The Lexus of the Library Community

When you are regularly in the top 5 libraries of your size, you must be doing something right.  South Bend - Notre Dame aside – may not seem the most likely place to find a world-class, flourishing library – but it’s there!

The St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL) in South Bend, Indiana, has been our client for nearly a decade. We have worked closely with this library as they embarked on substantive ways to grow and improve on a system-wide basis. Currently SJCPL is undergoing a massive, and most impressive, facility renovation that involves all but one of their 7 buildings. 

How are they managing this feat and continuing to raise the bar as
a truly outstanding library?  We’ll share some insights we have
gathered through our work together.

They want to do more than just please people. They are innovative. Did you know that SJCPL was the first public library in the United States to create a website?

SJCPL pursues the wow factor in their facilities and services. This translates into their building design, programs and staff development. (The library uses a concept called Pattern Language to make sure that its facilities are visually pleasing and well as functional - see website link in sidebar).

They understand how to deliver for their patrons - really give them what they want.  This means getting the latest and hottest books and materials as they come off the press. They also buy enough materials so patrons don’t have a long wait. They are vigilant about culling their collection to make room for new material and to make it easy to find items. They are always looking for new and better ways to do things. This means refreshing their technology, keeping the public informed, redoing spaces, visiting other great libraries, and exploring new programs such as gaming.

Librarians at SJCPL experience high quality staff development – and they must be prepared to grow, change, learn new skills, and take on new roles. The library has a fulltime staff member devoted to this initiative. Staff members are able to attend regional and national events and well mandatory Covey Training. They receive solid technology training programs as well.

SJCPL is a system that is expert at optimizing their finances.  Their leaders have created significant cash reserves and are astute users of financing and taxing options. While many other libraries have been plagued with the need to borrowing money and laying off staff, SJCPL has continued to build and serve their community without interruption.

The driving force behind the library is Don Napoli. Don grew up in Boston but has been in South Bend for more 30 years. He has developed his staff, built deep relationships with the community, and created an enduring legacy for the library. He is a remarkable library leader.