CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
26
…work with arts organizations, Creative MontCo, theValley ForgeTourism and
Convention Board, and community groups to raise the profile of arts and culture
activities in the county
The county has many hidden arts and culture gems and a strong interest in the arts, yet many residents
and arts organizations feel disconnected from each other. Creative MontCo, a nonprofit initiative
working with partners at the visitor’s bureau and community college, is raising the profile of the arts
community, creating connections in this community, using arts for revitalization and placemaking, and
strengthening the creative economy.
The county, through its parks and historic sites, hosts many arts and culture events. The county will
also work with Creative MontCo and other groups to raise the profile of the arts county-wide. In
addition, county economic development efforts recognize the importance of the creative sector to the
county economy.
…strengthen the county library and collaborate with other independent public
libraries in the county on library resources and services
Despite popular perceptions to the contrary, public libraries are being used more and more, particularly
for internet access, egovernment, ecommerce, civic engagement, training, tutoring, and literacy. The
county library will need to continue adapting to changing information needs and cooperating with
other independent libraries in the county to meet the ever increasing demands on their services. The
county’s colleges and universities can help meet this demand by making their libraries even more
accessible to the general public.
Arts and culture events and venues attractive a diverse audience to the county’s downtowns
and other community gathering places.
Libraries are much more than books. They are gateways to the
community, government, the internet, and entrepreneurship.
■■ Increase in items circulated
■■ More usage of the main
county library
■■ Larger number of
municipalities that have a
library
Measuring success
■■ Greater attendance at arts
and culture venues
Measuring success
