Annual Advocacy Update 2024

2024 Advocacy Update

LPL Friends & Foundation Supports Lawrence Public Library’s Strategic Plan

With the pandemic behind us and a 10-year anniversary celebration in 2024, Lawrence Public Library has created a three-year strategic plan to infuse new energy into the programs, services, and spaces that it provides to Lawrence residents. The library has identified these three priorities for 2023-2025:

 Improve patron and staff experience, and increase engagement at the 707 Vermont Street campus;

 Improve patron and staff experience, and increase engagement in virtual spaces and outreach; and

 Build on internal strengths with solid organizational structures and processes.

The LPL Friends & Foundation is committed to seeking private support to supplement the public ’s investment for these strategic priorities. In the coming months, the library will refresh many of its spaces both physical and virtual and work to ensure that its campus remains safe and welcoming to all. Together, we will keep the library a strong and vibrant community center where everyone can learn, connect, create and grow. Read more inside...

Coming Late 2024: DIY Memory Lab

An exciting new library space to preserve your photos, slides, movies, and more

At its 2024 After Hours at the Library fundraiser, the LPL Friends & Foundation hosted a special Fund-A-Need to support a new Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Memory Lab in the library ’s Local History Room. Together, we raised $65,000 for this special project!

What is a Memory Lab?

A DIY Memory Lab is a dedicated space where the you can transfer your physical memories from older formats to high quality digital files free of charge. Scan your photos, slides, cassette tapes, and even Super 8 movies.

Why a DIY Memory Lab?

Preserve your family history: So many of our memories are captured in physical photos, slides, and movies. Without digitization, these keepsakes may be lost forever.

Improved accessibility: Digitizing your family ’s memories makes them accessible to everyone. You can share them with siblings, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

It’s empowering. Our DIY Memory Lab lets you control the preservation process. The library provides the tools, and you get to enjoy preserving slides, photos, and movies, without the risk and expense of sending them to an out-of-town service.

Look for the grand opening in late 2024!