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Oceanside library plans to connect with readers

OCEANSIDE — On the top of the Oceanside Public Library’s list of goals included in its recently approved Workplan and Strategic Plan is to connect more with the community. 

“We want to connect with the community and connect patrons with what they want to see,” Sherri Cosby, library director, said.

The comprehensive list of goals includes building community partnerships, empowering public access, instilling a sense of cultural belonging and encouraging civic participation.

Technology updates will be a big part of achieving those goals.

“We’re working to position ourselves to continue to embrace new technology,” Cosby said.

Staff will develop a plan on how to best use social media to connect with patrons. The library currently has a Facebook page. Guidelines will be set on what is posted and by whom.

Wi-Fi access that was lost in some areas of the Civic Center Library after remodeling will be restored and funded through technology grants.

EBooks selections will also expand. Plans are to increase the number of adult eBooks and consider adding children and teen eBooks that can be checked out online.

The staff will also conduct a strategic study to determine the best site for an additional library. The goal is to be shovel ready to begin construction if funds become available to build. The study will include determining the benefits of additional bookmobile stops.

Currently a library is planned to be included on the El Corazon site. There is no timeline on when a library will be built there or if a library will be built at another location first.

Cosby said the staff is united and energized about fulfilling its goals.

“The staff has been very invested in the whole process,” she said. “We’re ready to get going on implementation.”

Cosby added that the staff’s vision is to make the library the heart of the community.

“We want to be there for everybody,” she said.

Another boost for the library is that City Council recently restored funding for 14 hours of service that were previously cut.

The 14 hours will be split between the Mission Branch Library, bookmobile, Literacy Center and Civic Center Library.