Markham Public Library Seeks Community Input for New Strategy

The Markham Public Library (MPL) is inviting community members to provide feedback as it develops a new strategic plan. An online survey has been launched, which will remain open until October 25, 2023. To ensure inclusivity, the survey is available in simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and Farsi. Participants also have the opportunity to enter a draw for a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, with the winner announced following the survey’s closure.

The MPL’s initiative aims to shape its operations for the next three to five years. According to Diane Macklin, the library’s community engagement director, the goal is to publish the strategic plan by spring 2026. The library previously collected insights from over 10,000 individuals through focus groups and surveys conducted throughout 2025. This effort also included an environmental scan of the community and various town hall meetings with employees.

Macklin emphasized that public feedback is essential for understanding the needs of the Markham community. She noted key themes emerging from the responses, such as enhancing connections among library users, providing skills training and technology access, and expanding family-oriented activities, particularly for older adults.

“We exist to serve the community, so the only way to really understand and know how to serve them is to ask,” Macklin stated.

The current strategic plan was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated specific guidelines that are no longer relevant. Macklin expressed that the new plan will address the current needs of the community more effectively. Additionally, the MPL board has recently updated its global ends policy, which outlines the library’s mission, vision, and target audience.

“Everything is moving so quickly in terms of technology and global events in general that it’s hard to imagine what the library or community will look like in 2030,” Macklin remarked. “I think it would be very important for us to have a strategic plan that is very fluid and can adapt to any kind of changing circumstances.”

Community members are encouraged to continue providing feedback through direct conversations with library staff, participating in quarterly surveys, and following the library’s updates on social media. For further details regarding the MPL’s strategic plan, visit markhampubliclibrary.ca/stratplan.

This outreach effort not only aims to involve residents in the decision-making process but also reflects the library’s commitment to evolving alongside the community it serves.