The Grafton Public Library’s Long Range Plan (LRP) expired in December, 2029, “and we have had an extension due to the pandemic, but it’s time to update, review priorities and see where we are going, next!” GPL Director Beth Schreiber says in her newsletter.

“Strategic planning isn’t new for Grafton—it is a routine part of running a successful library, and considered to be a standard of best practices in library management.

“We are seeking a community of key stakeholders—Grafton residents, property owners, business owners, and community leaders—to volunteer to serve on a Planning Committee that will assist in setting library service priorities for the next five years (2024-2028).

“The time commitment is about six hours total,” Ms. Scheiber said. “Participants MUST attend two evening focus group meetings, one in July, one in August. Meeting attendance is MANDATORY for Planning Committee members. The successful candidate has a strong working knowledge of the Grafton community, and may or may not be a current library user. The meetings will be facilitated by an outside library consultant.

“Meetings will include: defining a vision for the community served by the library; brainstorming; and conducting a strengths, weaknesses, growth opportunities and aspirations analysis, first looking at the community, then internally at the library. The feedback gathered will be used to develop the LRP for 2024-2028. This written document provides goals, measurable objectives and specific activities for library staff to execute.

“An LRP spanning five years is required by the MBLC for any library that wishes to apply for—or keep—grant funding. We currently have a MPLCP grant of $7.4 million for our new library building, and need a LRP to remain compliant. The plan is due October 1, 2023.

“The LRP is reviewed annually by the Grafton Public Library Board of Trustees, and the library director must submit an approved, updated plan of action to the MBLC by December 1 annually.

“If you are interested in participating in the strategic planning process and joining the LRP committee, contact me at [email protected] or call 508-839-4649,” Ms. Schreiber says.

An Art Festival in Sutton

The Friends of the Sutton Public Library’s Art Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 26th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Town Common.

Giant Legos in Millbury

The Millbury Public Library will kick off its summer reading program with “Giant Legos on the Lawn” at the Asa Waters Mansion on Monday, June 26th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The MPL is also offering an Adult Ventriloquist Music Show on Thursday, June 29th at 6:00 p.m.