Rangeley Public Library board of directors announced the launch of a strategic planning campaign during the library’s Summer Celebration Thursday, Aug. 14.

“We’re excited to share that we have taken the first steps to develop a strategic plan to ensure that we are meeting or exceeding the needs of the Rangeley region far into the future,” board member Betsey Shepard said.

Board President Mary Richards said consultant Laura Young had been hired to help with the process. Young has an extensive background working with nonprofit organizations, Richards said.

“She has worked with us to develop a survey. She will work with us on focus groups and community conversations later in the fall so that we can take a look at how we are meeting the needs of the community.”

As part of the process, the board will also review its fundraising activities to ensure they are in alignment with the community’s needs.

The survey can be accessed digitally by QR code or by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/DGJT3SD. Hard copies of the survey are available at the front desk of the library. A deadline for filling out the survey has not been determined. Shepard said it would likely be available until November.

Rangeley Public Library strategic planning survey

People who do not use the library or  its services are encouraged to take the survey as well.

“We encourage everyone to complete the survey, even and especially those who don’t currently use the library,” Shepard said. “It’s as important for us to understand why people don’t use the library as well as how and why some do use it. We hope to identify opportunities to make RPL an important and integral community resource,” Shepard said.

Once feedback is gathered from all sources and analyzed, a strategic plan will be developed. The plan will identify and prioritize opportunities for the library to continue serving the Rangeley region for many years to come, Richards said.