In A Nutshell

A successful campaign in 2000 raised $2.6 M, allowing the Kellogg-Hubbard Library (Montpelier, VT) to renovate and expand its landmark building. Since then, use and demand have soared even beyond expectations. The library has launched a new Endowment Campaign with a target of $3 M to respond to this “growth challenge” and to secure the fiscal health of the library over the long term.

Background

Kellogg-Hubbard is one of Vermont's most active libraries.

The Kellogg-Hubbard Library was founded in 1894 and since then has served as “steward of the intellectual energy” of Montpelier and Central Vermont. It serves Montpelier, a city of 8,000 (the smallest state capital in the nation), and five surrounding rural towns. Central Vermont has a thriving arts community, active civic institutions, and a population with strong commitments to education: all influences that keep the public library at the center of the community.

Kellogg-Hubbard is one of the most active libraries in Vermont, with the 2nd largest circulation in the state and the highest level of attendance at adult and children’s programs.

Like so many libraries in non-metropolitan areas, the library plays many roles in the community, including:

• Community hub
• An after-school haven where teens gather and learn
• A bridge over the digital divide
• A door to reading for our children
• An education and information center for all

The library marked its hundred-year anniversary with a Centennial Campaign that raised $2.4 million in contributions from State, Federal and local governments, private donors, and area businesses. That Campaign supported the first major renovation of the building and construction of an addition to house the Children’s Library, the non-fiction book collection, and public meeting space. These facilities have benefited the community in many ways, offering children a place to read, learn and build a connection with the Library, and offering adults expanded collections and meeting areas in which they can explore ideas, learn, and expand community networks.

Today, Kellogg-Hubbard offers a comprehensive collection of more than 65,000 books as well as diverse CD’s, audiotapes, videos and other learning materials. Twelve computers provide free Internet access and technology-based learning. Throughout the year the Library offers children and adults enriching cultural and educational programs, often partnering with area organizations and educational institutions to reach new audiences. As an historic and architectural landmark, the Library is also a destination point that supports the economic vitality of Montpelier’s downtown.

The Growth Challenge

In 2006, there were more than 40,000 sign-ups for computers, primarily by patrons that do not have a home computer and rely on the library for Internet access. An average of 810 people came through the doors each day, and 1,175 library meeting room reservations were made by local community groups. Today, an average of 225 children and teens come to the library after school each week.

According to Executive Director Martin Hahn “every measure of library use went up quickly……like other libraries that have undertaken expansion projects, we are victims of our own success.”

The enormous growth in use has presented the Board of Trustees with a challenge. The Campaign brochure explains:

“The tremendous growth in use and services presents new and urgent financial challenges for Kellogg-Hubbard. In response, the Board of Trustees developed a strategic plan to address the Library’s long-term financial health: stabilize tax support from towns in the service area, develop new partnerships in annual fundraising efforts, and build the endowment to a level that will sustain the Library for the next hundred years.”

 

Goal

To meet the challenges of growth, the Kellogg-Hubbard Library has embarked on an Endowment Campaign with a target of $3 M. The purpose of the Endowment is to help secure the long-term fiscal health of the library for future generations.

Advocacy Strategy

Private Sector Fundraising

The library’s recent Centennial Campaign was successful in raising a mix of public and private dollars, including state and federal grants. The current Second Century Endowment Campaign focuses on the private sector.

Building on their experience with the prior Campaign, Kellogg-Hubbard Trustees and staff decided that they would not expend dollars on outside consultants to test the waters for private donations. The Executive Director and staff carried out their own feasibility effort, identifying and contacting donors who are already close to the library. They then spent approximately one year quietly cultivating these donors. They started to build an initial campaign base with several pledges in the $150,000 range.

The Endowment Campaign was officially announced at a gala event in December 2006. Senator Patrick Leahy and author Katherine Patterson attended the event along with approximately 200 guests.

Breakthroughs

The excitement of the Campaign launch was heightened by announcement of a million dollar pledge. In December, the Library learned that an anonymous library patron had named the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in his well. That pledge, along with other monies raised to date, enabled the Library to kick off its 2nd Century Campaign having achieved almost half of its goal.

Looking Ahead

The library has not set a specific timetable to achieve the $3 million goal. They are continuing to use their knowledge of their community to cultivate new donors. The momentum of the launch and the million dollar pledge is already showing results. The Endowment will help the Library meet the challenges of growth now and in the future.