[download the Strategic Plan]

Matawan Aberdeen Public Library Strategic Plan

2025-2030

Strategic Planning Committee Members:

Diane Jones, Board Treasurer Doug Preston, Board 1st Vice-President Susan Quinn, Board Member Makeda Wells-Chester, 2nd Vice-President Kimberly Paone, Library Director

Planning Process

In late 2023, the Library Board created a Strategic Planning Committee to review and update the Library’s Strategic Plan. This process had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee consisted of Board Members and the Library Director with input from the Library StaƯ. The process included a review of current library usage, library trends, community needs and community trends. In addition to the research conducted by the Committee, a survey of residents of Matawan and Aberdeen was conducted;316 residents responded. The plan was developed by analyzing all of this data. While the activities in the 2015-2020 Library Strategic Plan were discussed and considered, this document focuses on strategic directions for the future and how best to address current community needs and developing areas of library service.

History of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

The history of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library dates back 121 years to 1903 when the Matawan Free Public Library was opened 7 hours a week in a rented space. By 1921, the library moved to the corner of Main Street and Park Avenue. In 1962, the Borough and Township formed a joint library (currently, one of only four in the state), and by 1967 a new 2,800 square foot library was opened on the current site. As the two communities continued to experience growth through the 1960s and 1970s, plans were quickly developed to add another 2,000 square feet to the library which became the Children’s wing. This also included a basement. In 1985, a two story addition was constructed which added 4,000 square feet. The lower level is the current children’s area. The expanded facility is 9,880 square feet.

Library Budget

The library’s budget is based on a 1/3 mill in equalized property tax.

Library Collection and Use

MAPL provides service to a population of 29,000.

At the close of 2023, Library cardholders had access to a collection of 79,556 physical items and 152,623 digital materials.

MAPL participates in a consortium of libraries from Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties called STELLA. Thus, Matawan and Aberdeen residents have the benefit of borrowing physical materials from the other 42 libraries in the consortium, either in person, or through interlibrary loan.

Mission

The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library provides free, equal access to resources that inform, educate, enrich, and entertain.

We accomplish this mission by routinely evaluating and improving upon our priorities:

•  We are committed to courteous service to our patrons in a welcoming environment.
•  We connect patrons to materials in a wide range of topics in a variety of desired formats.
•  We offer informative, entertaining, and learning experiences.
•  We provide free access and assistance to essential technology and connectivity.
•  We support the continued education and training of our staƯ to deliver professional and knowledgeable service.  We maintain an accessible and safe place for patrons and staff

Strategic Focus

Community and Connection

Over the next five years the library will:

•  Increase community awareness and usage of library resources by exploring new marketing and promotion plans.
•  Innovate new approaches that expand public access to library resources.
•  Develop new and strengthen existing partnerships with local schools that complement their curricula and educational objectives.
•  Expand collaborations with local, county, and state organizations and nonprofits to provide wellness and social service assistance to community members through the library.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees on December 11, 2024