Dighton Public Library
Long Range Plan FY 2005-2010

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Mission Statement

The Dighton Public is committed to providing and improving general information, lifelong learning opportunities and a commons environment to Dighton residents and visitors, opportunities for personal enrichment, intellectual stimulation, emotional development and recreation offered at and by the library enhance the quality of life in Dighton and programs and services to meet the needs of our patrons and the community at large.

Community Needs Statement

Dighton is a small rural community located in the southeastern part of the state. This is the fastest growing region in the state. Dighton has seen 8% growth in population during the past 5 years. Fast growth is evident as you drive along the streets and see new construction everywhere. Dighton has a large influx of young families partly because of our excellent regional school system and the rural atmosphere of the community. Most local businesses are small family owned enterprises with a few larger businesses. Dighton has reached a point where its municipal buildings are deteriorating and no longer able to service the public adequately. Dighton is mostly a bedroom community, which makes it difficult to involve it citizens in active participation in local government and community organizations. The PLA planning process was used to develop this plan. The Trustees of the Dighton Public Library conducted a community forum to gather information about the needs and desires of our residents. The results of that forum are included in this plan. Many of the responses indicated the need for more space to provide adequate library space to provide adequate library services and as a gathering place for residents to interact with each other. The library was also viewed as a place for adult learning and self improvement opportunities.