Cambridge Public Library Strategic Framework

Dear Cambridge Community Members, 

I’m excited to share the Cambridge Public Library’s Strategic Framework! Approved in September 2018, this strategy informs our programs, resources, and initiatives so that everything we do is guided by our mission. 

Your input and ideas were a vital part of this process. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about our collections, services, staff, programs and spaces, as well as for your ideas for improving this great library system. Almost 1300 folks responded to our online survey! Many of you attended our in-person community forums or shared your thoughts on our popular Idea Walls, posted throughout the city. 

In the survey results, we learned there is a high level of satisfaction with library services and that there are sustained high levels of library use. Community members praised the patron experience of the Cambridge Public Library, especially the welcoming atmosphere and the high caliber of service provided by attentive, knowledgeable staff. The Library was also identified as a critical community hub and social connector. 

While community feedback was generally very positive, respondents also identified some opportunities for improvement, such as expanding the hours at branch libraries. We also learned that people don’t know all the library offers. Respondents often shared suggestions for services that already exist or described how they’d only recently become aware of some long-standing offerings. 

We used your valuable input to clarify our mission: welcoming all, inspiring minds, and empowering community. We want to support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives.