Library Director's Foreword

Five years ago, on a beautiful September day, and to the pounding of taiko drums, our 21st Century Library & Community Learning Center opened its doors. The building was not even complete, but we had the essentials - books, computers, water, and restrooms - so what was holding us back? Nothing! Hayward was delighted and, thus, started a 5-year love affair between our community and the gorgeous Downtown Library, as it is popularly and affectionately called.

However, just six months after the Downtown Library opened, the pandemic forced us to shut our doors. But your Hayward Public Library team rose to the challenge. We pivoted, and in 24 hours we set up a system for issuing online cards, and within days, we launched new services like curbside delivery and pre-packaged book bundles to replace browsing the shelves.

Much has happened since then. We are out of the pandemic, our Downtown Library is finally complete, we have acquired a bookmobile and have another one on the way, we have introduced a very popular Makerspace, we are refurbishing the Weekes branch, and we are building a satellite branch in the new Stack Center. We have welcomed over a million guests, we have hosted more than a thousand story times and programs for children, and we have introduced many new programs and services responding to the evolving needs of our community. Yet, this has all been done without a long-term, comprehensive plan.

Recognizing the need for a clear vision, we embarked on an ambitious strategic planning process last year. We interviewed and surveyed hundreds of community leaders, organizational partners, and library users and non-users to find out what our community desires. We compared our services with those of similar-sized and highly successful libraries around the Bay Area and across the country. With the dedicated support of our consultant partner, Bâton Global, who guided us every step of the way, and the tireless efforts of our staff, who poured hours of thoughtful planning into this endeavor, we have crafted a plan that reflects our shared aspirations.

It is with much gratitude to everyone who participated that I present to you our Strategic Plan 2024-2029. I look forward to working with each and every one of you to successfully implement our very ambitious goals. I know that Hayward Public Library, which is already a star by any measure, will continue to grow and thrive along with our beautiful city.

- Jayanti Addleman, Director of Library Services

Acknowledgements

A special thank you to these individuals who have contributed their valuable insights, energy, and leadership to Hayward Public Library and this strategic plan.

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