1. 2019 Community Engagement Summary
Pawlet Public Library’s strategic planning in the Pawlet/West Pawlet area

2. This could not have been done without you!
Thank you!
13 Organizations
7 Individuals
Town of Pawlet
Pawlet Public Library Strategic Planning Committee
Pawlet Public Library Board of Trustees
Erica Freudenberger, Southern Adirondack Library System consultant
This could not have been done without you!

3. Who took part Bone Builders Pawlet Library Volunteers
Home School Parents
Mettawee Community Church
Mettawee Community School
Rupert United Methodist Church
Pawlet Community Church
Pawlet Library Strategic Planning Committee & Board Members
Pawlet Library Volunteers
Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department
Pawlett Historical Society
Town of Pawlet Planning Commission
Town of Pawlet Select Board
St. Frances Cabrini Church
Individuals representing Pawlet Food Cupboard, farmers, retirees who moved to community

4. The Process
Step 1: The Library Board designated a planning committee comprised of two trustees, the library director, and three community members.
Step 2: Planning committee members received training in conducting information gathering exercises with groups and individuals.
Step 3: Community members were asked three questions: What are your aspirations for your community? What challenges do you face in reaching these aspirations? What changes are needed in your community to reach your aspirations?
Step 4: The Planning Committee analyzed notes from information gathering exercises by repetition of common themes and recommended three service priorities for the library.
Step 5: The Library Board approved three service priorities for the library’s strategic plan.

5. Top 10 Aspirations
Aspiration #6: Young people are attracted to community and get involved
Aspiration #7: A healthy local economy with opportunities for small businesses and jobs
Aspiration #8: Community embraces and conserves rural character and natural areas
Aspiration #9: Transportation to provide seniors and those without cars access to goods and services
Aspiration #10: A safer intersection in Pawlet, organized and ample parking, safer walking paths
Aspiration #1: More activities that bring people together
Aspiration #2: A place to gather
Aspiration #3: Town and community organizations work together and share information with the community
Aspiration #4: More community members participate in organizations and town government, and volunteer services.
Aspiration #5: Individuals and groups bridge divides, respect differences and come together

6. Top 10 Challenges
Challenge #6: Town government and community organizations depend on volunteers to meet objectives, while volunteer ranks are aging and dwindling.
Challenge #7: The financial capacity of the Town of Pawlet is limited by tax revenue from property owners
Challenge #8: Communication through modern technology is circumventing face-to-face interactions and leaving non-users behind.
Challenge #9: An aging population creates the need to attract young families that will sustain the community in the future
Challenge #10: Lack of affordable housing and jobs deter young families from settling in the community
Challenge #1: Lack of individual leaders or a lead organization to facilitate collaborative community efforts to address community improvements
Challenge #2: Debilitating divisiveness and disconnection among community members
Challenge #3: Local economy weakened by dramatic downturn in agricultural base
Challenge #4: All adults in households need to work, reducing available time to volunteer or participate in town government
Challenge #5: Community members commute to work and have limited opportunities to get to know their neighbors

7. Top 10 Changes
Change #6: An entity actively markets the community, promoting rural and natural areas, Mettawee River, local businesses, community organizations and schools
Change #7: Community members support local businesses, new diversified farms and individuals in private practice
Change #8: Increased collaboration with state and regional resources for expertise and planning
Change #9: Cultivate and support additional leaders to participate in Town organizations and drive initiatives to completion
Change #10: Opportunities for young families to interact
Change #1: A lead organization connects Town and community organizations to facilitate combined efforts to build community
Change #2: A place where inclusive, intergenerational community activities are created, hosted and managed
Change #3: A central multi- channeled monthly newsletter to inform community members about town and community organization activities
Change #5: A planning entity addresses economic development, intersection, parking and walking paths

8. Lessons Learned Emphasize things you want for library
Only two or three or maybe four things

9. Where the Library fits
Priority 1: Provide a place for people to gather for social activities and community discussions.
Priority 2: Offer programs and activities that bring people together and bridge community divisions.
Priority 3: Facilitate Town and community organizations in working together and sharing information and resources with each other and the community.

10. Resources 2019 Community Engagement Summary (insert link)
Community Input Raw Data (insert link)
Pawlet Public Library 2019 Public Programs (insert link)
Pawlet Public Library 2019 Children’s Programs (insert link)
Town of Pawlet eNews (insert link)
Pawlet Public Library Strategic Plan (Draft) (insert link)

11. Discussion/Questions

12. Thank you!