Request for qualifications for a strategic plan for the Public Library of Youngstown.

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR REQUEST FOR STATEMENTOF QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF YOUNGSTOWN AND MAHONING COUNTY
The Reuben McMillan Free Library Association dba the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (“PLYMC”) issues this Request for Statement of Qualifications to assist in the selection of a qualified and experienced firm for collaboration with PLYMC leadership to develop a five-year strategic plan for the organization. This plan will cover the period of January 2027 through December 2031 which will include the system's 150th anniversary during 2030.
Requirements for Contract: 
The Process should engage trustees, staff, patrons, and stakeholders in shaping the future, goals, and accountability of our library system and incorporate: * The existing mission, vision, and values.
 * Fundamental elements carried over from the current strategic plan (2024-2026) and facilities masterplan (completed in 2025).
 * Include the mastery of library service delivery fundamentals as a base for future innovation. 
 * Have substantive focus groups or other interactive sessions with the public, staff, and non-patron stakeholders.
The final deliverable should include: * Actionable outcomes to meet identified goals with recommended methods of tracking progress.
 * Reporting methods to demonstrate accountability over the planning period.
 * A celebration planning strategy for the 150th anniversary of PLYMC in October 2030. 
 * Presentation of the final product to the Full Board of Trustees and members of the public.
 * A proposed project timeline. Ideally, we would like to have the plan in place by the start of 2027 but understand that a typical project duration is 6-8 months and will have to account for major holidays.
The following link will provide additional background and details on this project, and it is recommended that prospective firms review this prior to proposal submission:
https://www.libraryvisit.org/news/rfq-strategic-plan-2027/Qualifying firms are asked to submit three (3) paper copies and one (1) electronic copy of their statement of qualifications to Mark J. Mrofchak, Chief Financial Officer, at PLYMC's administrative office, 305 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44503, by noon on June 1, 2026. Firms will be ranked, and negotiations will begin with the firm ranked most qualified. PLYMC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject proposals which are submitted after the above date and time.#125-2T-May 5, 12, 2026-#1234