Matthew K. Poland

One of the great trends of the next decade will be the transformation of urban public libraries from a focus on traditional services to centers engaged in public education for all ages, economic development, sustainability, access to technology, and capacity building in our urban centers. Long known for efficiency and order, urban public libraries are now becoming more adept at the "soft" elements of business — marketing, design, branding and strategy — and that's making them fiercer competitors in the virtual age, sought after partners, and major
players in driving social equity as a key factor in the success of our cities.

Matt Poland, CEO of Hartford Public Library, is focused on this vision for the future. In 2009 when Poland became the institution’s ninth leader since 1893 and the first non-librarian at the helm, the Library was reeling from severe funding deficits, safety and security issues at the new $42 million Downtown Library, the closing of two beloved branches, the retirement of his long-tenured predecessor, and stressed employees, customers, and board members. Bloodied, but unbowed, the venerable institution has since polished its image as an anchor institution and employer, opened its doors for new opinions about what people need from their public library, improved educational services to a record-breaking number of visitors (860,000), built new collaborations with the private and public sectors, developed a new strategic plan, a new
brand and logo, started building a new branch in the Upper Albany neighborhood, and, despite economic challenges, increased non-municipal revenue by 60%, and created an annual fund-raising gala that attracted nearly 750 people this year ($150,000 in net revenue up from $72,000 in 2010, and $17,000 in 2009). More is on the way, but the course is set for a 21 st century public library in Hartford as an essential place for quality public education for all ages, and Poland is leading the charge.

Poland, who was a corporate executive for more than 30 years, is winning with his passion for his hometown library and a knack for tapping into what makes a library a place like no other in the 21st century — jumping head first into whatever he believes will help the Library bring vitality
and sustainability to our great city.