Please note that the Bolton Free Library Long Range Plan 2026-2030 can also be read at the Library.
Long-Range Plan 2026 – 2030
Adopted by the Trustees of the Bolton Free Library on
December 17, 2025
Linda Breen (President), Mary Ciccarelli, Jane D. Gabriels, Erin Gleason,
Sue Heusner, Aimee Holmes, Lynn Lavelle, Joan Peebles, Tracey Puckhaber
Mission
The mission of the Bolton Free Library (“the library”) is to provide the resources, services and programs deemed necessary to meet the informational, educational, cultural and entertainment needs of the public. It is our hope that these resources will enhance individual and community life. The Bolton Free Library intends to provide the community with free access to the world of ideas and information in varied formats. It also intends to provide a creative experience in an open and nonjudgmental environment.
Plan Approach
Throughout 2025, the members of the Long-Range Plan Committee reviewed the Town of Bolton’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan and also developed and conducted surveys and focus groups to gather input and insights from our community to inform this plan. As of December 2025, more than 220 responses to the “Bolton Free Library’s Got a Minute” survey have been collected and considered. Additionally, a longer, educator-focused survey was administered to
the faculty and staff of Bolton Central School and focus group meetings were completed with representatives of: Bolton Landing Senior Citizens, the Town of Bolton, Bolton Central School, a homeschooling family, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and library staff and trustees.
Some selected survey results that we found especially notable for guiding this plan are:
40% of respondents indicated that they don’t use the library more because they are too busy.
13% of respondents said they don’t hear about programs at the library.
After “traditional” library services (e.g., checking out books), the most common reasons that people said they like to visit the library reflected the library’s role as a social hub in our community.
The Committee extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts, experiences, and suggestions with us. We would still love to hear from you! We welcome additional survey responses and conversations and will update and amend this document as our understanding of our role in our patrons’ lives evolves.
Priorities
Community
Explore and promote ways the library can enrich the lives of residents and visitors while minimizing expenditures of their time and money, both by programs and services provided at the library and by connecting people to opportunities at other cultural and educational organizations.
Cultivate and maintain connections with existing newsletter recipients and social media followers.
Actively engage and collaborate with other community organizations to provide resources and programs that support and complement their missions.
Intensify efforts to reach out to people who are not yet library users to familiarize them with available library services.
Foster social connection within and across generations by hosting a variety of regular gatherings, engaging one-time programs, and other activities.
Continue current and add more outreach activities that bring the library’s presence and programs out into the community.
Satisfy Curiosity
Maintain status as a member of the Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS).
Curate a diverse, current, and engaging collection of materials.
Selectively weed collections regularly to make space for new materials.
Educate existing and new patrons about using the interlibrary loan process to search and access materials from other member libraries.
Promote the availability of eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources through the Libby app and NOVELny/Gale.
Encourage reading by promoting existing and considering new book clubs, library challenges, etc.
Technology
Offer free, reliable Wi-Fi that is available throughout the library property 24/7.
Provide access to computers, a printer, and a copier, along with technological assistance when requested.
Add workshops and opportunities for the public to learn how to use and manage technology in their lives.
Financial Sustainability
Actively seek and pursue as many grant opportunities as possible.
Review, revise, develop, and comply with existing and new Policies and Procedures to ensure financial responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
Continue current and explore additional fundraising events and activities.
Develop a brochure featuring ways for donors to provide financial support to the library, such as the TD Bank Affinity Program, estate planning, and charitable planned giving.
Monitor the library’s current funding sources for reliability and sustainability. Investigate the feasibility of alternative funding sources, such as changing from an Association Library to a different library type.
Historic Preservation
Maintain the library as a central element of our historic Bolton Landing community.
Seek out and host programs that engage the public in our local history.
Make essential improvements to maintain our building and grounds for years to come, procuring funding through grants whenever possible. Anticipated projects include:
o Paint exterior trim (2026)
o Refinish hardwood floor (2026)
o Replace furnace (2026-2030)
Pursue grant funding for additional projects to enhance the library’s convenience, comfort, and appearance. Some potential projects include:
o Replace selected doors to be ADA-compliant
o Reupholster furniture and benches
o Add a community bulletin board in front of library
o Replace selected furniture
o Redesign computer desks to provide privacy
o Create more storage, possibly as a small building addition
o Waterproof basement