About Us
The mission of the Blue Earth County Library System is to provide access to resources, services, activities and information of local interest that encourage life-long learning in a cost-effective manner. The Blue Earth County Library is located in Mankato, with branch libraries in Mapleton and Lake Crystal. The Library also operates a bookmobile in partnership with Nicollet County, and the cities of Mankato, North Mankato and St. Peter.
The Library has a collection of over 192,000 items, including books, videos, audio books, business documents, large-print books and periodicals.
Library users can enjoy free Internet access, the use of word processing programs, and access to a number of databases providing thousands of resource links. Through a cooperative project with the Fifth Judicial District, a Westlaw computer is available for users to access information on legal issues.
The Library serves both new and old patrons through a variety of educational programs, activities and events for adults and youth. These are designed to encourage the use of all of the Library’s resources and for patrons to develop and nurture a life-long habit of reading.
2004-2005 Highlights/Accomplishments
The Blue Earth County Library System continues to thrive as circulation continues to increase, and patrons are served by an updated collection and services and programs that focus on the Library’s mission and goals.
Collection and Computer Updates: Efforts to update the collection of print and non-print materials continue to be an on-going process in all three libraries as well as the Bookmobile. Computer hardware and software have been upgraded and areas within the libraries have been updated and improved to provide a user-friendly environment to our patrons.
The Blue Earth County Library System underwent a complete change in its Automation System in 2005. The new system provides more user-friendly access and allows greater collection accessibility for online users.
Programs and Events: Programs for children, adults and seniors attract new and current patrons. The Summer Reading Program, in cooperation with local businesses and organizations, has been highly successful in encouraging children to develop reading habits that will continue through their lifetime. Computer classes for adults and seniors are well attended for those developing new skills or enhancing their current knowledge of the internet, software and research skills. Author programs attract patrons of all ages as writers share their interests and ideas on a variety of topics.
The library continues to offer annual events such as the River Valley Reads community book event, the Bookmark Contest, Dr. Suess’s Birthday Celebration, Halloween Party and Christmas activities. Many of these activities and events are supported and sponsored by area businesses and organizations.
Branch Libraries: Lake Crystal and Mapleton continue to serve their local patrons with a variety of materials which address the local needs of their communities. Each library provides activities and events specific to their community.
Strategic Planning: In April 2005, the Blue Earth County Library Board updated the Strategic Plan to better address the overall needs of Blue Earth County. With the foundation of a solid Plan which was prepared in the previous year, the Board provided greater focus on library issues and direction in the areas of service, community partnership, technology, and staff training. With this Plan, the libraries are better able to serve our patrons well into the future.
2006-2007 Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
1. Review and prioritize programs and services and create strategies for long-term funding and cost efficiencies.
- Review administrative services for cost efficiencies and effectivness.
- Acquire materials for patron usage that meets the library’s mission statement and meets the needs and interests of the library user. Selection of material will be based on trends, requests and data gathered from Interlibrary loan and hold request statistics.
- Eliminate or add programs and services as necessary based on community demand, library trends, Blue Earth County Library values and/or expense.
2. Evaluate and implement best practices in the application and use of information technology.
- Maintain an inventory of technology for community access, including hardware, software, databases and peripherals. Include staff’s ability to maintain, use and facilitate training to the public on the application and utilization of the technology.
- Maintain an inventory of technology for administrative support including, hardware, software, databases and peripherals. Include staff’s ability to fully utilize and maintain the available technology.
- Review, prioritize and evaluate the inventories and staff competencies in the use of technologies. Secure necessary equipment and ensure training for staff and the public in the areas identified.
3. Create strategies to establish and enhance partnerships with other public and private entities.
- Seek appropriate partnerships from local businesses and organizations for funding programs, materials, services and resources. Review programs and partnerships for approprieteness and cost efficiencies. Identify efforts that have created value to the library (ie. Grants, program sponsorships, etc. ).
- Maintain active participation in Traverse des Sioux Regional Library System and monitor cost and service delivery.
- Maintain library visibility and presence within communities of Blue Earth County.
4. Create a professional development plan for each employee.
- Library staff will submit an annual professional development plan to supervisor during staff’s performance appraisal period.
- Identify training needs for each employee and provide a training schedule.
