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YOUNGSTOWN -- The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting a series of community feedback conversations as part of its strategic planning process.
The library seeks insight and ideas from patrons, community members and stakeholders to help shape its future directions and initiatives.
"Community feedback is at the heart of our strategic planning process," Maggie Henderson, strategic communications officer, said. "We want to hear from our community members about their aspirations for the library, the services they value most and how we can best support their needs."
The library stated in a news release that "as a cornerstone of knowledge and community engagement," it is committed to continuously evolving and adapting to meet changing needs.
Its strategic planning process provides an opportunity for the library to refine its goals, "ensuring it remains an inclusive and innovative hub for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment."
During these informal conversations, patrons and community members will have the opportunity to share their perspectives with Director and CEO Aimee Fifarek.
Sessions are:
• Today, 3 to 5 p.m., East Library (as part of East Library's Community Day), 430 Early Road, Youngstown;
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tri-Lakes Library (as part of Tri-Lakes 10th anniversary celebration), 13820 Mahoning Ave., North Jackson;
• Monday, 2 to 4 p.m., Struthers Library, 95 Poland Ave., Struthers;
• Aug. 1, 9 to 11 a.m., Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown;
• Aug. 3, 4 to 6 p.m., Austintown Library, 600 S Raccoon Road, Youngstown;
• Aug. 5, 4:30 p.m., Green Township Fire Department (as part of the Green Township Fireman's Festival), 12210 Lisbon Road, Greenford;
• Aug. 22, 4 to 6 p.m., Canfield Library, 43 W Main St, Canfield;
• Aug. 30, 4 to 6 p.m., Michael Kusalaba, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.
For those unable to attend the conversations in person, an online survey is available on the library's strategic planning website, where community members can contribute their thoughts and suggestions. Paper copies of the survey also are available at branches.
The library began the collaborative strategic planning process at the beginning of 2023, holding focus groups and town halls with its nearly 200 employees at every branch, as well as with library board of trustees members, to chart a road map for the future.
The final plan will be released by the end of 2023.
There are 15 branches across Mahoning County, including the Main Library in downtown Youngstown.