October Expansion Newsletter

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Building Henika’s Future

The Henika District Library Expansion Project is moving forward, and we are excited to share our first campaign update with you.

For more than a century, Henika has been a place where our community comes together to learn, explore, connect, and grow. Today, the Library welcomes nearly 86,000 visits each year and more than 12,000 program attendees, all within approximately 3,500 square feet of usable space. The Expansion Project will give Henika the space and resources needed to continue serving our growing community for generations to come.

We are grateful to everyone who has already invested in this vision and look forward to keeping you informed as the project progresses.

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Campaign Momentum

Private Support Goal: $2,000,000.00

Raised to Date: $700,878.50

We are happy to share that $700,878.50 in private support has been secured for the $6 million project. Expected funding sources are $2,000,000 in private support and $4,000,000 in bond to be on the ballot in May 2027.

This early support from individuals, businesses, and foundations demonstrates the community's belief in Henika and its future. Most recently, the Allegan County Community Foundation committed $100,000 toward the project, contingent upon the successful passage of the bond.

Every commitment brings us closer to creating a library that better reflects the needs of the community it serves.

Campaign Committee	Endorsement Council	Library Board
Lillian DeKoning (Chair)	Jennifer Antel - Mayor, City of Wayland	Jacqui Kuhn
Holly Decker	Jerry Berg - Owner, SMA	Meghan Augustin
Tammy Dykema-Halloran	Denise Behm - Director, WACC	Pamela Meyer
Teresa Fulk	Jeff Koon - President, WUS Board	Rachel Brinks
Aviv Karni	Tori Kotarak - Open Road Brewery	Elizabeth Engles
Tami Langkamp	Holli McPherson - Director, Wayland DDA	Gary Marsh
Eric Whittredge	Tim Reeves - Superintendent, WUS Board	Michael Miller
	Marc Steensma - Catz Den	Deb VanderSlik
	Norman Taylor - Trustee, WUS Board
	Anthony Winters - Owner, 4one2 Distillery
	Nissa Winters - Owner, 4one2 Distillery

What Can You Do?

There are many different ways to get involved and help make this project a reality. You can choose what sounds right for you at a commitment level you are comfortable with.

Host a “Growing Our Story” after hours library tour for you and your network to spread the word about what the project will bring to our community
Join our Campaign Committee or Endorsement Council to drive the movement
Make a meaningful gift or pledge to the campaign to move us closer to our goal
Bring a friend to a library event

Contact our Campaign Project Manager at jordan@henikalibrary.org to learn more or to get started.

What’s Next?

There is a lot happening behind the scenes as we work toward making the Expansion Project a reality. Over the coming months, the campaign will focus on building support, strengthening community partnerships, and preparing for the next phases of the project.

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Growing the Campaign

Our fundraising efforts will continue throughout the coming year. We are connecting with individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners who believe in Henika's future.

The campaign's early success provides an important foundation, but there is still significant work ahead. We will continue cultivating new relationships, following up with prospective donors, and inviting members of our community to participate in the project in ways that are meaningful to them.

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Keeping Our Community Informed

As the project moves forward, communication will remain a priority. We will continue sharing updates about campaign progress, project planning, important milestones, and upcoming opportunities for community involvement.

This newsletter will be one of the ways we keep supporters of Henika District Library connected to the campaign.

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Preparing for Construction

While construction is still ahead, there is substantial work to complete before a shovel ever reaches the ground. The Henika District Library will continue working with its project partners to advance planning, design, budgeting, and other preparations necessary to move the project toward construction.

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Celebrating the People Behind the Project

Perhaps most importantly, we want to take time along the way to recognize the people who are making this project possible.

From donors and campaign volunteers, to Library staff, Board members, community partners, and supporters who share the vision with their friends and neighbors—this campaign is a collective effort.

In future updates, we will highlight some of the people and organizations helping move Henika forward and share the stories behind their connection to the Library.

Thank You!

The Expansion Project is about more than adding square footage. It is about strengthening a community resource that has served Wayland for more than 100 years and ensuring Henika has the space and resources to serve our community for generations to come.

Thank you for believing in Henika and for being a part of its future!