2005-2010 Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan was developed during the winter and spring of 2004 by a committee of volunteers at the initiation of the Board of Managers of the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Inc. (FFL). Having successfully achieved the preponderance of the goals set forth in its previous strategic plan, the Board recognized the value of such a plan and the need for a new one to guide the organization going forward. We believe the 2005-10 Plan meets challenges and takes the best advantage of opportunities.

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee were members of the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia's Board; Judi Baker and Kim Pride, representatives of affiliate Branch Friends groups; Martha Repman, Free Library of Philadelphia staff member; and Amy Dougherty and Monique McCallister, FFL staff members. Roseann Gill was chair of the committee and, among other responsibilities, wrote the final draft of the plan. We are grateful to her for her energy and persistence. Leading the planning effort and conducting the meetings was Helen Cooke, a consultant provided for this purpose by the Arts and Business Council of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Goals to be achieved over five years:

Branch Friends Group: Support and maintain the growth and development of Friends Groups at all library branches.

  • Maintain Friends Group Coordinator-staff position
  • Membership and group cultivation
  • Program menu and development
  • Strengthen communication and information flow to groups
  • Provide individualized in-depth support to the groups
  • Leadership training and skills development for groups
  • Improve coordination and connection between groups
  • Provide grassroots fundraising strategies

Community Outreach: Cultivate current and potential library patrons and community leaders and organizations for the purpose of increasing their understanding of, and access to, library services. Acting as the 'voice' of Friends, patrons and the community to the library administration we will:

  • Articulate the needs of the community to the library administration
  • Articulate the needs of the library administration to the community
  • Clarify the role of Friends Groups within the community
  • Clarify the role of Friends Groups with the library branch staff
  • Clarify the role of Friends Groups with the library administration
  • Cultivate grassroots support and collaboration within the community

Advocacy: Advocate for library services through the education of government decision makers, library patrons, the general public, and opinion makers.

  • Increase the visibility of FFL organization and individual Friends Groups with city and state lawmakers
  • Increase the visibility of the FFL organization and individual Friends Groups with city-wide and neighborhood media
  • Increase the visibility of FFL organization and individual Friends Groups with library patrons, Free Library Board of Trustees and Library Foundation Board
  • Strengthen and reinforce the FFL leadership role on advocacy issues
  • Form a legislative committee of FFL board, staff and Group members as needed

Operations: Friends of the Free Library Operating Space

  • Locate interim retail space for Book Corner during the expansion of Central Library
  • Successfully transition current customers and establish new clientele in the new store location
  • Open retail establishment in the new Central Library building