Books & Audiobooks
Read the Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for Waterloo Public Library is the work of hundreds of people who shared their ideas for what the library should be. It builds on a long and established history of excellent library service and imagines a thriving community that is multi-literate, engaged and welcoming to all.
Strategic PlanOur Vision,
Mission & Values
Our Vision
We envision a thriving community that is multi-literate, engaged and welcoming to all.
Our Mission
We provide equitable access to lifelong learning and contribute to the wellbeing of all.
Our Values
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Trust
We are a trusted community resource for diverse information and perspectives where the needs and privacy of all are respected. -
Equity
We prioritize equity, access and inclusion in everything we do. -
Joy of Discovery
We spark and sustain a culture of creativity, innovation and self-expression. -
Future Readiness
We support our community to address today's needs and tomorrow's potential. -
Compassion
We embrace the humanity in everyone and treat all with respect.
A staff person checking out books behind the desk at the McCormick Branch
Goal 1: Lifelong Learning
People find joy in lifelong learning and trust the library to support and enhance their learning journeys.
Top view of women use computer laptop to find what they are interested in. Searching information data on internet networking concept.
Better Search Results and Recommendations
It will soon be easier for you to search and discover books, cool things to borrow and more with an improved online catalogue.
Close up of a person using a laptop with icons overlaid showing SEO and other search things.
Enhanced Online Experience
Our new website dramatically improve customer accessibility and usability.
Two tweens sitting and working on a laptop together.
Learn to Code
Learn to code or improve coding skills with our new online resource, Fiero Code.
Goal 2: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access
People know they belong at the Waterloo Public Library. They are authentically engaged and meaningfully represented in the life of the library.
A woman sews on a sewing machine (close-up view)
Borrow New Technology
Get ready to use cool tools and tech at the library.
Close up of an iMac desktop computer, keyboard and mouse
iMac Computers
Design and create using iMacs at any WPL location.
A stack of hardcover books on a table or shelf in the library room.
Language Diverse Picturebooks
We're expanding our picturebook collections to include new languages.
Group of students using computers in their study while sitting at table in the library
Service Excellence at WPL
Enjoy an improved customer experience at all service points across our library locations.
Library Settlement Worker sitting at a desk at the Main Library
Onsite Community Services
We are creating new spaces and opportunities for our Library Settlement Partnership (LSP) team to better serve the community from within the library.
Goal 3: Wellbeing
People thrive because they are connected to the library.
Close up of a person's hands holding cut out paper people
Partnering with WPL
We are streamlining our processes for community groups, businesses and organizations wanting to collaborate with WPL.
Goal 4: Future Readiness
People build a more sustainable community and navigate the technologies of tomorrow because their library is future-ready.
Transplanting of vegetable seedlings into black soil in the raised beds.
Community Led Naturespace
With collaboration from our community we are bringing out outdoor Naturespace to life. We are adding accessible garden beds, water tables, pollinator plants and lots of opportunities for environmental learning.
Group of green sprouts growing out from soil
Seed Library
Our seed library has launched! You can pick up seeds for your own garden from any WPL location.
Polygonal brain shape of an artificial intelligence with various icon with a young woman sitting in a library reading
Explore the Best AI Tools
Explore the best AI tools for creating, planning, learning and more.
Goal 5: A Place For All
People learn, share ideas and build connections because the library provides safe, accessible and beautiful spaces where they can gather.
Library chairs and tables in the Eastside Branch Lounge
Space Upgrades
From new service points to lounge areas, upgraded seating and new study spaces, your library is being refreshed.
Woman using mobile smart phone and laptop with internet network connection, social media marketing
Accessible Communications
We are upgrading accessible communications across our system in everything from wayfinding signage to our website.
McCormick Branch Exterior
McCormick Branch Renovation
We want to hear from you about the upgrades and improvements you would like to see when our McCormick Branch is renovated.
Top view of hands with clay making of a ceramic pot on the pottery wheel
Bringing Art to the Library
We are collaborating with the Clay and Glass Gallery to bring new experiences of art and culture to the library.
Find Your Place in Our Plan
We want to bring our strategic plan to life with the help of our community. If you are passionate about something you see in our plan or have ideas for what we should be doing next, use the form below to connect with us.