Mission Statement
Friends of the Hennepin County Library is the fundraising partner of Hennepin County Library with a mission to build awareness, appreciation, and support for our nationally acclaimed library. Friends of the Hennepin County Library envisions a library as a thriving space of enrichment and connection where every person has the opportunity and resources to read, create, work, and learn.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
As the library's nonprofit fundraising partner, FHCL builds library awareness and appreciation through compelling storytelling and raised $2,400,000 in 2024 for library strategic priorities, including workforce development, community outreach, youth development and the world class collection. Pen Pals is the highly acclaimed, longest running literary series in the Twin Cities featuring award-winning, best-selling authors who speak on their life and work as writers. In 2024, 8,940 people attended in-person and virtual livestream or on-demand recordings of this series. The Talk of the Stacks lecture series authors focus on contemporary literature and culture across an array of social, economic and global topics. 5, 565 individuals attended in-person and virtual livestream or on-demand recordings in 2024. Two additional author/book club events were attended by 1,630 people. 6,600 printed event guides were distributed to in-person audiences and 1,330 accessed virtual event guides. More than 19, 770 print newsletters were distributed. 80+ email communications were sent to 28,919 e-news subscribers; social media followers (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) grew to 12,870 subscribers, and FHCL website access grew to 174,296 visitors.
Current Goals
In 2025, FHCL has committed to raising $2,500,000 supporting library priorities of Outreach and Engagement which extends resources and opportunities beyond the physical library, Youth Development empowering the next generation, Workforce Development Student Success championing literacy and learning, and the World-class Collection by expanding access to books, music, and e-resources. The Pen Pals and Talk of the Stacks author series will continue to engage audiences and build awareness and appreciation of the library. Additional community engagement is planned via newsletters, luncheons, and guided library tours, etc.
Community or Constituency Served
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Geographic Area Served
Hennepin County Library is a national leader of library service, innovation and excellence. Our 41 libraries, website and outreach services serve 1.2 million county residents over 611 square miles.
