BPL Unveils Strategic Plan 2026–2027
Burlington Public Library has launched its new strategic plan. The two-year plan will guide the Library’s work to strengthen community connection, learning, and civic engagement.
“We’re focusing on the ways the Library can bring people together,” says Lita Barrie, BPL’s Chief Executive Officer. "We believe in the power of connection, especially among people who wouldn’t otherwise cross paths. This plan responds to challenges like polarization, isolation and affordability, to create a more connected community.”
Building on Progress
The new two-year Strategic Plan builds on the mission, vision, and priorities of BPL’s previous 2021-2025 plan, which guided the Library through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and major milestones such as eliminating daily late fines and relocating New Appleby Branch.
“Our mission continues to be inspiring imagination, collaboration, and compassion to support an informed and literate society,” says Jason Manayathu, Chair of the BPL Board. “We’ve made great progress in the past four years and want to continue in that direction with renewed focus that reflects the needs of the community now and in the future."
To shape this focus, BPL gathered feedback from residents across Burlington, including over 500 comments on the draft plan, and combined it with library service data to better understand what matters most to the community. The resulting plan updates BPL’s three strategic priorities with goals that create a more informed and connected community for all.
Three Community-Centred Priorities
BPL's Strategic Plan 2026-2027 sets out three priorities to help bring Burlington together.
Feel connected, accepted, and empowered.
Priority 1: Enhance community well-being by helping people feel connected, accepted, and empowered to achieve their goals.
Customers will find more ways to connect—with people, resources, local events, and opportunities—through programs and spaces that bring neighbours together. The library will foster belonging by reaching out into the community, connecting with partners, and making it easier to access drop-in support and community resources.
Discover, learn, and explore with ease.
Priority 2: Inspire discovery with collections, services, and spaces that reflect our evolving community.
Visitors will find adapted spaces that fit how they want to use the library, with accessible signage and defined zones for study, collaboration, leisure, and play. Fresh reading suggestions will make waiting for popular titles more rewarding, and a diverse range of Maker services will open new doors to creativity, experimentation, and skill-building.
Experience welcoming, human-centred service.
Priority 3: Nurture a workforce culture driven by our organizational values.
Each visit to the library will feel more engaging, consistent, and welcoming as staff focus on meaningful connections. Behind the scenes, improved workflows and thoughtful innovation will help staff provide responsive service to everyone who walks through the doors.
Read the Full Plan
Strategic Plan 2026–27 is available in multiple formats:
- Tap, swipe, or click to flip through a digital version (below)
- Download a full-colour PDF
- Read a text-only copy online
- Pick up a print copy at your local branch
