FY 2024 Accomplishments

Objective A, Action v: Expand possibilities for community groups to access library meeting spaces.

• Beginning in April 2024, our updated Library Technology Room is now a reservable space for community groups. The room is now used for library programs, meetings, and trainings, community group gatherings and by study room users on a first-come, first-served basis. The room has been in use almost every day since reservations began, with a total of 273 hours. Preparations for providing this new reservable space included updating the furniture and technology for the room, and writing a Meeting Room policy that covers all reservable Library spaces. 

Past Accomplishments

Objective A, action iv: Partner with other city departments and community groups to provide food service options on library grounds.

• The Library team has partnered with Community Development to provide a business incubator in the lobby café space, dubbed the Opportunity Café! The current café, Chilitas, serves bubble waffles, coffee, and other treats, providing a delicious food option for all who come to the Library.
• The first Opportunity Café tenant, El Cuadrilatero, graduated into their own food truck. 

Objective B, Action i: Provide multiple options for materials check-out and return to increase convenience for patrons in accessing library materials.

• The outdoor “Library Takeout” service model developed during the library building closure of March 2020-April 2021 has been converted to an ongoing service. Now patrons can quickly and conveniently access our Express Holds Pick-Up service during all open library hours. Patrons rely on Express Holds Pick-Up an average of 73 times per month.
• There are also increased self-check out options, including a self-check out station on the second floor of the library.

Objective B, Action iv: Use responsive, antiracist processes to update library policies in order to equitably serve marginalized and historically underserved groups.

• We are currently in the process of updating the Collection Development Policy to consider the foundation of intellectual freedom as well as explicitly working to protect against harm to those with identities that have been subjected to marginalization. 

Objective C, Action i: Heighten public awareness of the library’s resources and services by developing a comprehensive communications strategy that includes redesigning the website and maintaining a network of community partners.

• Thanks to an update of the Library and city website, it’s easier for you to find the information you need, or the next event you might want to join! The website update also provides easier access to those who read languages other than English.

FY 2024 Accomplishments

Objective D, Action ii: Assess collection development practices and develop methodology for providing quicker patron access to high interest items.

• Beginning in June 2024, our Best Seller collection expanded, and now includes an increased selection of Adult Non-Fiction, and the introduction of Juvenile and Young Adult materials. 295 items were added to collection in June, 2024. Some goals for this expanded collection are to provide quicker access to high interest items, to offer an engaging selection of inclusive, diverse titles in a browsable environment, and to provide quick and easy access to a broad assortment of items for patrons with limited time and/or mobility.   

Objective E, Action i: Develop and implement plans for a flexible technology lab that includes tools and events to support creativity, job seeking and skill development.

• Beginning in early 2024, our updated, reservable Library Technology Room is now a space for patrons to meet with community groups as well as to join library programs that support creativity, skill development, and job seeking. 440 people have attended programs in the Technology Room since it was updated in January, 2024. A few examples include creative technology exploration programs with tools such as the Cricut, weekly English conversation groups, One-on-One tech Help, and upcoming One-on-One Job Help.   

Objective F, Action ii: All library team members engage in equity-focused professional development activities.

• In FY24 the Circulation division began piloting a new training called Culture of Belonging that allows for a deeper dive into DEI-B work directly inspired by and in support of the City’s Racial Equity Action Plan. The coursework has included two in-person workshops presented by professional DEI-B facilitators as well as additional learning and discussion done as individuals and in groups. The training will continue through FY25 with the intent to build up interpersonal and communication skills in order to cultivate an inclusive workplace and to more effectively engage with the public.

Past Accomplishments

 Objective D, Action i: Create inclusive, engaging browsing options such as displays in order to simplify and expand choice-making.

• This past year, there has been a focus on in-shelf displays, shelf talkers, coordinated displays for featured, themed, or genre-specific items, all with an eye on highlighting materials with diverse representation within the collection. What does this mean? More books and other materials face out so you can see the covers, helping you find your next favorite read. Next time you stop by the library, keep an eye out for featured items you might be interested in!

Objective E, Action ii: Increase options for circulating technology, including mobile computing and internet access.

• Borrow a Laptop! Beginning this past January, the Library began lending Chromebooks paired with wifi hotspots that patrons can bring home to use. Providing the community with access to laptops and wifi not only meets the Library’s strategic plan objective to bridge the gap to technology access, tools, and support, it also meets one of the city council goals. In the past five months, the Library’s 11 laptops have checked out a total of 87 times. 

Objective E, Action iii: Expand collection and increase publicity for the Library of Things.

• Our Library of Things is growing. This year, we have focused on expanding the collection to include more games, equipment, educational models, and tech toys so you can test them all out, learn, and have more fun. It’s also easier to find the items in our collection, thanks to a new webpage!

FY 2024 Accomplishments

Objective G, Action ii: Provide robust Job/Career support through resources and classes.

• Beginning in July 2024, the Library has partnered with Unite Oregon to provide support for home-based childcare businesses, focusing specifically on providing support to BIPOC and Latino/a/e communities. The monthly clinic is planned to continue until at least through November, 2024.

Past Accomplishments

Objective G, Action i: Partner with the Tigard Tualatin School District (TTSD) to provide library cards for all TTSD students.

• This year, we were thrilled to participate in a partnership that allowed us to create library accounts for all students in the school district. Thanks to the partnership with our countywide library system (WCCLS) and Tigard Tualatin School District (TTSD), 5,451 library accounts were created for students, including 3,051 cards mailed to pre-k through 5th grade students that included welcoming messages in languages spoken at home.

Objective I, Action iii: Develop robust, tailored volunteer opportunities that expand a participant’s ability to tell the library’s story in the community.

• As library building hours expanded and operations adjusted, volunteer opportunities have been created and updated to keep volunteers engaged and to better support the current needs of the library. A few highlighted opportunities this past year: Volunteers were invited to take part in telling the library’s story by participating in city and countywide photo shoots. Volunteers have been vital in replanting and maintaining the library’s updated landscape. 49 volunteers have participated in that project.

On the Horizon

Several other actions are in development this fiscal year, and are positioned to be actions of focus in FY25.

Objective A, Action i: Initiate a design process to optimize library spaces for ideal customer service and patron experience. 

• A key goal for FY 2024-25 is to begin the design process for updating the second floor public spaces. Also during FY 2025, the first floor welcome area will be updated to highlight and increase accessibility for our expanded Best Seller collection. 

Objective F, Action iii: Assess and adjust staffing needs and priorities to best support departmental goals.

• In FY 2024-25, the Library will add a Social Services Coordinator to the team. The person in this position will use trauma-informed and strengths-based practices to build relationships with library patrons and community partners, connect library users with community resources, and assist in de-escalating and resolving conflicts.