5 Essential Reasons The Chippewa River District Library (CRDL) System Is Thriving In 2025
CRDL System at a Glance: Key Branches and Leadership Entities
The Chippewa River District Library System is a regional powerhouse in Isabella County, Michigan, serving a wide geographical area through a centralized main library and four essential branch locations. This multi-branch structure allows the CRDL to tailor its services to the distinct needs of each community, a critical component of its success.
Complete List of CRDL Locations (The Five Branches)
The CRDL's extensive reach is made possible by its five key locations, ensuring residents across Isabella County have convenient access to resources. The system's main hub is a well-known landmark, while the smaller branches provide localized, personal service to their respective townships:
- Veterans Memorial Library (VML): The main and largest location, situated in downtown Mount Pleasant. This branch serves as the central administrative and resource hub for the entire district.
- Faith Johnston Memorial Library: Located in the community of Rosebush, providing dedicated services to the northern part of the district.
- Tate Memorial Library: Serving the community of Blanchard.
- Fremont Township Branch Library: Located in Winn, a key resource for the western townships.
- Shepherd Branch Library: Extending the CRDL's services to the southern portion of the county in Shepherd.
CRDL Leadership and Key Personnel
The strategic direction and day-to-day excellence of the CRDL are overseen by dedicated professionals and a governing board. Key figures driving the library's 2025 initiatives include:
- Corey Friedrich: Serving as the Library Director, Friedrich is instrumental in implementing the strategic vision, focusing on technological integration and community-centric services.
- Kati Mora: A member of the Chippewa River District Library Board of Trustees, with a term extending through late 2025, contributing to the governance and long-term planning of the system.
- Andrea Graham: The Family Programming Coordinator, responsible for developing the robust and engaging programs for youth and families that are a hallmark of the CRDL’s community outreach.
The 2023-2025 Strategic Plan: Driving Innovation and Access
The current operational framework for the CRDL is heavily influenced by its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, a roadmap designed to keep the library system dynamic and responsive to evolving community needs. This plan emphasizes several key pillars that are transforming the library experience today.
Combating the Digital Divide with Emerging Technology
A central focus of the Strategic Plan is the commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas of Isabella County. The CRDL recognizes that access to technology and digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for education, employment, and civic participation. Initiatives under this pillar include:
- New Service Methods: Introducing innovative ways for patrons to interact with the library, beyond traditional in-person visits.
- Emerging Technologies: The library is actively adopting and integrating new technologies to streamline services and expand access to information.
- Robust Digital Offerings: The digital library remains a strong resource, offering streaming and downloadable media such as eBooks, eMagazines, music, and movies. This extensive collection is accessible 24/7 through platforms like the Lakeland Digital Library, a partnership that significantly enhances the available digital catalog.
This dedication to digital accessibility means that a patron in a remote township like Winn can access the same vast digital collection as a student in Mount Pleasant, a crucial equity measure.
The Power of Community Engagement and Programming
Beyond its digital transformation, the CRDL is excelling in its role as a physical community center. The library system hosts a wide variety of free events and programs designed for all ages, fostering a sense of connection and lifelong learning across Isabella County.
Programs for Youth and Families
Family programming, coordinated by Andrea Graham, remains a priority. The library frequently offers engaging, themed events, such as holiday favorites and seasonal Take & Make Kits that are distributed across all five branches. These programs are designed to be fun, educational, and accessible, often allowing children to interact with technology or culture in a supervised, hands-on environment, such as operating model trains during special events.
Adult Education and Cultural Events
For adult patrons, the CRDL provides a rich calendar of cultural and educational opportunities. These include:
- Author Talks: The library hosts various author talks, often featuring New York Times Bestselling authors, providing valuable literary and cultural engagement opportunities for the community.
- Meeting and Study Spaces: Recognizing the need for public gathering areas, the CRDL provides dedicated meeting and study spaces for use by individuals and community groups, reinforcing its role as a civic hub.
- Cultural Partnerships: The library often collaborates with local cultural organizations, such as its participation in the "Kids & Culture" events, further integrating the library into the broader arts and culture scene of Mount Pleasant and Isabella County.
Future Outlook: A Continued Focus on Local Impact
As the Chippewa River District Library moves toward the conclusion of its 2023-2025 strategic period, the groundwork laid in digital infrastructure and community outreach positions it for sustained success. The library's commitment to continuous improvement, including the evaluation of new digital services and the upkeep of its five physical locations, ensures it will remain an indispensable resource for the entire district.
The CRDL's model of a strong central library (Veterans Memorial Library) supported by four dedicated branches (Rosebush, Blanchard, Winn, and Shepherd) is a powerful example of how a district library can effectively serve a diverse, regional population. By consistently introducing new service methods and fostering a welcoming environment, the CRDL continues to fulfill its promise of open access to information, knowledge, and community for all residents of Isabella County.
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