TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse Area District Library finalized a new strategic plan in December, doubling down on plans to boost community engagement and programming for all ages.
The library says that the plan will guide them through the coming years and ensure they’re able to provide support for residents of all ages.
“We see times change, but libraries change with them. We have we have 3D printers, we have audiobooks,” said Michele Howard, director of TADL. “We have a whole variety of services to provide to our patrons.”
The three-year strategic plan has four main points — leading with intention, optimizing physical spaces, fostering understanding and cultivating connections.
“The library is a place that families can come, grandparents can bring their grandkids, students can come to study,” Howard said. “It really is a place that’s a catch all for everyone in the community to come use that space, and so we want to just tailor it to what people want and need.”
Howard says that the library system draws nearly 380,000 visitors a year.
Those guests check out more than 1.3 million items annually, including books, movies and TV, board games, puzzles and even instruments.
“People are using us, and people are coming in our doors, and they’re learning,” Howard said. “They’re coming to our programs, they’re participating and in something they’ve never tried before, and so that’s really what we see as a measure of success. “
The library has programs like a local music streaming platform, where listeners can find over a dozen traverse-city area artists.
It also hosts services like 3D printing, which can be ordered online and picked up when done.
The library holds programs for all ages — just this week, they’re holding an adult coloring night, stitching club and a French language discussion group.
“We also offer things like STEM kits for students who are trying to learn math and science,” Howard said. “We have musical instruments here — if you want to try a ukulele before you buy it, you can do that here. And then you can always just surf the internet, check out a laptop, sit inside the building.”
Andy Shuck, head of youth services for the library, says that he takes pride in their selection of take-home educational experiences and promotion of good reading habits.
“It’s really important for libraries to stay relevant in the community, and that means changing as things change around us as well,” he said. “Our department is a joyful place. We see a lot of joy, and we hear a lot of joy, and we get to work with a lot of families during programs and activities.”