Our mission at Heartland is to empower our rural communities by providing essential information and skills that enable our patrons to navigate today's society successfully.

As we strive to fulfill our mission, Heartland Library faces numerous challenges, with one of the most pressing being the limitations posed by our current facilities. Since our inception in 1994, our library branches have remained in the same buildings, which, unfortunately, are now showing signs of age and deterioration. While the world has witnessed the advent of technology and libraries have evolved to incorporate diverse resources, our spaces have not kept pace.

The primary obstacle confronting all Heartland branches is inadequate space. This limitation restricts our ability to provide patrons with the full spectrum of services and resources that Heartland is capable of offering. Our collection has expanded beyond printed books to include telescopes, sewing machines, STEM kits, and Stay Sharp kits for Seniors. However, the lack of space inhibits our capacity for growth in areas such as collection diversity, meeting spaces, program offerings, and technology integration.

Our current facilities pose additional challenges. Two of our libraries are housed in aging buildings that were old even at the library's inception. The other two are in rented spaces where the threat of eviction looms, hindering any potential for long-term growth. This situation greatly impacts our patrons, who miss out on opportunities for telehealth consultations, computer skill development, entrepreneurial education, and job searches.

Compounding these challenges is the issue of funding. Our tax base is modest, and an increase in property tax is unlikely to pass if put to a vote. While there are grants available for specific aspects of library needs, none address the urgent requirement for new and improved facilities. The Heartland Regional Library Foundation is thus reaching out to individuals and organizations that share our commitment to community enrichment.