Strategic Plan
2025-2030
Letter from the Director
Dear Norwich Community Members and Library Patrons,
We are excited to share our 2025-2030 strategic plan with you! This plan is a direct result of the input received from our staff, board, Friends of Otis Library, and most importantly, our community.
Our key takeaway from this process is that while you enjoy our current programs, services, and resources, the full breadth of in-person and online services we offer is not widely known. We will continue to get out into the community to share these resources and expand the variety and reach of our programs for all ages.
Thank you to everyone who attended a community conversation, completed a survey, or contacted us directly. Your feedback was essential in helping us develop a plan that connects you with the people and resources to help you, your family, and your community thrive.
We are grateful to Ellen Paul of the Connecticut Library Consortium and Maureen Sullivan of Maureen Sullivan & Associates for leading a cohort of five libraries and guiding us through this process. Special thanks to the libraries we worked with for sharing their ideas, enthusiasm, and expertise with us. This was truly a collaborative effort.
Please continue to stay in touch with us and share your thoughts and suggestions. We look forward to learning, connecting, and growing with you!
Warmly,
The Strategic Planning Team
- Cathleen Special, Executive Director
- Jessica Franco, Assistant Director
- Bassem Gayed, Multicultural Services Coordinator
- Melanie Lozada, Assistant Children’s Librarian
- Michael Gualtieri, Treasurer, Board of Trustees
- Carrie Triba, President, Friends of Otis Library
Mission
Otis Library is a trusted informational and cultural hub that provides free resources for personal growth and lifelong learning. We inspire lasting connections and foster community in a safe, welcoming environment.
Vision
To create a vibrant and inclusive community through library services and programs where individuals are empowered to explore and thrive.
Strategic Initiatives & Goals
Preserve the Past
Ensure the rich history of Norwich will be accessible to everyone by:
- Preserving and digitizing local historical records, photographs, newspapers, and other artifacts
- Providing information and education on how to access the multitude of historical and genealogical resources available
Provide for the Future
Develop programs, resources, and services for children, teens, and adults that empower them for the future through:
- Fun and engaging programs to educate, entertain, and inspire
- School readiness and early literacy initiatives for children and caregivers
- Initiatives that support education in all its forms, such as homeschooling and vocational training
- Financial education, digital proficiency, career readiness, retirement planning, and other life skills
Create Space
Provide safe and welcoming spaces that allow people and ideas to come together through:
- Accessible design and services that can be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities
- Flexible, comfortable gathering and meeting spaces
- Collaborations with local government and businesses to provide ample, well-lit, adjacent parking
- A mobile library to increase our presence in the community and address the transportation challenges of our community members
Expand and Enhance Partnerships
Promote awareness and efficient use of community resources by:
- Working with local schools, organizations, and agencies to identify redundancies in programs and services and promote collaboration
- Initiating programs and services that complement those of our partners and meet the needs and interests of our community
- Collaborating with partners to provide programs in different areas of the city to address transportation challenges of our community members
Increase Marketing & Advocacy
Promote the library as a free and trusted institution while bringing awareness to our resources and space through:
- Website, print media, social media, local radio, and public access television
- Advocacy campaigns that highlight the library’s importance and impact on the community, especially in the areas of education, social connection, and lifelong learning
- Increased visibility and connection by participating in local events, attending local meetings, and continuing community conversations
Ensure Financial Stability
While grateful for the City of Norwich’s financial support, Otis Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on grants, donations, and fundraising events to fund its budget. To ensure financial stability, we will:
- Educate our community on the library’s organizational structure to ensure understanding of our operations and budget
- Build a coalition of library supporters to advocate for adequate funding
- Establish effective partnerships with local organizations to pool resources and encourage cost savings
- Explore alternative sources of revenue