Released: March 28, 2024
In summer 2023, Delaware County Council and Delaware County Libraries (DCL) contracted ReThinking Libraries to perform a system-wide evaluation of library services throughout Delaware County. DCL formed in 1981 and all the public libraries operating within the county at that time joined the federated system. In the intervening 40+ years, there have been many changes to the public library landscape both within the County and the Commonwealth. Population density has shifted, the needs of residents have evolved, and the Pennsylvania Public Library Code and Regulations have been updated necessitating a review of the operations, organization, and practices of DCL.
ReThinking Libraries assessed the member public libraries and the library system serving residents of Delaware County. During this process, they evaluated the member libraries’ current facilities and services and reviewed overall community needs for library services. The resulting report includes a high-level overview of what they found, recommendations related to these findings, and all the research, input, and analysis that led to those conclusions.
On March 20, ReThinking Libraries presented this report to the Delaware County Council at their regular meeting. The public can read the full report at https://www.delcolibraries.org/System-Wide-Evaluation to learn about the scope and findings.
ReThinking Libraries, LLC is a national public library focused consulting firm, working with libraries and library systems big and small across the United States. Their focus is on facility assessment and planning, strategic planning, and community needs assessments related to public libraries and the residents they serve. Their two principals have over 50 years of combined experience helping libraries to engage their communities, envision their best present and future selves, and evolve to meet the changing needs of their residents and stakeholders.
Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for 26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit www.delcolibraries.org.