Shaping the Future Together: How Staff Are Helping Build the Future of Markham Public Library

At Markham Public Library (MPL), we know that the best way to support our community is by listening—especially to the people who work here every day. Our staff help make the library a friendly, creative, and welcoming place. That’s why they are a big part of our 2025 Strategic Plan. 

Why Staff Voices Matter 

Library staff are not just experts—they are also part of the community. They see what people need and how the library can help. Their ideas help us build a plan that is smart, helpful, and ready for the future. 

To start the process, we shared a short video with staff. It featured our CEO, Catherine Biss, and other leaders talking about why this plan is important and how staff can be involved. This helped get everyone ready for more conversations in the spring. 

Listening and Learning Together 

In the spring, staff joined Town Hall meetings and focus groups. They shared their hopes and concerns for the future. They also talked about what the library does well and what could be better. Some of the big topics were: 

• Money and jobs – like rising costs and job security 

• Health and safety – including mental health and aging 

• Education and learning – like school changes and media literacy 

• Technology – including AI and internet safety 

• Library issues – like censorship and freedom of information 

• Community and creativity – how to bring people together 

• Fairness and inclusion – making sure everyone feels welcome 

Staff are proud of the library and excited to try new things. They want to: 

• Use new technology 

• Help more people learn about the library 

• Grow with Markham’s changing population 

They also shared what makes MPL special: 

• People trust the library and feel welcome 

• Staff are diverse, caring, and creative 

• The library is free and open to everyone 

• It’s a safe space where people can learn, relax, and connect 

What’s Next? 

The ideas from staff are helping shape our plan for the future. These themes also match what we’re hearing from the community. Now, we’re inviting everyone to share their thoughts on how the library can grow and improve by 2030 and beyond. (You can read about our first community conversation here!) 

At MPL, our people are our power. By listening to staff and the community, we’re building a library that is bold, caring, and ready for the future.