The phrase “strategic plan” makes my dad’s eyes roll. Why would anyone make a plan that is not strategic? That aside, the CM Library Board started out a year ago to create a strategic planning document that will provide direction for the next several years. In the process of creating the Plan we created mission and vision statements:
Our Mission: The Cavan Monaghan Library offers our members and residents in-branch and online resources, spaces, programs and services to enrich their lives.
Our Vision: The Cavan Monaghan Library continues to be a trusted local partner committed to improving the economic, social and environmental vitality of our municipality. We do this by empowering members and residents through access to high-quality resources, safe and welcoming spaces, innovative programs and valuable services that connect them with their neighbours and the world.
We plan to support these statements through three “Strategic Directions” which we have labeled: Optimizing Spaces, Maximizing Services and Growing Partnerships/Fundraising. The full text of the Plan is available on the CM Libraries’ website under the “Get Involved” tab.
On the topic of “Getting Involved” – interested in joining the Library Board? Now that the municipal election has occurred, the new Council will call for applications from interested residents of Cavan Monaghan to become part of the Library Board. The Library Board is a “governance board” which sets policies and directions (like those in the Plan). If interested in applying to join the Board, please contact Karla for more information.
At the Libraries, we are always thinking up new activities, new programs. Our newest program is an informal coffee time on Wednesdays around 11:00 in Millbrook. Erin and I are looking forward to sitting down and chatting with anyone who has a few minutes to drop by and share a cup of coffee. We hope to make this a weekly activity and to invite guest speakers. For those who are English Language Learners, we welcome you to drop by and chat with us.
Throughout November many of our other activities will continue: on Wednesdays, Courtney will be setting out “Sensory Bins” for the little ones and she will lead Storytimes on Thursdays and Fridays. We are looking at adjusting start times for some of our Wednesday and Friday children’s programs – please check our online calendar or the newsletter for the new times.
Community Threads will be held on Saturday, November 19th (BJB) and Wednesday, November 23rd (MB). The new project for Community Threads is cat blankets for the Humane Society. Ask for details.
The Cookbook Book Club will be held on Saturday, November 19th @ 1:30 – as an amateur cake decorator, I will attempt to demonstrate how to make buttercream cake decorations! Supplies will be on hand for you to try and there will be samples.
For more details, times and more activities check out the CM Libraries’ revamped newsletter available on our website at www.cmlibraries.ca.
By Karla Buckborough, CEO/Librarian, CM Libraries
