Hayward Library Foundation

Traditionally librarians have been viewed as the gatekeepers of knowledge, an essential and worthy vocation. However, libraries also must look to the needs of our current and future generations.

In the recent article, “Megatrends: Information Explosion 2.0,” author Stephen Abram describes upcoming trends in the world of information. Abram, also Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Markets for Gale Cengage Learning, lists several library-related topics he calls “…critical to consider over the next twenty years.”

• e-Learning – This academic strategy immerses the student in a blended learning environment such as the school, home, the library or coffee house. The instructor may incorporate math, science, literature and life skills into one lesson. This practice fosters a well-rounded education and lifelong learning skills in students.
• Social Networking – Libraries respond to the growing need for spaces where people can meet, communicate online, & attend classes and programs. The staff has observed the escalation of this trend in our own hometown library.
• Computer Applications and Tools – Teaching and learning aids help library staff and educators respond more quickly to informational requests.
• Content Curation – Libraries manage the information overload to provide the best data for educational, business and research needs.
• 24/7 Virtual Reference – This service responds to the rapidly growing need for “personal consultants” versed in technology, education, social networking and business.

You may play a part in helping the library respond to these new trends and developments with a gift to the Foundation.

Thanks to many of you who have been loyal and consistent contributors to the Foundation, we continue to move forward through these complex financial times. We are fortunate that as a volunteer Board with no staff, our annual operating expenses are 1% of our total assets. 

Our donors can be confident HLF Board members are giving careful oversight to the funds already given and invested. The total assets of the Foundation were $744,829 as of December 2021 and we gave the Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community Library $19,000 in 2021 bringing our total support to $36,000. An Investment Committee was formed in 2021 to oversee the investments and we our financial statements were reviewed by the accounting firm of Anderson, Hager, & Moe. Please contact us if you would like additional financial information or a copy of our 990 tax return.