Grants benefit local libraries in southwest Minnesota

Library Picture Book Bins

Many of our local community foundation partners make grants to benefit libraries in southwest Minnesota, supporting a variety of projects. Thanks to funding from the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation and the Friends of the Library, the Hutchinson Public Library was able to purchase 12 custom-built children’s picture book bins. The bins have wheels that make it easier to reconfigure the children’s space for programs. With a growing attendance at story hour each week, the bins give more space for families and child cares to enjoy spending time in the library.

Built in 1904 with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegie Corporation, the Hutchinson Public Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. To highlight the original building, the book bins were stained to match the wood columns on the library’s second floor. The staff’s goal with library renovations, both big and small, is to highlight the original Carnegie Library.

“The Hutchinson Area Community Foundation is proud to support the library, a vital resource that brings knowledge, connection, and opportunity to our community. This $5,000 grant for updated shelving ensures that the library remains a welcoming and accessible space,” said Matt Pulkrabek, president of the local community foundation advisory board.

Making a difference in Hutchinson

Since its inception in 1999, the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation has been dedicated to strengthening the community and surrounding area by supporting local initiatives. With more than $550,000 in grants awarded to local recipients, the foundation has helped play a role in enhancing education, public resources and community development. Through continued generosity and investment, it remains committed to making a lasting impact for generations to come.

“We are so appreciative of the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation grant,” said head librarian Katy Hiltner. “Thanks to this generous grant, we can create a versatile children’s space that meets the growing needs of our community. The legacy created in 1904 is one that we hope to maintain and support for years to come.”

Our network of 31 community foundations supports passionate people with the resources to make positive change. A team of local advisory board members guides each community foundation. They fundraise, recommend grants, tell stories of good work happening locally and promote their town.

More grants to benefit local libraries in southwest Minnesota

Contributions from our community foundation partners have helped libraries across southwest Minnesota. Here are a more examples from around the region.

Lake Benton Area Foundation grant buys audiobooks

Lake Benton Area Foundation granted $950 to the City of Lake Benton for audiobooks at the Lake Benton Public Library. Librarians noted that several visually impaired readers could no longer read books, not even the large print books. Having a wider selection of audio books allows all kinds of patrons to continue to enjoy the world of reading. The Lake Benton Library houses over 10,000 books, 1600 DVDs, 450 audiobooks, 30 magazine titles, several local newspapers, four public access computers, two chrome books for check out or in library use, free Wi-Fi and six Wi-Fi Hotspots for check out.

Pipestone Area Community Foundation grant helps digitize newspapers

Pipestone Area Community Foundation granted $5,000 to help the Pipestone County Historical Society digitize microfilmed newspapers and host them in an online database. The Pipestone County Museum, Meinders Community Library and the Pipestone Area Schools Library collaborated to digitize the county newspapers. The goal was to digitize a total of 445 reels of microfilmed newspapers, with the option to add other historic information as funding allows. Rural communities are in danger of losing their histories due to the lack of resources in preserving stories for future generations. And digitizing these newspapers will allow access to all individuals searching for this historic information regardless of their location or economic situation. The digital newspaper archive is now live! View Pipestone County newspapers from 1879 to 1916.

Phase two of this project and will include raising $25,000 to see the next portion of newspapers digitized, and will cover all available Pipestone County newspaper titles from 1916 through 1939. The ultimate goal is to digitize all the printed newspapers in the county for individuals near and far. In addition to the Pipestone Area Community Foundation, supporters included Pipestone Area Schools Community Education; Pipestone Area Friends of the Library; PCHS Endowment; and private donors Richard Wilson, Susan Wiley, Alfred Page, Bonnie Jerde, Allen Vis, Bob Buffington, and Sharon and Gary Hays.

Lamberton Area Community Foundation grant goes to computers and mural

Lamberton Area Community Foundation granted $2,000 to upgrade computers at the Lamberton Public Library and $1,000 for a mural. Public access computers in libraries are crucial because they provide free access to technology and the internet, which is essential for education, job searching and staying connected in today’s digital world. They help bridge the digital divide, ensuring everyone can access information and resources. Lamberton Area Community Foundation’s grants helped ensure reliable access to technology, and a welcoming space to enjoy.

The new mural in the hallway between the public library and the community center shows a child reading a book on a swing, hanging from a tree. The book begins flying away, taking the little girl on an adventure. Having the painting outside the library is meant to inspire young people to read a book. And it beautifies a common area in the community. SammyJo Miller of SJMiller Arts painted the mural.