A strategic plan is a road map outlining an organization’s long-term goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving them. It serves as a guide for the organization’s actions and decisions over a defined period.

The Whistler Public Library’s comprehensive strategic plan was last updated in 2018. This simple and agile document was crafted to guide and inform the library’s decision-making processes over the subsequent four years. However, plans for updating the strategic plan were postponed in 2021 due to the disruptions and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the library embraced an operational 18-month Strategic Bridging Plan. This plan was devised to assist staff in reaching a point where they could approach the future with renewed perspectives.

The library is updating its strategic plan to ensure that it accurately reflects the evolving needs and priorities of the Whistler community. This includes revisiting the purpose, vision, and values of the library, as well as establishing new priorities to address current challenges and opportunities.

There are several ways to participate:

1. Share your perspective by taking the online survey.

2. Participate in a one-on-one interview.

3. Visit us at an upcoming community event.

4. Visit the Whistler Library project page for timely information and updates.

5. Share your insights and feedback with the project liaison.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone who wants to have a voice in this project has the information they need to participate and can engage with us.

The active engagement period will be open to all members of the public and will run from April 9 to May 10, 2024.

For more information and updates on the strategic planning process, you can visit the Whistler Library project page or contact the project liaison directly. Additionally, you can stay connected with the library through its website and social media channels for timely information and announcements regarding the strategic plan engagement.

The library’s strategic planning process is inclusive of all members of the public who share an interest or are affected by the outcome. This includes the Whistler Public Library staff, the Board of Trustees, community members, organizations, partners, and key stakeholders.

The updated strategic plan will address various topics, including but not limited to livability, accessibility, inclusion, equity, diversity, reconciliation, community engagement initiatives, partnership opportunities, community learning, support for families, youth and seniors, and efforts to address the climate emergency.

The library staff and Board of Trustees are committed to ensuring that the updated strategic plan reflects the voices, values, and priorities of the community.

The initial draft updated strategic plan is anticipated to be presented to the Library Board in late June 2024 and shared with the public in September 2024. However, this timeline may be subject to adjustments.

The library is committed to identifying ways to measure the success and impact of the strategic plan in the years to come. This may involve monitoring community feedback, conducting evaluations, and engaging in ongoing dialogue with community members, organizations, partners and with Lil’Wat Nation and Squamish Nation.

Yes, the library intends to maintain open lines of communication with the community even after the strategic plan is finalized. This may include periodic updates, feedback sessions, and opportunities for ongoing collaboration and input on library initiatives and programming.