2005
GUYS READ Book Clubs
The Library Foundation of Hennepin County has pursued private funding to develop a Hennepin County Library systemwide bookclub program for adolescent boys. The GUYS READ program addresses the critical issue of helping boys succeed in school by supporting their interest in reading at a time when reading interest declines dramatically. This summer alone, a total of 400 boys participated in 21 GUYS READ book clubs hosted by 17 Hennepin County Libraries. This program is supported by Allianz Life Insurance, Highland Bank, and the Ann and Jack Cole Children's Fund of the Library Foundation of Hennepin County.
Book Club Kits
The Book Club Kit service, funded by the Library Foundation, was introduced in May 2005. Each kit contains 8-10 copies of a book, discussion questions, and tips for leading a book discussion, all in one convenient package. Fifty seven titles were available when the kits were introduced in May, with the goal of fifty additional titles by the end of 2005. Book Club kits are easy to reserve using the HCL website.
2002
The Foundation funds a variety of new programs including
Baby Storytimes where parents introduce language to their babies through reading and songs to encourage vocabulary development. Barcelona Books were purchased at the International Book Fair in Barcelona, Spain as first language material for the library system. Funding supports Socrates Café, a monthly multigenerational philosophy group of citizens to discuss ideas, make connections, and to promote the library as a community gathering place.
2001
Through Our Eyes, Daddy Can you Hear Me?, Baby Storytime, Early Literacy and Emerging Voices are just a few of the programs that were funded in 2001 by the Library Foundation.
2000
At its annual conference in July 2000, the American Library Association named two founding members of the Foundation to its first National Advocacy Honor Roll. Created to recognize those who have actively supported and strengthened library service at the local, state, or national levels, Jack Cole and Robert Rohlf were honored for their decades of library leadership.
1999
StartSMART was created because the demands for service by the Children's Readmobile far outweighed its ability to accommodate the need. The volunteer program provides storytimes at licensed daycare facilities in suburban Hennepin County, as well as at institutional sites.
The Foundation's first original piece of public art is installed in the Ridgedale Area Library.
1998
In 1998 the Foundation applied and received a grant from the State of Minnesota for the library to create a pilot program to expand and integrate technology into libraries. The resulting $334,000 award allowed HCL the opportunity to start "KidLinks" centers at three of the libraries.
1997
The Foundation introduced Pen Pals. This nationally recognized author series brings national authors to the Twin Cities throughout the year. The Foundation received its largest single grant of $251,400 to develop technology centers in three libraries.
1996
The Foundation agrees to support a program for public art in the libraries and to raise significant funds for that purpose.
1994
Family Read to Me (FRTM) - a program sponsored by Cargill and the Volunteer Connection provides area families with programs to learn more about the benefits of reading and library services. FRTM reaches hundreds of children and their families each year and distributes thousands of books to children who may be educationally at risk. In 1994 FRTM was cited by the American Library Association as one of 10 outstanding projects in the nation developed through the Cargill/ALA Partnership for Family Literacy.
1994 is the first year that the Library Foundation participated in the Hennepin County Combined Charitable Campaign receiving 24% of the total contributions the first year.
1993
The Foundation initiates a $93,000 campaign to expand technology materials at the two library facilities.
The Foundation funded materials promoting family literacy at the office of Economic Assistance. Posters, videotapes, and books were made available to 4,000 families to help them understand the importance of reading to children.
1991
The Foundation established its "Emergent Literacy Fund" to fund materials and services for preschool children.
The Foundation announced its "Campaign for the Collection" to increase the quantity and quality of books and other materials in Hennepin County libraries.
1990
By 1990 the Foundation had raised a total of $250,000 to purchase the Hennepin County Library's Children's Readmobile.
1989
The Foundation began its first fundraising efforts for a "Bookmobile Service to Family Day Care Homes: An Emergent Literacy Proposal."
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