'24 Stand Up for Standout Friends: Spotlight #3 of 8

Friends of the Kasson Public Library - Linda Head

In 2016, the City of Kasson finished construction on a new public library – a cutting-edge facility that undoubtedly makes Kasson Public Library one of the most unique in the Midwest. Built as a monolithic dome, the structure doubles as an emergency shelter and halved the budget that comes with a more conventional design. Even so, the price tag for small Kasson (pop. 7,000) was considerable. The Friends of Kasson Public Library rose to the challenge, fundraising and providing other behind-the-scenes support where possible. In that endeavor, former board member Linda Head was as active as any.

Head served as Friends vice president for nine years, stepping down only when bylaws required her to term off the board and relinquish the office. In other words, her time as a leader encompassed the entire long - and sometimes uncertain - period when the City and Friends sought to build Kasson the library which the fast-growing community deserves.

In recognition of these and other volunteer efforts, Head’s fellow Friends bestowed their local Friend of the Year honor on her at their 2023 annual meeting and elected her to the 2024 class of Stand Up for Standout Friends.