Nationwide, the demand for library services – open access to books and computers, educational opportunities that support lifelong learning, and free public meeting spaces – continues to rise. From toddlers to teens, new immigrants to new entrepreneurs, people are flocking to their libraries.

Over the last ten years, the Friends of HCL have granted nearly $16 million to the Library to support capital improvements to keep our libraries relevant and accessible for all.

Here is a selection of capital project the Friends of HCL have invested in during the last decade:

• $250,000 to build the Cargill Meeting room at the Sumner Library in 2001.
• $15 million to help build the new Minneapolis Central Library in 2006.
• $500,000 for capital equipment – including expanded computer resources – for the East Lake and North Regional Libraries in 2007.