Strategic Plan, 2020 - 2025

Since its founding in 1875, the private, non-profit Providence Public Library (PPL) has served the City of Providence and State of Rhode Island, growing and innovating in response to the changing needs of its community, often recognized regionally and nationally for providing award-winning public library services.

Same Mission, Evolving

In 2015, PPL embarked on the implementation of a new Strategic Plan, entitled "Think Again."  This bold, ambitious plan set in motion a massive undertaking -- the complete transformation of the Library's 1953 building. Fast forward to 2020, and our newly renovated facility includes innovative spaces for education, learning, and exchange for families, teens, adults, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.

As the Library moves forward into its next chapter, guided by our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, PPL will be more linked to online and statewide networks, where Library programming is offered in digital formats, as well as in communities across the state. Ensuring equitable, welcoming access for all -- including all of the places the Library has a presence, in-person and online -- will continue to be integral to our mission.

PPL's Mission, Vision and Values

Our Focus, Beyond Place

In addition to a renewed focus on the power of our place -- the spaces, in-person and online, that make up PPL -- our areas of focus over the next five years include:

  • Centering and prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work;
  • Our staff as a critical strength;
  • Strengthening cohesion across programs and services;
  • Strengthening our role as one of the state's best collaborators;
  • Increasing community awareness and outreach;
  • Future financial sustainability.

Our Goals

1:  EVOLVE THE PPL EXPERIENCE BY EXPANDING PATHWAYS FOR OPPORTUNITY, LEARNING AND ENRICHMENT

2:  EMBED DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN ALL THAT WE DO

3:  IGNITE AND ACTIVATE OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT

4:  INVEST IN OUR STAFF AND OUR SYSTEMS

5:  DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL

6:  STRENGTHEN OUR BOARD