Ames Public Library Strategic Plan
Today is 11/21/2008
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Summary of Community Needs
Community Vision
The strategic and community visions from the educational, economic, and public agencies that constitute the infrastructure of Ames emphasize quality of life issues including education, a strong arts community, and unique retail opportunities with a commitment to downtown retail. The city seeks to strengthen its neighborhoods through affordable housing and a variety of transportation options.
Community Demographics
Ames has experienced modest growth since the 2000 census. Currently with a population of 52,263, Ames is expected to grow to 53,674 by the 2010 census year. The immediate service reach of the Ames Public Library, as defined by the City of Ames, Gilbert, and rural unincorporated areas is expected to be about 63,169 in the year 2010, which is based on a 1.3% annual growth rate. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the population have at least two years of higher education, and many have substantially more. The percentage of foreign-born people is 10.3%. Of that number, 62.3% is of Asian origin. Other than English, 5.4% of the population speak an Asian language in the home while 3% speak Spanish in the home. Education, income, and cultural diversity in Ames are higher than the norm within Iowa.
Community Economy
Ames is dominated by public-sector employers at the federal,
state, and municipal levels. Many of the employees (46%) of the
city’s major employers do not live in Ames. Unemployment, cited
at 2.0% in the third quarter of 2006, is low compared to the state employment rate.