In 1984, the General Federated Women’s Club (GFWC) and other community members led by Ruth Russek began to explore forming a Friends of the Delano Library organization. The group formed, supported by fundraising activities organized and executed by the Delano GFWC.

As the Friends took on more projects and more fundraising, it was clear the organization needed to apply for 501(c)3 nonprofit status with the State of Minnesota; it was awarded to the group in 1996.

In 1999, it was becoming apparent that the Library was outgrowing the existing space in the downstairs of the Old City Hall on Bridge Ave. There was only one Internet station for public use, very little seating, no space for separate Children, Young Adult, Adult areas, and no hope for quiet space. Additionally, the Library was not handicap accessible. At the same time, the City of Delano was drawing up plans to build a new modern City Hall and Senior Center right across the street on 2nd Ave. The Friends of the Delano Library approached the City to see if the Library could become part of that complex. Instead, the City offered the newly vacant State Bank of Delano building on Railroad Ave.

By the end of 2001, the City had purchased the State Bank of Delano building and, at the request of the City for cost-sharing, the Friends of the Delano Library had pledged to help fund the building renovation by soliciting funds from all of the surrounding communities currently using the Delano Library. The Friends of the Delano Library created a Library Expansion campaign named “Branching Out/ There’s No Place Like Home”. As fund raising began, pledge letters were sent to the cities and the organizations in seven area communities. Along with the wider-area support, almost every single Delano organization donated funds. Additionally, in the next three years, many individuals and many area organizations donated their time and skills to conduct well over 30 fundraising activities. Countless individuals donated funds. More than $170,000 was raised. The $170,000 included a MN State Public Library Accessibility Grant of $87,676 to ensure the new facility was handicap accessible, an Initiative Foundation/Valspar grant to paint the interior, $15,000 from the GFWC, $10,000 from the Delano Lions, and $8,000 from Wright Hennepin Coop. Volunteers gutted the building and did all the work not requiring licensed contractors.

On May 21 and 22, 2004, the entire community helped move the Library into its new home. With cars, trucks, book carts, and even recycling bins, books were moved up the street to 160 Railroad Ave. and placed in order on the exact shelves they were destined for. The Library opened the next Monday.

On June 29, 2004, a Grand Opening was held with Dorothy, Toto, and all her friends to officially welcome the Library to its new home. In 2004, the Friends of the Library applied for and won Minnesota Association of Library Friends’ Best Projects First Prize Award of $1,000 for its accomplishments.

During the last 22 years in the new location, the Library’s patrons, circulation, programming, expanded resources, and general usage has continued to grow. The Friends of the Library’s mission continues to support the Library as we provide furniture, supplies, programming, and volunteer help. Current fundraising events are the Beat the Heat Pizza Party each July and the Used Book Sales in December and April.