We want to ensure that we hear the widest range of ideas for integrating technology and sustainability in the expanded Jesup, and tap into the substantial knowledge and expertise that exist in the MDI community and beyond.

The library will conduct a community-based strategic planning process focusing on technology and sustainability in January – March 2021.  It will consider possible applications for both the planned addition to our historic building and our public services and support.

We are planning to meet LEED Gold or higher standards  -  what are best practices to get there? What are current and near-future technology and sustainability trends that might be appropriate for the library to incorporate?  When designing the makerspace, what would go in it, how would it operate, and with whom would we partner?  Beyond the makerspace, what other technology/sustainability services should the Jesup offer its community? These are just a few of the questions and priorities that we will address together.

Our discussions will be facilitated by Lawsun Wulsin, Executive Director of our partner A Climate to Thrive, and administered by a student from College of the Atlantic. All ages and backgrounds are encouraged to take part. Funding for this process was generously provided by a $5,000 grant from the Hattie A. and Fred C. Lynam Trust.

Get Involved!

Our first facilitated session on January 19 will be an opportunity for us to solicit wildly (not widely, we do mean wild!) a broad range of ideas for consideration. After that initial meeting we will set up opportunities for small working groups to dig more deeply into specific topics that are identified during that first session.  At the end of March we will reconvene to hear the reports from the working groups, identify any additional concepts that have emerged since the first meeting, and suggest priorities to be passed to the Board of Directors and staff of the Jesup.