growth of the Friends of the Library
– Increase investment in community awareness and engagement initiatives
– Leverage community engagement to grow volunteerism
– Strengthen and expand partnerships with local organizations

Outcome:
A well-informed community that embraces the Library’s impact and invests in its continued success

Our Next Steps

Beginning in January 2026, we’ll launch the first year of work under this new plan. Highlights for Year One include the following:

• A new app, and a new program registration platform, that will make it easier than ever to browse, borrow materials, and register for programs from your mobile device
• A comprehensive review of our collections to ensure our materials continue to reflect the needs and interests of the Park Ridge community
• A space-planning study to explore how we can better organize and optimize our building to support modern library services and collections

Together, these projects lay the foundation for long-term growth and innovation—ensuring the Library continues to meet the needs of today’s users while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. Use the links below to download or view the plan synopsis or a more detailed report, or pick up printed copies at our front desk. As we begin this exciting new chapter, we invite you to stay.