Library Leadership Circle

Write the next chapter with us

Do you care deeply about your library and everyone who counts on it?

Become a member of the Library Leadership Circle!

You'll expand the library's collection—a source of so much joy and inspiration. You'll boost programs for children, teens, homebound patrons, and many more in our community. You'll help librarians reach out at community events, shelters, and assisted living residences. Your neighbors need big-hearted library leaders like you.

Please join today!

Empower Your Library. Enjoy the Benefits.

Beyond making a transformative difference, Library Leadership Circle donors receive the following appreciation benefits:

Patron: $1,000 – $2,499

Patrons enjoy the following benefits:

  • Invitations to Library Leadership Circle receptions with acclaimed authors

  • Recognition in annual donor listings

  • 10% discount at a wide variety of local bookstores

  • Advance access to Friends of HCL book sales

  • Free or reduced priced tickets to all Friends programs and events, including Talk of the Stacks and Pen Pals

  • Home delivery of the Friends newsletter to update you on the impact of your support

Leader: $2,500 – $4,999

Leaders enjoy all Patron benefits PLUS:

  • Invitation to annual Library Leaders Luncheon featuring one of today's most exciting authors along with a signed first-edition

  • First access to popular event tickets

Pillar: $5,000 – $9,999

Pillars enjoy all Leader benefits PLUS:

  • Unique excursions to explore the treasures of the library

  • Priority access to our annual donor event with library leadership in a beautiful Minneapolis home

Champion: $10,000-$14,499

Champions enjoy all Leader benefits PLUS:

  • Ability to direct your gift to one of four mission focused areas

  • Consultation with an expert librarian for personalized recommendations (upon request)

Ambassador: $15,000-24,499

Ambassadors enjoy all Champion benefits PLUS:

  • Private tour of your favorite library for you and guests

  • Premier seating at Library Leaders Luncheon

Benefactor: $25,000+

Benefactors enjoy all Ambassador benefits PLUS:

  • Custom library experiences tailored to your interests

Learn more

Learn more about the Library Leadership Circle

Contact Annie Schmidt, Director of Leadership Giving, at aschmidt@hclib.org or (612) 543-8114 to learn more about the Library Leadership Circle or discuss other ways to invest in your library.

EMAIL Annie 

Invest in Your Library

Your Library Leadership Circle membership ensures that Hennepin County Library remains one of the premier public library systems in the country.

Your investment fuels continuous innovation to meet the changing needs of our community through 41 vibrant, resource-rich locations and numerous impactful outreach initiatives.

Your support provides critical funding for key programs that expand early learning, increase literacy, empower teens, engage our seniors, and foster connection for people of all ages.

Become a member

Your contribution of $1,000 or more will...

cultivate the profound benefits of lifelong learning by keeping our library moving boldly forward through changing times. Your generous gift will be used strategically to support the library’s highest priorities for 2025. 

FAQ

Friends of the Hennepin County Library is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code. All gifts to Friends are 100% charitable contributions. Our EIN is 36-3579536. Please keep your email receipt as your official record and consult your tax advisor about next steps.

Many employers match their employees' gifts to Friends of the Hennepin County Library. Some even match the gifts of retirees and spouses. Try our matching gift search or contact your HR department to see if your employer will double (or even triple) the impact of your generosity.

Library Leadership Circle members receive special updates, recognition in publications, and invitations and early access to popular events. Learn more about the benefits you’ll receive at different giving levels or reach out to Director of Leadership Giving Annie Schmidt at aschmidt@hclib.org.

We promise to manage your library investment with care and integrity.