Hubbard Friends of the Library’s mission is to support Hubbard Public Library (HPL), and its new and ongoing programs and activities. HPL evolves continuously to meet changing and unmet needs of our community, including the complex challenges presented by the pandemic. Virtual and hybrid programs and outdoor programs have been implemented to respond quickly, innovatively and safely to patron and community needs. The need for additional outdoor resources and programs, in particular, is huge.

HPL’s new initiative, “Beyond Library Walls/Library Beyond Walls” will grow and build upon current outdoor resources and programs to serve all members of our community. Donations enable HPL to enhance and add to outdoor programs and resources already available. Recently, for example, in response to patron and community needs for outdoor programming in response to the pandemic, HPL has implemented new outdoor and hybrid programs and activities including Solar Cooker Lending Program; Outdoor Children’s Summer Reading Program; a Sensory Walk/Path; Outdoor Game Board; Telescope Lending Program; and more.

Other needed facilities and elements within this “Beyond Library Walls/Library Beyond Walls” initiative include a Pebble Harp (to encourage ‘play with a purpose’: Outdoor musical instruments (to use for and to invite exploration of music); Outdoor seating and stage areas; Outdoor access to power; Storage facility; and other supporting equipment and facilities in space surrounding the Library building. All funds raised from this “Cause Connector” project will go to development of implementation of this HPL/Friends outdoor initiative. These funds will enable growth and further development of this unique community resource to serve and enhance the well-being, education and life-long learning of all members of our community. 

Libraries like the Hubbard Public Library are essential to providing programming for young people in their communities. The pandemic required libraries like Hubbard to pivot to continue serving their patrons, including by taking programs outside.

Bringing programs outdoors created entirely new opportunities for programming and this Cause Connector project will enable the Hubbard Public Library to expand programmatic opportunities beyond the walls of the Library itself.