The paper explores the journey undertaken in 2007 by Christchurch City Libraries to develop a twenty year plan for building development from the viewpoints of the project sponsor and project leader. The plan provides a city wide framework to plan the future developments of the library network to better meet Christchurch's changing geographic and demographic needs. Development of this plan follows the completion in 2006 of the Council's last 10 year building plan which saw new seven new library buildings. Looking ahead to the next two decades, planning will tailor new developments and extension of services to better meet changing community needs and create focal points for community learning and leisure activities. Issues such as the city's ageing population, cultural diversity, trends in library services and advances in digital and communications technology will also guide the plan's direction. The paper will highlight the themes of collaboration and consultation in the context of the project, with examples including the cross-organisational staff project team, the external working party and integrated council approach to wider community services planning for Christchurch City. Key project milestones will be outlined, such as the development of guiding principles, criteria and options, pre-plan stakeholder engagement, issues and gap analysis and library network definition. The paper will conclude with reflections on the high and low points of developing a long term library facility plan and the key lessons learned along the way.