Introduction to Plan of Service

A library is opportunity. It makes information and learning accessible to all members of a community. It guides patrons to discover and connect, grow and contribute.With these thoughts in mind, the Bolton Free Library has developed a strategic plan for the growth of services over the next ten years. During the course of six months, a community committee comprised of library representatives and town members, research nation-wide plan efforts, surveyed Bolton’s population for input, and considered carefully the area’s indigenous needs. Goals, objectives, activities, and resource allocations were brainstormed. The resulting Plan of Service was approved by the Board of Trustees on February 27, 2008.The committee chairmen were Diane Jacko from the Board of Trustees and Megan Baker, Library Director. Others on the committee include: Jane Gabriels, Friends of the Library and former member and President of the Board of Trustees; Jason Saris, Town of Bolton Board member and Library Liaison; Patricia Steele, Deputy Town of Bolton Clerk; and Sarah Weller, former member of the Board of Trustees.The first task was to define the library’s vision and mission. The vision is: The Bolton Free Library maintains the full range of library services for all patrons now and into the future. The mission of the Bolton Free Library is to inform and enrich the community by providing: access to ideas representing all points of view; support for informational, educational, and recreational interests; guidance in the use of printed and electronic materials; a welcoming and inspiring environment that promotes lifelong learning and growth.The second task was to establish the goals we wanted to achieve over the next ten years. Along with the goals, we also had to decide how we would know if we have achieved those goals. This will be done with many objectives and activities.Goal One: The Bolton Free Library will provide access, in a variety of formats, to a wide array of information that is high demand, satisfying, and enriching.Goal Two: The Bolton Free Library will support lifelong learning in all areas of patrons’ lives – personal, recreational, and career/work-related, and will provide skills for both acquiring learning and for effective use of the library facility.Goal Three: The Bolton Free Library will develop and maintain a wide range of programs and activities to serve all its patrons fully.Goal Four: The Bolton Free Library will provide a well-equipped, comfortable, inspiring, and inviting space for its patrons.The final task was to dedicate the Plan of Service to Joe Mastrianni, our past president who passed away in November 2007. The dedication reads as follows: The Bolton Free Library Plan of Service is inaugurated in celebration of Joseph E. Mastrianni, recent President of the Board of Trustees. Joe and his beloved library give to Bolton education, motivation, humor, courage, significance, friendship, the breadth of the human experience. With this Plan of Service, the library goes forth eagerly and to the fullest, being all that it can, growing further, blooming more. Thanks to Joe.Copies of the Plan of Service are available at the library, and everyone is welcome to take one home to read at your leisure.