Horton Public Library Fund

Goal: $15,000.00

Specific Need

We are deeply grateful to last year’s donors. Because of your generosity, we were able to upgrade aging computers and replace worn, broken seating—improving both access to technology and comfort for our patrons.

Looking ahead, one of our most important goals is to make our lower level fully accessible to all members of our community.

Currently, this space can only be accessed by stairs and is not ADA compliant. In addition, there are no restroom facilities available on the lower level. These barriers limit who can fully participate in programs and events held in this space.

Despite these challenges, the lower level remains an important hub within our library. It houses our used book sale, which helps fund library services, as well as a large meeting room used for children’s programs, story time, summer reading activities, crafts, and community meetings.

Improving accessibility will ensure that every individual—regardless of age or ability—can fully participate in these opportunities. Planned improvements include creating accessible entry, addressing ADA compliance, and adding restroom facilities to better serve our patrons.

This project will require significant renovation and thoughtful planning. As we begin preparing for these improvements, funds not needed for immediate priorities will be carefully set aside to help bring this vision to life.

With your support, we can transform this space into a welcoming, functional, and inclusive environment that truly serves our entire community.

Mission

Our Mission: Is to provide equitable access to resources, learning opportunities, and community connections.

Profile

Horton Public Library is proud to celebrate 100 years of service to our community!

Our story began in March 1926, when the library first opened in the upstairs auditorium of City Hall. In 1938, our current building was completed on the foundation of a former bank, and we welcomed the public through our doors with an open house on January 11, 1939.

Today, we serve a growing community of more than 4,200 individuals, extending well beyond the city limits of Horton. While libraries have changed over the years, our mission remains the same: to provide access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities for all. We are no longer just a place to borrow books—though we still cherish that tradition. We now offer a wide range of digital resources that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, as well as a welcoming physical space where community members can gather, learn, and grow.

In the past year alone, the library hosted 121 programs and welcomed 3,711 visitors through our doors—demonstrating the the library’s vital role as a hub for learning, connection, and opportunity in our community.

Our current programming reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and community connection. These include:

Library Enrichment – a school-year class for homeschool students and Armor Academy
Stay & Play – a weekly storytime for toddlers and caregivers
Craft Time – creative, self-directed activities each Wednesday afternoon
Travelling Storytime - we take storytime to the preschool and daycares in town

With your support, we can continue to expand these offerings and remain a vital resource for generations to come.

Your donation is an investment not only in the library, but in the future of our entire community. Horton Public Library provides a place for all ages to discover the past, engage with the present, and build brighter futures through literacy and learning.

We are deeply grateful for the support of our community. Together, let’s ensure our library thrives for the next 100 years.

Thank you,

Michelle Larson
Director
Horton Public Library