Friends of the Hennepin County Library Delivers Major Support for Collaboration, Community Programs

  • July 14, 2026

Friends of the Hennepin County Library has been awarded $1,000,000 from the Mellon Foundation to support responsive programming and resources at Hennepin County Library (HCL) over the next three years. Friends is the library’s nonprofit fundraising partner, supporting HCL through philanthropy and serving as the passthrough recipient for grant funding. 

Hennepin County Library and Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) are partnering closely on this Mellon-funded initiative, building on their long histories as trusted, community-centered public libraries. Both systems provide welcoming civic spaces where residents of all ages and backgrounds can connect, explore, and access opportunities that fuel lifelong learning. 

"Hennepin County Library is honored to receive this support," says Library Director Scott Duimstra. “This investment strengthens work our staff are already leading every day, and we are grateful for Mellon’s partnership and for the collaboration with Saint Paul Public Library as we advance programs that help residents thrive." 

Through this collaboration, HCL and SPPL will bolster responsive programming, strengthen cultural engagement, and deepen intergenerational learning and workforce initiatives, leveraging each system’s experience to accelerate community impact across the Twin Cities. 

"We are proud to bring this Mellon Foundation grant to our community," says Kristi Pearson, Executive Director and CEO of Friends of the Hennepin County Library. "Our role is to ensure that philanthropic support flows directly into programs and services that make a real difference for residents. This grant complements the generosity of thousands of Friends donors who make our annual investment possible." 

In 2026, Friends of the Hennepin County Library will contribute a total of $4,000,000 to HCL, advancing worldclass collections, outreach and engagement, student success, and youth development across all 41 county library locations.

Hennepin County Library extends its gratitude to the Mellon Foundation and Friends of the Hennepin County Library for their partnership and support.

Visit supporthclib.org to learn more about Friends of the Hennepin County Library.