Mission Statement The Santa Maria Public Library provides materials and services to help community residents obtain information to meet their personal, educational and professional needs. The Library features current, high demand, high interest materials in a variety of formats for persons of all ages in both Spanish and English. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating young children's interests to foster an appreciation for reading and learning.

2012-13 Goals/Objectives

1. Conduct a community needs assessment in tandem with the Recreation and Parks Department, and use the results to develop a Library Strategic Plan that will guide decision-making about Library programs and services.
2. Work with the contractor to ensure a smooth transition into the new Orcutt Branch Library as well as work with the Orcutt Friends of the Library to develop a plan of action for additional funding for this project.
3. Continue to seek grant-funding opportunities to improve the materials collection and services provided at the main Library, as well as the equipment, furnishings, and materials at the various County branch libraries to include working with the County to develop plans for a new Cuyama Branch Library.
4. Continue to offer children’s programs including preschool and school age story times, class tours and school visits, special monthly programs for children, teens and teen volunteers, and continue to form ties with area teens through programs and volunteerism.
5. Continue to offer a wide variety of recreational and educational programs in the Library and through outreach efforts for children, teens, and adults with the purpose of attracting new users and retaining current Library users.
6. Provide engaging learning experiences to community residents on frequently requested topics including computer use, and downloading digital content to e-readers.
7. Highlight and encourage use of the Career Center and Genealogy section of the Library through offering instruction and programs on using these very specialized Library resources.
8. Develop and implement a plan to use social media websites such as Facebook to attract Library users to programs and activities.
9. Develop and implement a plan to enhance and improve the Library’s website for a more usable virtual library experience online for remote library users.
10. In addition to conducting customer service training for Library staff, identify training needs and work on possible funding sources to finance the training expenses.