Framework for the Future 2030

The Framework for the Future sets forth the following goals, policies, strategies and implementation for Culture:

Strategy 1.1.1: Conduct a facility and space needs analysis to determine the need for additional or expanded library services.  

Strategy 1.1.2: Build additional branch libraries and central library where needed as identified by the facility and space needs analysis.

IMPLEMENTATION 1.1:

1.1.1:  Consistent with the Newport News Public Library System master plan, investigate additional sites for the development of additional branch libraries and a central library based on the facility and space needs analysis findings.  The City anticipates expanding library capacity. 

1.1.2:  Establish storefront libraries in vacant commercial buildings and centers as a means to determine interest in library services in a particular area wherever feasible. 

1.1.3:  Provide adequate funding to renovate, enlarge and maintain neighborhood libraries. 

1.1.4:  Study the feasibility of a public library on the campus of a public middle or high school to serve a dual role.

1.1.5:  Conduct a study to determine the economic, educational, and recreational impact of libraries. 

Strategy 1.2.1: Continue to meet library users’ needs by offering materials and resources in a variety of formats including technology driven formats. 

IMPLEMENTATION 1.2:

1.2.1: Allocate funds for the acquisition of new books, materials and technology to supplement the collections of all of the City's branch libraries to meet State library standards.

Strategy 2.1.1: Determine the feasibility of using volunteers to assist library users in programming and computer use.

IMPLEMENTATION 2.1:

2.1.1: Expand library hours as identified by the facility and space needs analysis.

2.1.2: Use volunteers wherever possible to assist library staff and library users.

Strategy 2.2.1: Determine the feasibility of expanding hours of operations of high school libraries. 

Strategy 2.2.2: Expand the reference and technology collections in the high school libraries.

IMPLEMENTATION 2.2:

2.2.1: Request that the Newport News School Board initiate a study to determine the feasibility of expanding school library operating hours.

2.2.2: Request the Newport News School Board expand reference collections in high school libraries.

Strategy 2.3.1: Improve library access for all persons with disabilities. 

Strategy 2.3.2: Expand the services of the Bookmobile.

IMPLEMENTATION 2.3:

2.3.1:Study and improve the accessibility of library facilities and services and improve access for persons with disabilities.

2.3.2: Add additional Bookmobiles. 

Strategy 2.4.1: Provide additional computers in libraries wherever possible. 

IMPLEMENTATION 2.4:

2.4.1: Form public private partnerships with community organizations to provide computers with Internet access.

Strategy 3.1.1: Maintain the educational programs offered at the library for adults and children.       

Strategy 3.1.2: Encourage a coordinated approach to literacy. 

IMPLEMENTATION 3.1:

3.1.1: Continue the educational and life-long learning programs and opportunities offered at the library for adults and children.

3.1.2: Encourage a coordinated approach to literacy by all local literacy programs including libraries.

3.1.3: Support and expand the efforts of Peninsula READS. 

3.1.4: Assist Peninsula READS in its efforts to locate a satellite facility in the areas of greatest need.

3.1.5: Support family literacy programs including Motheread/Fatheread® and family literacy training for childcare providers.

 Strategy 4.1.1: Foster the expansion of adult lifelong learning programs including foreign language lessons. 

IMPLEMENTATION 4.1:

4.1.1: Promote community awareness of adult lifelong learning programs and support increased funding for these programs.

Strategy 4.2.1: Emphasize that cultural enrichment is a worthy component of a well-balanced, viable community. 

IMPLEMENTATION 4.2:

4.2.1: Provide cultural enrichment classes for all college and public educational institutions.

Strategy 5.1.1:  Create places for community activity. 

IMPLEMENTATION 5.1:

5.1.1: Establish places for community activity in vacant commercial buildings by increasing flexibility in the City's Zoning Ordinance requirements.   

5.1.2: Support the use of neighborhood schools as places for community activity. 

5.1.3: Renovate and provide adaptive reuse of structures as cultural and historic resources. 

5.1.4: Foster the utilization of church facilities throughout the week for cultural and community activities.

Strategy 5.2.1:  Foster "Pride in Your Community" days to celebrate Newport News' diverse cultural heritage. 

Strategy 5.2.2:  Promote festival events and other cultural events regionally.

Strategy 5.2.3:  Recognize the contributions made to the community by faith based and non-profit organizations.

Strategy 6.1.1: Complete the construction of and support the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center.

Strategy 6.1.2:  Encourage business, industry and civic organizations to support fine and performing arts on the Peninsula and in Newport News.

Strategy 6.1.3:  Establish a central source for the coordination and publication of area-wide cultural activities and events.

Strategy 7.1.1:  Determine assistance the City may provide to expand museum usage and visibility. 

Strategy 7.1.2:  Develop a master plan for the Virginia War Museum which is compatible with Huntington Park.  Redesign the existing museum in Huntington Park to create a more inviting and efficient facility for visitors. 

Strategy 7.1.3:  Encourage expansion and support of parks and museum facilities where the need exists. 

Strategy 7.1.4:  Enhance tourism in the City by utilizing the City's historic sites and museums. 

IMPLEMENTATION 7.1: