Hedberg Library
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The Hedberg Public Library has thousands of books, videos, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, large type books and more to use for free.
Additional Features include:
Exhibits by local artists, collectors and organizations
The Friendshop, a used book and gift store on the lower level
Children’s Department
Young Adult Department
Free adult lectures and programs
Access to dozens of computers
Free computer classes
Spanish Language materials
Restrooms are available
An elevator is available
Plenty of parking is available
Library’s History:
The library's first permanent home was built in 1902 at 64 S. Main Street. Key financial support came from the Andrew Carnegie foundation and the estate of F.S. Eldred of Janesville. General contractor J.P. Cullen and Brother of Janesville was paid $35,000 to construct the library, which opened in 1903. This building was remodeled in 1927 and again in 1932.
In April 1968, the library moved to its new home at 316 S. Main Street, the present address. The new building's cost was $939,000. Funding included a $142,000 federal grant and a $780,000 city bond issue. Frelich-Angus Associates and Severson-Schlintz, both of Janesville, were selected as architect and general contractor, respectively.
The new 41,000-square-foot building reached its intended capacity by 1979, but further expansion would wait until 1993, when a $3 million gift from Don and Gerry Hedberg put the topic back on the table. The expansion would eventually cost $8 million, including furnishings and automation. The Hedbergs, former owners of Lab Safety Supply in Janesville, increased their donation to $4.66 million. Other funders were city taxpayers ($1.49 million), the library's capital campaign ($1.1 million), Grainger and Janesville Foundations ($625,000) and the Friends of Janesville Public Library ($25,000).
In May 1994, library operations moved to temporary quarters in a former K-mart store on the city's south side. Major expansion began at 316 S. Main Street. To save money, the original elevator shaft, the lower level and some structural elements remained intact, but the look was all new. The library reopened on Main Street in June 1996.
With the expansion, the Janesville Public Library was renamed Hedberg Public Library in honor of primary donors Don and Gerry Hedberg.
Directions
From I-90 take Exit 175A (Racine St.) Turn right onto Main St. The Hedberg Public Library will be on the left immediately past the Janesville Performing Arts Center.
**All information is subject to change without notice; we encourage visitors to verify times, dates and other information listed.
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© 2012 Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau · 20 S. Main Street, Suite # 17 · Janesville, WI 53545 · 608-757-3171 · 1-800-48-PARKS