Draft Recommendations Available for Public Comment
from Thursday, September 17 through Wednesday, September 23.

After months of consideration and stakeholder input, the Strategic Planning Committee has drafted recommendations which they will present to the Library Board of Trustees at its October 9, 2026 meeting.

The Castine Community is invited to comment on the five “Strategic Priorities” and “Board Capacity & Governance” described in the plan from September 17 through September 23. Thank you for your time and input.

READ the Five-Year Strategic Plan & Recommendations to the Board.*

COMMENT on the Plan’s Strategic Priorities.

*In addition to the digital link, paper copies are available at the library desk.

Overview

The Witherle Memorial Library Strategic Planning Committee began its work in November 2025 and includes town residents, Library Board representatives, and the Town Manager. The committee has been developing a five-year strategic plan to help guide the future direction of the library, with the goal of completing the effort by October 2026.

Throughout the process, the committee is providing regular updates and presentations to the Library Board on its progress and findings. The first presentation was held on May 8 and focused on the key findings and opportunities from the committee’s initial data-gathering phase, which included staff interviews, interviews with local partners and potential partners, and a community-wide survey.

The strategic planning process is intended to help identify community needs, opportunities for growth, and priorities for the library over the next five years.