KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY – STRATEGIC PLAN

Timeline:

6 months

Challenge:

Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) has served as a cornerstone of community connection for over 150 years, but the library needed to evolve beyond its traditional lending role to address critical community needs—ongoing digital divides, literacy gaps, demographic shifts, and increased demand for safe community spaces. With nine neighborhood branches, a central library, and extensive outreach serving 250,000 residents directly (and 2.2 million across the metro area), KCPL required a strategic framework that could guide investment, focus resources, and shape services to build a more connected, informed, and thriving Kansas City for generations to come.

APPROACH:

I led visual design and editorial layout for the comprehensive three-year strategic plan, crafting a polished, accessible publication that translates community input and research into clear strategic direction. I also synthesized and owned the look and feel of a staff survey report that was part of the strategic plan’s appendix. I contributed to strategic synthesis and developed narrative content throughout the plan, articulating KCPL's refreshed vision, mission, and values in language that resonates with both internal staff and public stakeholders.

The plan was adopted by Kansas City Public Library's Board of Trustees in early 2026 and guides the library's work across three strategic priorities: Supporting All Learners, Fostering Community Pride, and Facilitating Inclusive Experiences.