In May of 2019, Black Hills Energy’s Iowa team requested a $20,000 grant from the Black Hills Corp. Foundation for the construction of a new library/envisioning center. The $20,000 grant was added to a $5,000 local contribution to the Tabor Library Association.

The Foundation approved the request, and we are proud to share the final chapter of this story.

The former library was an 800-square-foot house built in 1860. The new facility, called the Lakin Library & Envisioning Center, is a 7,000-square-foot technologically advanced public library and envision center located in Tabor, Iowa. The library has received five Iowa Governor’s STEM grants: Elementary Engineering, Ramps and Pathways, Maker Space and 2 Pint Size Science. The awards are used as outreach programs to the school, city of Tabor and surrounding communities. 

Dawn Miller, the dynamo library director, is a powerful advocate for outstanding programs and services for the community, as evidenced by receiving the 2016-17 Celebrate Literacy Award. She put together an impressive schedule of STEM programing, wellness classes, a summer “road trip” series and Farmers Market. She developed a Story Walk, which takes the children outside to connect the story to surrounding nature.

Most impressive is the increase in public use. Dawn has seen an increase from 230 visitors a month to over 1,300 guests with 600 individuals enrolled in different classes and events.

We partner with our communities and customers, providing the kind of energy that fuels those areas and the lives of those we serve. Feel free to share the stories and photos. Make sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.