Cozad Library Foundation

The Cozad Library Foundation was formed to strengthen the growth and effectiveness of the Wilson Public Library. As a nonprofit, we receive and manage gifts, grants, and donations to ensure the library continues to be a vibrant hub for literacy, lifelong learning, and community connection.

How We Support the Library & Community

IIn the past year the Cozad Library Foundation has: 

• Sponsored Music Mondays entertainment
• Summer reading finale at the Fox Movie Theatre
• Provided support for Messtival and biodiversity events at the library
• Sponsored Books for Babies, gifting books to newborns at Cozad Medical Clinic
• Purchased charcuterie for a reception of the Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska sculpture in the library's art garden
• Funded updates to the library itself, including new carpeting, a larger screen for the conference room, and improved landscaping

The Art Garden 

One of our signature projects is the Art Garden on the library’s south side. Over the last decade, this beautiful space has grown from hardscapes and landscaping to sculptures and lighting. The Garden is a calm and inviting space that enhances Cozad’s cultural identity and attracts tourism through the arts. Our next priorities include:

• Fundraising for two new sculptures.

• Adding lighting to showcase the Art Garden.

• Continuing landscaping updates around the library grounds.

Recognizing Community Impact

Besides supporting the library and the community as noted above, the Cozad Library Foundation also proudly presents the annual Make Your Mark on Cozad Award during International Dot Day, honoring individuals who enrich our community through contributions to the library, the arts, and Cozad as a whole.

Why Your Support Matters

Together with a Greener Towns grant, the Cozad Library Foundation hopes to use the money raised during Give BIG to remove older landscaping in the Art Garden in anticipation of newer landscaping to be received with the grant. The Cozad Library Foundation will host a community planting in the spring to have the community help beautify this next area of landscaping. With any remaining money, that will go toward purchase of another sculpture, hopefully by 2030. Your donations also help us continue to: Fund special programming and events. Enhance the library’s facilities. Celebrate literacy, the arts, and community pride. Grow the Art Garden as a point of beauty and tourism for Cozad. When you give to the Cozad Library Foundation, you’re not just supporting a library, you’re investing in literacy, the arts, and the future of our community.