Putnam Library Board Approves Strategic Plan

The Putnam County Library Board of Trustees approved its new strategic plan and vision Wednesday.

Board Chairman Laura Clemons said the new plan was designed to increase the library system’s digital and social presence.

“The main thing that we’re looking at right now is that services at libraries all over the world are changing. Of course, it’s less about books and less about paper and more about digital,” Clemons said. “We have a fantastic resource through the state of Tennessee where we can provide people – who have library cards – with all kinds of digital information, but we would like to do even more of that.”

Clemons said changes will also include updating the general atmosphere of the libraries within the county to accommodate more of the public’s needs.

“We’re looking at everything as simple as paint and furniture, just trying to have a more consistent look,” Clemons said. “We’re looking at redesigning some of our spaces so that we can set aside room for a maker space. It’s kind of just a re-imagination of how we arrange things to suit people’s needs today.”

Other improvements within the strategic plan include an increased community presence, the possibility of providing media streaming, and the creation of mobile hotspots for individuals without internet access at home.