True Vision

I just returned last night from the Eureka! Leadership Institute. I was so excited to be invited to serve as a mentor this year. I attended the Institute in 2008 and it proved to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my professional life. To return as a mentor was a tremendous gift to me, and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of it. Each year the fellows nominate four of their members to draft a vision for libraries that represents their class. Here is the awesome and inspiring vision from the class of 2010:

We, the Eureka! Fellows of 2010, believe the library is the first and best choice for people to achieve success and happiness in our communities.

Our library is a dynamic force for building strong communities by connecting us to one another and fulfilling our educational, economic, social and creative needs and potential.

• Through our collections and programs, we advance learning, reading in all its different forms and literacy at all stages of life.
• We design adaptable physical and virtual public spaces that bring people together around ideas and experiences.
• We commit to creating a fearless and agile workforce who are motivated and driven to exceed customer expectations.
• We pioneer innovative technology to maximize access to information, ideas and each other.
• We stimulate economic vitality by partnering with local agencies to elevate the standard of life in our communities.
• We facilitate democratic participation by providing platforms for discussion of critical issues to advance society and bridge divides.

Our library is a place to fulfill dreams.

(written by Roz Dones, Anna Hartman, Don Rowe and Jennifer Smith)

It still gives me chills. Wonderful job, class of 2010; I can’t wait to see what you do next!