Bridgeport Public Library Announces New Strategic Planning Initiative

News release from Bridgeport Public Library:

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Public Library is developing a revised Strategic Plan to map out a new vision for library programs and services and is seeking input from the community at forums that will be held at each library branch in the month of April. A virtual session is also scheduled for anyone who is not able to join us in person.

Community conversations are scheduled conveniently during morning and evening sessions. Two Saturday sessions are being offered, as well as a virtual Zoom session on April 3 at 6 pm.

“It is very important that we hear from as many residents as possible as we plan what future library services will look like,” explained City Librarian Elaine Braithwaite. “We have introduced some popular services and programs since I came to the library, and we have opened new library branches, but I am very interested in having community conversations about what our residents like about the library, and what they want to see. There is always room for improvement.”

The community forum schedule is as follows:

• April 2, 6pm - Beardsley Branch, 2536 East Main Street
• April 3, 6 pm - Virtual Forum
• April 7, 11 am - North Branch, 3455 Madison Avenue
• April 8, 6 pm - North Branch, 3455 Madison Avenue
• April 9, 11 am - Black Rock Branch, 2705 Fairfield Avenue
• April 12, 11 am - Burroughs-Saden Main Library, 925 Broad Street
• April 22, 6 pm - Newfield Branch, 755 Central Avenue
• April 24, 6 pm - Burroughs-Saden Main Library, 925 Broad Street
• April 26, 11 am - Beardsley Branch, 2536 East Main Street
• April 29, 6 pm - Black Rock Branch, 2705 Fairfield Avenue
• April 30, 11 am - Newfield Branch, 755 Central Avenue

Jim O’Donnell, the President of the Library Board noted that “The Directors and Staff are grateful for the support Bridgeport residents have given the Library to help us realize a goal of the current Strategic Plan: to build new branches so every resident has convenient access to a library. We are eager to work with our neighbors at these community forums to develop a new Strategic Plan and make people more aware of the library and all it has to offer: to come together, encourage curiosity, pursue life-long learning, and enrich the life of our community.”

A community survey and outreach to community organizations will immediately follow the forums.

Registration for all sessions, including the virtual forum, can be made through the online calendar found on the Bridgeport Public Library’s website: www.bportlibrary.org.

About Bridgeport Public Library: Bridgeport Public Library serves as the principal public library for the City of Bridgeport, the largest municipality in Connecticut. A city of 148,000 residents where more than 60 languages are spoken, Bridgeport is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S, covering 16 square miles.

— Flyer from Bridgeport Public Library