By Michelle Metcalf

Community Information Librarian

What kind of community do you want to live in? That’s a question that will be discussed in community conversations throughout North Syracuse, Cicero, Clay and Brewerton in the coming months. These conversations are an important component of a strategic planning process for the Northern Onondaga Public Library.

Libraries contribute to thriving and successful communities. NOPL, with branches in North Syracuse, Cicero and Brewerton, is committed to being both resource and partner in furthering the interests of the community and its citizens. As our mission statement says, “We are committed to the development and sustainability of an engaged, vibrant community.”

In order to more fully understand the needs of our community, NOPL will sponsor a series of community conversations. The conversations will be facilitated by David Bendekovic, who has served in this role for libraries all over the country.

“Library staff will sit in on the conversations, but the goal is to get community residents and leaders talking and listening to each other,” said Library Director Kate McCaffrey. “We live in a time when it’s easy to feel disconnected from our neighbors. The value of face-to-face conversations about what’s important to us, and what we think needs to happen to build stronger communities cannot be overestimated.”

These conversations will take place Feb. 5, 6, 7, 20, 21 and 22, and will be held in the libraries and in other community locations. A detailed schedule will be announced soon.

Community members of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate. If you would like to take part, please visit nopl.org/conversations or call (315) 699-2032.

More information about the library’s strategic planning process will be forthcoming in print, on social media, and on the library’s website, nopl.org.

Whether you are a library user or not, we urge you to join the conversation!