Civil Municipal - October 2024

In 2022, Manassas Park, in partnership with LS&S, opened the Park Central Library, a dynamic hub for learning, discovery, creation, and connection. This modern, larger facility offers cuttingedge amenities such as virtual reality, 3D printing, and advanced technology, alongside a robust collection of books, digital materials, and movies. Manassas Park had been facing tough financial decisions, and leaders realized that the countyrun library model no longer met the community’s needs effectively. Driven by a desire to better serve residents and recognizing that a thriving public library is essential to a vibrant community, leaders decided to prioritize the library and align its offerings more closely with local needs. As a result, Manassas Park withdrew from the county system and partnered with LS&S to establish its own library. The success of the Park Central Library has been fueled by an innovative approach, encompassing not only vision and service delivery but also financial and operational strategies. By adopting unconventional methods, community leaders have been able to address local needs more effectively and achieve a strong return on investment, ensuring the library remains a cornerstone of community growth and engagement. LIBRARIES MANAGED DIFFERENTLY -Laszlo Palko | City Manager, Manassas Park, VA (2017-2024) “In the first year of running the new library, we reduced costs by 50% compared to what the county was charging us. LS&S also helped the city secure some state funding, bringing the savings closer to 70%.” MOST TRUSTED LIBRARY PARTNER 40+ Years Library Experience 96% Customer Retention Rate 100% Committed to Library Excellence 70+ Managed Libraries [ MANASSAS PARK, VA

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