The Scarsdale Public Library's Board of Trustees has released its new five-year plan that calls for some big changes.

Photo Credit: Mark Chapman

The Scarsdale Public Library’s five-year plan calls for more welcoming spaces and improved technology.

Photo Credit: Mark Chapman

Better and increased use of outside space is among the goals listed in the Scarsdale Public Library’s new five-year plan

Photo Credit: Mark Chapman

Scarsdale Public Library Director Elizabeth Bermel said library research found people embrace technology but are feeling increasingly isolated.

Photo Credit: Mark Chapman

SCARSDALE, N.Y. – Open spaces. More up-to-date technology. More and better outdoor seating. More targeted programs. A café.

These are among the things the Scarsdale Public Library is looking at in its just-released five-year strategic plan, a blueprint for moving forward in a society that is increasingly connecting online but disconnecting in person.

The plan is a result of two years of meetings, brainstorming sessions, a community forum, five focus groups and lots of one-on-one discussions, according to Library Board of Trustees President Barbara Josselsohn. "Our impetus for undertaking this huge task can be summed up in one word: change," she wrote in her letter introducing the plan.

The plan is divided into six goals and objectives that adhere to the library's mission "to serve a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of the community":

   Strengthen the vital position the library plays in the community.

   Improve the library experience.

   Embrace technology while evaluating traditional services and collections.

   Maximize staff potential.

   Expand community awareness of the library's activities and services.

   Ensure stable and dependable funding.

"Our impetus for undertaking this huge task can be summed up in one word: change," Josselsohn said. "Our capabilities are expanding thanks to technological advancements for gathering and distributing information and our patron's needs are evolving. Community members are increasingly looking to the library not merely for books, but for electronic content, educational and recreational resources, and physical spaces that support both community involvement and independent pursuits."

The plan calls for expanding programming for children, teens, adults, seniors and people with disabilities as well as reaching out to new residents and providing meeting spaces for community groups.

The traditional role of the library is changing, according to the plan, as new technology creeps into every facet of people's lives. "Many Scarsdale residents embrace technology and expect the library to stay current, as well as help them learn the latest technology," said Library Director Elizabeth Bermel. "However, as life gets more hectic and technology-driven, our patrons told us in focus groups and surveys that they are feeling more isolated. We were told that people crave face-to-face interaction.

"We heard a variety of suggestions, from more programs for all ages, to greater opportunities for special interest groups to meet, to providing welcoming spaces to read, work, snack and relax," she continued.

To that end, the plan suggests considering a café, more open spaces, increased use of outdoor spaces and more and better technology, along with the ability to guide users through its use. "The library needs to provide a highly trained, efficient and creative staff in sufficient numbers to support the level and variety of services expected by the community," the plan states.

The plan also calls for investigating alternative revenue sources, offering revenue-generating enhanced services, and trying to increase private, business and foundation contributions.

Bermel said a  lot of what is in the plan won't cost a lot of money.

"We were very conscious of the financial situation as we wrote the plan, and a lot of it will not take additional funding," she said. "One of the purposes of the plan is to make sure our current resources are well-spent, and that we are using them as efficiently as possible. We wanted to make sure that the public is getting the most from the library. For projects that may require additional funding, we are being as flexible and creative as possible. We have a lot of support from the Friends of the Scarsdale Library, who have earmarked some of their funds for special projects. For example, last Friday's Spelling Bee proceeds will go to refurbishing the Children's Room, and last year's proceeds went to the upgrade of the equipment in the Library's Scott Room. We will also look for grants whenever possible"

See a copy of the plan attached at the end of this story.

Scarsdale Public Library Five-Year Plan