Library Information

Vision, Mission, and Strategic Initiatives

Madison Public Library Vision:

Madison Public Library is a leader in building and sustaining a literate citizenry, transforming lives through knowledge and information and enhancing Madison’s high quality of life.

Madison Public Library Mission:

Madison Public Library promotes lifelong learning by creating welcoming spaces that offer collections and services to inform, inspire, enrich, and entertain.

MPL Strategic Initiatives 2005-2010

I.  Promote lifelong learning

Support people of all ages and from all walks of  life to explore, discover and learn on their own terms and in their own time through access to information, ideas and learning opportunities. Make finding information convenient and customized.

II. Provide resources that inspire, enrich, and entertain

Build virtual and in-library collections that reflect the needs and interests of the community. Provide easy access to books and other materials that expand people’s horizons and provide opportunities for personal growth .  

III. Promote reading

Celebrate books and reading by promoting library collections and book related programs and services to users of all ages. Provide resources and promote literacy skills for people of all ages. Emphasize early literacy through a wide variety of programs and services to families and expanded collaborations with community agencies serving preschoolers.  

IV. Create welcoming library spaces

Create “public commons” – libraries that serve as neighborhood crossroads and gathering places where a diverse Madison community connects and shares. Offer libraries that feature quiet zones to provide opportunities for individual pursuits, and meeting spaces for learning programs and group interaction for people of all ages. Continually create and re-create MPL’s web presence as a dynamic, interactive, virtual space, featuring a local focus.  

V. Build community

Celebrate Madison’s cultural heritage and history, and inspire its future. Encourage civic engagement by offering people multiple opportunities to connect and interact, both virtually and in real time and space. Build partnerships with other community agencies and groups to further Madison’s goals and meet the needs of its citizens. Promote awareness of the Library’s resources, collections, programs and services.  

VI. Pursue continuous organizational development and renewal

Build and sustain an organization that emphasizes ongoing staff development, celebrates diversity, welcomes change and pursues excellence. Ensure that cost effective and efficiently managed services provide demonstrable value to the community.  

Adopted by the Madison Public Library Board March 3, 2005

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