Long Range Strategic Plans

The Hampton Public Library serves the population of the City of Hampton, Franklin County and the State of Iowa by providing materials to educate, entertain, and inform.  The purpose of this long range plan is to provide direction for fulfilling library objectives designed to meet the information needs of our patrons.  This plan was developed by the Library Director and presented to the Board of Trustees for their information and agreement.  Input was received from the library trustees, library staff, Mission Possible members, and surveys taken in 2018 that reflect the needs and wants for the library collection, personnel, physical plant, services, equipment, policies and funding.  While every effort was made to foresee future directions for the Hampton Pubic Library, some areas of this plan may need to be revised.

The Hampton Public Library is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of nine members, one of whom may be from the rural service area.  Trustees are appointed by the Mayor of Hampton with the approval of the Hampton City Council.  The rural members must also be approved by the Franklin County Supervisors.  Trustees serve six year terms and may serve a maximum of two full terms of 6 years each or more if they completed a previous trustee's term.  The community appreciates them for their volunteer spirit and enthusiasm for the library and for the City of Hampton including all of Franklin County.

Funding for the Hampton Public Library is provided by the City of Hampton, Franklin County, the Hampton Public Library Foundation, State Library of Iowa through the Open Access program, the State of Iowa with Enrich Iowa and other monies generated through fines, contracts, fees, lost or damaged materials and gifts.  Primary funding comes from tax revenues of Hampton and Franklin County.  In 2007, the taxpayers of Hampton voted to assess a special levy to be used in support of the Hampton Public Library.

The Hampton Public Library's collection includes books, periodicals, 7 public access computers, 2 AWE computers for children, 3 iPads, recordings, microfilm, art prints, puzzles, puppets, DVDs, downloadable music, eBooks, and downloadable audios/movies. Shelves for printed materials are nearly 100% full, requiring the library to maintain a print collection at the current number.  As new technology presents other forms of information formats, any or all may be incorporated into the Hampton Public Library collection.

Library service is oriented to meet the demands of patrons by maintaining a popular materials collection and providing materials for preschool and elementary children, patron requests, demands for various forms of information and the use of materials are determining factors for purchase.  All additions to the collection must fit into budget guidelines.

Franklin County, IA has a population of 10,680 people with a median age of 42.5 and a median household income of $47,524.  The population of Franklin County is 93% White, 11% Hispanic, and 3% Other.  3% of the people in Franklin County speak a non-English language, and 97.8% are U. S. citizens. (datausa.io/profile/geo/franklin-county-ia/) and (https://suburbanstats.org/population/iowa/).

The rules and regulations of the Hampton Public Library follow the Code of Iowa, chapters 392.5, 303B.9, 384.12 (20), 358B.18, 22.7 and other chapters as determined by the Hampton City Attorney; the Hampton Municipal Code, chapter 2.44; Hampton Public Library Bylaws, Constitution, Employee Handbook, Policies, and Procedures.  Any changes in the Code of Iowa require legislative action. Changes in the Hampton Municipal Code are by vote of the citizens of Hampton.

Strategic long range plans for the Hampton Public Library would include replacing all of the steel lintels in the twenty-three other windows that were not done when the curved wall was rebuilt.  This is of the highest priority because if this is not done the other 4 walls will also begin to failing.  If new windows are installed with the new lintels then the windows should be full glass on top and bottom to be more historically accurate.  Also in the long range plans is new interior lighting.  The new technology of LED bulbs could be partnered with the idea of restoring the historical lighting removed in 1953.  Obviously the new lighting would still need to serve the patrons' need for a well-lit space, but a more decorative lighting would add to the aesthetics of the historical building.  A new HVAC system will also need to be addressed in the near future.  The overhead stained glass is accumulating dirt and other materials that are detracting from its beauty.  The carpeting replaced in 2003 isn't wearing well because of it is olefin based.  In the future, only commericial carpeting and/or flooring should be installed.  An annual inspection of the Library should take place between the Public Works Director and the Director of the Library.                     Revised 02/20/2019