ABOUT

Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission 

The Library Foundation of Hennepin County enriches the resources and enhances the potential of the Hennepin County Library.

Our Vision 

We will be the foremost library support organization in the nation, advancing the Hennepin County Library as a premier library system.

Our Values 

The Library Foundation values:
  • Innovative and effective approaches to fulfilling its mission and vision
  • Inclusiveness and integrity in all of its activities
  • Prudent long-term stewardship of its resources

Our Activities 

The Library Foundation fulfills its mission through the following:
  • Providing private support for Library collections and services
  • Increasing awareness of Library services and resources through compelling communications and cultural programming
  • Advocating for strong public support of the Library
  • Funding new and innovative Library programs

Our History 

Our nonprofit brings together the history of two great library support organizations: The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library (founded in 1949) and the Library Foundation of Hennepin County (founded in 1986). In 2008, following the merger of the Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Public Library systems, the Library Foundation of Hennepin County and The Friends of the Minneapolis Public united to create a unified, dynamic library support organization. The merged Foundation carries forward the name of the Library Foundation of Hennepin County and brings together 85 years of experience, 5,000 active library supporters, and positions the organization to better serve libraries throughout the community.Watch a short video about some of the ways we're making a difference.

The Hennepin County Library is one of the best in the country, serving more than 1.1 million patrons at 41 locations with 5 million books. It was ranked 4th in a recent national library review and received the highest rating of 5 stars by the Library Journal. The strength of any library is based on its support in the community.

If you share the belief that libraries are essential to a literate, prosperous community, you are encouraged to get more involved with the Library Foundation of Hennepin County by joining and making a donation, signing up for our free e-newsletter, becoming a fan of our Facebook page, or attending an event.