A Message from Friends of the Hennepin County Library
Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 8:10AM
A message from Kristi Pearson, CEO, Friends of the Hennepin County Library
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Recently, a young girl gave a gift to the library with a handwritten message tucked in: I’m giving this donation so you can buy books for others. The note proudly declared that she was a friend of the library.
After I read her words, I sat for a quiet moment and reflected.
Especially in a year of such hardship, reading a sentiment so pure and simple from a young patron set so much into stark and dazzling clarity—what does friendship really mean, in a time when our connections to one another are being tested so fully?
My thoughts then turned to our library.
This year, when we've all been in need of support, our library has been a friend to each of us. It has listened to patrons, adjusting quickly to meet the high demand of digital materials. It has understood the need to balance safety with access, opening 30 locations for Grab and Go service. It has distributed free books to children in parks who needed ways to engage in a summer stripped of so many activities.
And of course, our library has shared. Sharing is the very foundation of the library: passing books from hand to hand, sharing knowledge, stories and resources. So today, we’re asking you to do what true friends do best and share whatever you are able.
Give to the Max is the single, largest day of giving to our library, and it’s coming up on Thursday, November 19. It’s a time when our friends from all over band together to support the library that supports us all so well in good times and bad.
Your donation now through November 19 will be counted toward our 1,000 Friend goal to unlock an additional $30,000 matching grant. That extra support is critical with increasing demands and so much uncertainty still ahead.
If you are able, here is the link to donate: https:/give.supporthclib.org/givemax2020
Thank you for ensuring that everyone has a friend in their library. Your kindness and generosity make all the difference.
In solidarity and friendship,
Kristi
Kristi Pearson
CEO, Friends of the Hennepin County Library
