Mission and Purpose:

The mission of the Cook Memorial Public Library District is to provide access to facts, ideas and creative expression Access is provided in the following ways: a) by collecting and facilitating the use of print, audio-visual materials and electronic information services which are of relevance and/or interest to District residents. b) by providing access to materials and services available from sources outside the Library which help the Library fulfill its mission. c) by creating indexes, directories and files in order to meet critical needs of District residents. d) by establishing access to human informational and creative resources within the District and beyond. Purpose: The Cook Memorial Public Library District pursues its mission for purposes which reflect the objectives of the individual people using the Library. These purposes may be characterized as educational, informational or recreational. As an institution which helps individuals develop their own convictions and pursue personal opportunities, the Library plays an important role in the operation of a free and democratic society. Serving students of all ages, teachers, home schoolers, preschool and daycare children, the Library is a part of the educational structure of the District. Furthermore, the Library provides resources and services to facilitate life-long learning. Although the Library serves primarily residents and/or taxpayers, it directly or indirectly serves the entire fabric of the District, including local government, clubs and organizations, business and industry, and educational social service, artistic and religious institutions. The multicultural nature of this District is reflected in the collections and services of the Library. Goals and Objectives: The Library establishes long range plans, goals and objectives to meet District library needs. Within its mission, the Library develops specific services which meet those needs detected by the staff in the course of their contact with the public, those expressed to Trustees, and those which can be anticipated on the basis of demographic analysis, surveys or other means. Goals are adopted by the Board with staff and community.