New Lenox Library Reviews Strategic Plan Draft Following Robust Community Feedback

New Lenox Public Library District Meeting | October 20, 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees is reviewing a draft of its 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, developed after a successful community survey in September garnered over 750 responses. The planning update comes as library leadership reported strong public engagement across numerous recent events, including a record number of new card sign-ups in September.

Library Strategic Planning Key Points:

• A draft of the library’s new three-year strategic plan (2026-2028) is now under review by the board.

• A September community survey conducted for the plan received 758 responses.

• September’s “Library Card Sign-Up Month” was a success, with over 160 new patrons joining.

• The library hosted well-attended community events, including for the Chamber of Commerce and the Village’s Citizen’s Academy.

NEW LENOX, IL – The New Lenox Public Library District is moving forward with its next long-range plan after receiving significant community input, the Board of Trustees learned on Monday, October 20, 2025.

During the meeting, the board conducted a first review of a draft of the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. The development of the plan was supported by extensive public outreach in September, which included a community survey that generated 758 responses and seven in-person and online focus groups conducted by library staff.

Executive Director Michelle Krooswyk also highlighted several other successful community engagement initiatives. The library hosted the Chamber of Commerce for a “Business After Hours” event on September 18, providing tours and showcasing library materials to local business members. On September 30, the library was the site for the Village of New Lenox’s Citizen’s Academy, which was attended by an “engaged group of 26 individuals.”

Further demonstrating strong community connection, Marketing Coordinator Nicole Wright reported that the annual “Library Card Sign-Up Month” in September was a success, resulting in over 160 new card signups and the return of 10 community bingo cards.