LIBRARY News:

The library’s strategic planning process enters its next public phase with a series of six upcoming focus groups, which will be held throughout the month of August.

Each session will be led by a Library Board member and provide community members with an opportunity to explore and discuss one element of library services in depth.

“I think it’s important for people to participate in the focus groups,” Library Board Chair Michelle Griffin said. “This process will help the library gain many perspectives and make the best choices for moving forward. Being a part of a focus group will enable the library to hear the voice of our community and help direct the future of the library and its services.”

Focus Group Dates:

• Aug. 8 at 2 p.m., Mesa Public Library – Services to Children and Teensfocusing on Mesa Public Library;
• Aug. 9 at 7 p.m., Mesa Public Library – Collections;
• Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. ,White Rock Branch Library – Services to Children and Teens focusing on White Rock Branch Library;
• Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m., Mesa Public Library – Facilities;
• Aug. 17 at 5:30 p.m., White Rock Branch Library  – Services to Adults; and
• Aug. 24 at 7 p.m., Mesa Public Library – Technology.

Any community members interested in participating in one of the sessions should call the library at 662-8240 or email Becky Andrus at rebecca.andrus@lacnm.us to register and specify which session they are interested in attending.

“These focus groups will serve as one of the final pieces of input into our strategic planning process before we begin creating the final document,” Library Manager Steven Thomas said. “We have had excellent community involvement to this point and are looking forward to hearing what our community has to say about these key service issues that will guide the direction of library services over the next five years.”

The library’s strategic planning process began in late 2015 and to this point has included the following steps:

• Research and benchmarking into innovative practices in libraries throughout the country;
• A staff survey;
• A public survey filled out by more than 800 community residents, revealing a high level of interest and familiarity with current library programs and services; and
• Preparation for the upcoming focus group sessions.

“Library staff has read widely about best practices and attended conferences with peers from across the country,” Thomas said, “but Los Alamos’ unique insight, character and hopes for the future are what we want this plan to contain – so the more opportunities for public input the better.”

Once the remaining community input has been gathered via the focus group processes, the information will be compiled and used to develop the final plan. The Library plans to finalize and publish the strategic plan by the end of 2016, which will then shape library services for the following five years.