Over the past few months, we at Plymouth District Library (PDL) have hosted several Community Conversations. These sessions were designed to gather your thoughts and perspectives about what you envision for the city of Plymouth and how PDL can play a meaningful role in making those dreams a reality. As someone who has lived in Plymouth for over 25 years, I found this experience incredibly inspiring. Hearing directly from you about what makes Plymouth special—and where we can continue to grow—was truly fascinating.
Preserving Our Small-Town Charm
Many of you described Plymouth as a place where everyone knows everyone, with a picturesque small-town feel straight out of a movie. This sense of community connection means so much to the people who live here, and we at PDL are committed to helping maintain that charm as the city continues to grow. We want to support efforts to preserve the unique character of Plymouth while ensuring we evolve in ways that honor what makes our community special.
A Place to Connect
We also heard that some of you worry about losing that feeling of connection with your neighbors as the city grows. It was heartening to hear that many see PDL as a key connector, a place where everyone can come together. Whether it’s through our programs, partnerships, or just as a welcoming space, we want to be a pillar of community life where everyone feels they belong. Plymouth is full of amazing organizations, and by working together and participating in local events, we can ensure that the spirit of knowing your neighbors stays strong.
What Attracts You to the Library
Many of you shared that borrowing books—whether physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks—is one of the biggest reasons you visit us. We’re thrilled that our collection serves so many of your interests, from fiction and non-fiction to specialized genres. We also heard how important our programs are to you. From children’s storytimes to book clubs, author talks, and trivia nights, our events bring people together and create a sense of belonging for all ages. You also told us how much you value the library as a peaceful space to relax, study, or work. We love that we can be your quiet corner in the midst of busy lives. We’re here to offer not just books, but also DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, and digital resources like Hoopla and OverDrive—so everyone can find something they enjoy.
Parking Challenges and Our Commitment
Parking came up in every conversation, and we understand that it’s a common frustration. We heard you loud and clear, and we’re actively exploring ways to address this challenge to make visiting downtown Plymouth and the library as convenient as possible. While there may not be an easy solution, we are committed to continuing these discussions and working with the community to find improvements that can make a difference.
Connecting Generations
Another wonderful idea that emerged from our conversations is the desire for more intergenerational opportunities. Many of you expressed that activities and programs can feel somewhat siloed between different age groups—seniors, teens, young adults—and you’d love to see more opportunities for different generations to connect. We agree that this could be a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to explore what these intergenerational programs could look like in practice. Imagine the magic that can happen when people of all ages come together to share stories, experiences, and learn from one another!
Moving Forward Together
We are now in the process of creating specific goals and objectives for our strategic plan, based on the thoughtful conversations and feedback we’ve gathered from you. Our goal is to start 2025 with a new strategic plan in place—one that reflects your hopes, addresses your concerns, and celebrates our community’s uniqueness.
As we move forward, we are committed to being transparent about our progress. We’ll celebrate our successes together, and when things don’t go exactly as planned, we’ll adjust and keep striving. Your feedback throughout this journey is crucial to our success. Together, we can make sure that PDL continues to grow, adapt, and serve as the heart of this community—a place for learning, connection, and inspiration.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Community Conversations. You are what makes Plymouth special, and we are grateful to be on this journey with you. Let’s continue to support each other, communicate, and find ways to partner together for a positive and meaningful future.
Written by Zach Hose (edited by Donna Jackson)