What is the Library Foundation of Hennepin County?
The Library Foundation of Hennepin County is the fund raising arm of the Hennepin County Library. Created in 1986 as an entity separate from the Library, the Foundation seeks private sector support for services and programs that provide greater access to learning for the diverse population of suburban Hennepin County. The Foundation provides funding for programs, which complement, but do not supplant the County's responsibility for operating the Library. The Library Foundation of Hennepin County is a Minnesota non-profit organization, Federal I.D. # 36-3579536.

Why should I make a donation to a tax-supported institution?
The Hennepin County Library is a department of Hennepin County, which provides funding for staff, collections, facilities, and operating expenses.

As the Library continues to expand its service to the community, the Library Foundation partners with the private sector to secure funds to support programs and resources not included in the county budget. Among these are: children, youth and family programs, cultural literacy initiatives, outreach programs, arts and culture initiatives, public education, and training and technologies to provide the public with free and equal access to the latest in electronic information resources.

What geographic area is served by the Hennepin County Library?
The Hennepin County Library is the largest public library in the Twin Cities and surrounding counties. With four area resource libraries, 22 community libraries, the Children's Readmobile, and the eLibrary, the HCL serves more than 700,000 people in suburban Hennepin County as well as residents from surrounding communities.

Would the Library Foundation contribute funds to my library?
The Library Foundation contributes support to the programs and services of the Hennepin County Library system that includes four area resource libraries, 22 community libraries, the Children's Readmobile, and the eLibrary. If you would like to direct a gift to the Hennepin County Library in your neighborhood, please call the Library Foundation at 952-847-8637.

Who are the Friends?
The Hennepin County Library has 26 Friends groups that serve as advocates in their community in addition to raising funds and volunteering for their library. These support groups are associated with specific libraries. To find out more about the different Friends groups, contact Margie Schuster, Friends & Volunteer Service Manager, 952-847-8545, mschuster@hclib.org.

Does the Library Foundation accept donations of books and magazines?
The Library Foundation is not able to accept donations of books and magazines. Please call your local library for information on this kind of donation.