9 ways Winnipeg hopes to improve its public libraries

Thousands of Winnipeggers weighed in during public consultations on what they want from their libraries, and the city said Thursday it is launching a five-year plan to shelve those ideas - literallyput them on the shelves of the city's librariesand make them a reality.

• 'Inspiring Ideas' future of Winnipeg's public libraries

"Libraries are an important hub of information-sharing and community-building in Winnipeg," said Mayor Brian Bowman in a news release.

"More than 5,000 Winnipeggers shared their voices and ideas with the City of Winnipeg, and the new five-year strategy takes their ideas and turns them into a plan for and by the community."

The city collected input from residents on a raft of topics including collections, programs, space, services, and even the social role of the library.

"We heard about the need for improved hours, expanded online resources, more leisure and study space and new collaborative learning spaces, and will be taking all of these ideas into consideration going forward to ensure libraries remain vital hubs in our communities," said Rick Walker, manager of library services in the statement.

The nine goals of the strategic plan include:

• Supporting early literacy skills with more materials, services and programs for families, childcare providers and educators
• Providing excellent customer service
• Investing in more programs that advance digital literacy
• Ensuring all library branches are welcoming and accessible destinations
• Selecting material that reflects the diverse needs of the community
• Developing stronger relationships with indigenous peoples and newcomers
• Providing opportunities for older adults to meet, learn and contribute
• Expanding the impact of the library beyond its physical branches through community outreach and digital services
• Extending libraries' operating hours for enhanced convenience and accessibility.

The city's strategic plan is available at the city's libraries.