HPL Partners with Blain's Supply for Grow Week

HPL brought the library to Blain’s Supply, Inc. headquarters on March 19.  

Cassie Virag, E-Commerce Promotions Specialist at Blain’s Supply, reached out to HPL staff to assist its Wisconsin-based associates with signing up for library cards because "I knew [HPL's] free resources, especially access to Libby (free digital reading app), could meaningfully support the personal and professional development goals we emphasize during Grow Week."  During Grow Week, Blain's focuses on offering accessible tools for personal and professional growth. Providing access to a free library card is an impactful way to support that mission. 

During the library's visit, HPL's Community Engagement Specialist, Megan Fisher (L), and Programming Librarian, Amy Christian (R), demonstrated how to check out audiobooks, highlighting the wide range of leadership and skill building audiobooks available. At Blain Supply, associates are encouraged to complete learning and development hours, and having a simple way to explore audiobooks, e-books, and other business and leadership materials helps make that growth more accessible to everyone, Virag says.   

In September 2025, Blain's Supply began an EmpowHER Leadership Library with a selection of over 100 personal development and interpersonal skill-building titles. These books have already become a valuable resource for associates across their home office, distribution centers, and their 45 stores throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa. 

Blain's also launched an inaugural EmpowHER Leadership Library Book Club in January, led by Blain Supply, Inc. Chief Stores Officer Kim Treece, with plans for quarterly sessions led by other company leaders. Leadership has shared many of the titles that helped shape their own careers, and they continue to develop the internal library to support associates at every stage of their journey. 

"...partnering with HPL felt like a natural extension of our commitment to learning." 

~ Cassie Virag, E-Commerce Promotions Specialist at Blain’s Supply

"Since our EmpowHER Leadership Library already offers more than 100 development-focused titles, partnering with HPL felt like a natural extension of our commitment to learning," Virag says. "Megan and Amy did a fantastic job showcasing the wide range of tools available with a Wisconsin library card, and the enthusiasm from our associates was incredible. We had 16 new library card signups during the event! I’m excited about the possibility of welcoming Hedberg Public Library back for our fall Grow Week."

"It was a wonderful morning at Blain’s Supply meeting with their staff and sharing HPL resources," says Fisher. "Everyone was so welcoming and we look forward to visiting again soon and building upon this partnership." 

Have questions about Libby or other library resources to help you in your personal development journey? Call the library at 608-758-6600.