Staff Contributor:
Eric Robinson, Director, Hedberg Public Library
As 2025 draws to a close, we at the Hedberg Public Library are reflecting with pride and gratitude on all we’ve achieved together. In addition to providing a warm and welcoming third space for our community, we looked outside our four walls and decided to prioritize an upgrade to our HPL Bookmobile. Thanks to the collaboration between the HPL Foundation and Friends of HPL and their generous commitment of $200,000 and $50,000, respectively, we have initiated the construction of a brand new, fully customized HPL Bookmobile. With a projected completion date of spring 2026, we look forward to providing enhanced services to the community wherever they need us.
This year also saw the most profitable A Night at the Library fundraiser in its 16-year history, due in large part to the Foundation’s partnership. The event, a mingle murder mystery, welcomed guests who rarely, if ever, use the library. It’s a unique and exciting way to build community - introducing them to our space and resources in a whole new way - and raises thousands of dollars to support the programs and services we provide throughout the year for all ages.
Established in 1980 as a 501(c)3 organization, the Hedberg Public Library Foundation provides additional financial support to the library on an annual basis. These funds have been used to enhance library services or purchase something new for the library. Last year alone, the HPL Foundation provided the library with nearly $40,000 in monetary gifts. Examples of how we have used these gifts include:
- Expanded digital offerings, purchasing additional copies of print materials, and more items via OverDrive and Kanopy.
- Program materials for in-library activities and community outreach.
- High-quality presenters for a variety of library programs.
Support Your Library
In order to maintain this important level of support for the library, as well as contribute to our increased outreach via a new bookmobile, we ask that you consider making a charitable gift to the HPL Foundation during our Annual Fund Campaign. Our 2025 goal is $25,000. You may wish to make your gift in honor or memory of an individual or group. All gifts of $500 or more will be recognized on our Donor Recognition screens, and all gifts will be listed in a special edition of the library newsletter.
Your end-of-year gift to the HPL Foundation is essential. When you give today, you help ensure the Hedberg Public Library continues to discover, share, create, and connect with our community — now and for generations to come. Thank you for believing in the power of the library, and for partnering with us to build a stronger, more connected Janesville.
As always, a sincere THANK YOU for your continued support of the Hedberg Public Library! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 608-758-5828 or erobinson@hedbergpubliclibrary.org.