March 6, 2026

2025 was a year full of change and big projects. To name but a few, we launched out new Summer Reading theme, Adventure Awaits at HPL, spent a year developing our new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, installed automatic door openers on the downstairs bathrooms, installed a new Story Book Walk along the Thornapple River across from the library, and had one of the most successful Holiday Markets ever.

2026 is shaping up to be just as busy. This summer we will launch our revamped Summer Library Program full of fun events and new experiences. Thanks to our generous community, and a mini-grant from the Barry County Materials Management Planning Committee, we just installed a new filtered water bottle filler and new drinking fountains downstairs. We are also working hard on Action Plan items for the new Strategic Plan. We  have a big project in the works that cannot be publicized yet, but we will as soon as we're able.

I want to thank the entire staff, the Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library, and our volunteers for all of the hard work and support. Keep an eye on us for lots of exciting things throughout the year, and be sure to let us know how we're doing.

Thank you,

David Edelman
Director

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August 8, 2025

Throughout this summer, the Library has been working on a new strategic plan. A community survey in June gave us great feedback, and seven focus group sessions in July & August have added additional detail to the survey. We are working now to identify goals and objectives for the next several years and will share the plan with everyone later this fall. Thank you to all who have participated so far to help us understand the community's needs.

We are also wrapping up the first Summer Reading program with our new in-house designed theme, Adventure Awaits. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. We are now planning next year and have a lot of big changes in mind. Get ready for more activities and fun than ever before!

I also want to thank everyone for making me feel welcome as the new Director this year. I know I've been around for a while, but replacing Peggy was no small task. I am enjoying the new role and think we have a great team here.

Thank you,

David Edelman
Director

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February 6, 2025

So far, 2025 has been fairly quiet here at the Library, a nice change from all of the excitement in late 2024. Aside from the bustle of the holidays, we had a flood in the backroom which caused quite a disruption to staff processes, but luckily minimal impact to patrons. And no damage to any materials! We also saw the retirement of Peggy Hemerling, our Director for the last 7 years and a staple at the Library for more than 25 years. She will be missed.

And that brings me to me. I am excited to take over from Peggy as the Director and look forward to working with the staff and the entire community as we forge ahead. I hope you agree that we have great people working here who dedicate themselves to helping all of you. One of them, Tess Allerding, who has been here for about 18 months, has become the new Assistant Director, and we hired Chloe Kelly to be the new Circulation Supervisor, replacing Tess.

Be on the lookout for some exciting new things at the library in 2025, and let us know what we can do to best serve your needs. I hope you all have a great year and thank you for all of your support.

Be sure to check out the 2024 Donor and Volunteer Summary as well as the 2024 Annual Report.

Take care,

David Edelman
Director