Our History

With a shared love of reading and a belief in the power of libraries, the Friends of the Freedom Public Library began with a simple goal: to support a library that would serve their growing community.
   On May 5, 2000, a small group of community members led by founding president Bill Haussmann came together to discuss how best to support the long-awaited Freedom Public Library. Two months later, on July 26, 2000, the Friends held their first organizational meeting with an additional 23 members.
   On December 18, 2000, the Friends received recognition from the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The library had been long in the planning, and its location remained uncertain until local businessman John Rudnianyn donated the three acres on which the library now stands. Due to budget constraints, the original library was built to 8,600 square feet. To the benefit of the community, the building was designed to accommodate future expansion.
   From the beginning, the Friends focused on recruiting volunteers, raising funds, promoting library activities, and coordinating events. Book sales became an important part of these early efforts and continue to be a key part of the Friends' support for the library.

During this period, the Friends continued to build membership, raise public awareness, and expand fundraising through community events and sales of gently used books in the library lobby.
   In 2014, the Friends began providing tuition assistance to library staff, helping them continue their education and grow professionally. The Friends also undertook projects to assist the library with its daily responsibilities and services, broadening the ways the organization supported the library and its patrons.

As plans for the library expansion moved closer to reality, the Friends began preparing for the organization's future. Efforts included updating bylaws and policies to strengthen transparency and accountability and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of officers and directors.
   In 2025, the Friends celebrated their 25th anniversary with approximately 150 members. From a small group of founding community members to a growing organization with a quarter-century of service, the Friends remain committed to helping the Freedom Public Library continue to grow and serve our community.

In March 2026, the Freedom Public Library completed its major expansion, growing from 8,600 square feet to 32,500 square feet. With this expansion came another exciting milestone: the opening of the Friends Corner Bookstore in the main lobby, along with a much-needed workroom for sorting donations, organizing files, and storing overflow books.
   As we celebrate 26 years of supporting the Freedom Public Library through supplemental funding and community involvement, we look forward to building on our accomplishments, continuing our mission, and meeting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.