Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Equity Statement, Core Values, & Strategic Plan

In 2016, the Library developed, and the Library Board adopted, a Vision Statement, Core Values, and a three-year Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan was developed largely by staff, with in-person and online input from over 3,000 community residents. The plan is envisioned as providing the Library with community-focused direction as it moves through the remaining years of the current decade.

The Equity Statement was drafted by the New Orleans Public Library Equity Task Force and members of the administration in 2019 to affirm our commitment to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Core Values

ACCESS - We provide pathways to information and tools for empowerment.

ACCOUNTABILITY - We are all responsible for and take pride in our work.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - We provide an excellent library user experience to all. We embrace training opportunities and library user feedback.

INNOVATION - We seek out and embrace new ideas. We encourage better solutions and creativity.

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM - We encourage the right of every individual to seek and receive information from all points of view.

PARTNERSHIPS - We actively seek out ways to work with members of the community and other organizations. We can all do more if we do it together.

PRESERVATION - We preserve and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of New Orleans.

RESPECT AND COMPASSION - We approach our work with open ears, open minds, and open hearts.

TEAMWORK - We value our individual and collective talents and work together to achieve solutions. We trust and respect each other.

Core Values Video: Several library staff members share their thoughts on the Library's Core Values.