As the City of Hewitt continues to grow and evolve, so does the library. With the support of our city leadership, state agencies, and community partners, the Hewitt Public Library (HPL) is working hard to align every new project with its long-range strategic goals. Last year, HPL was awarded over $50,000 in grant funds to enhance learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics and promote a deeper appreciation for reading. This year, we are excited to add another $130,000 to our efforts.
The Texas State Library & Archives Commission (TSLAC) has awarded the Hewitt Public Library funding from two of its available grant programs in SFY 2026. These exciting projects — the Texas Reads Grant and the Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant—represent major investments in our city’s quality of life, literacy, and long-term digital access. Both of these grants will help push our vision forward to create more ways for people of all ages to thrive.
Bringing Stories Outdoors: HPL’s StoryWalk® Project
The first of these new initiatives is the StoryWalk® Project. This funding comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services & TSLAC and is all about combining literacy, movement, and outdoor fun.
Created by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library (Montpelier, VT) in 2007, StoryWalk® is a creative way to experience a book. Each page of a children’s story is displayed on a series of signs installed along an outdoor path, allowing families to read a story together while enjoying a walk in the park. It’s a perfect blend of physical activity and early literacy, helping kids build important reading skills in an engaging, low-pressure environment.
HPL plans to install a permanent StoryWalk® station at Warren Park (450 S Old Temple Rd) in late 2025 and have it ready to launch just after the new year. The signs will be weatherproof and ADA-accessible, and the featured stories will rotate throughout the year, offering families new reasons to return and enjoy their local green spaces. In addition to providing fun and free entertainment, the project supports the library’s literacy goals and encourages more use of our beautiful city parks.
Investing in the Future: The LIFI Grant for Broadband & Technology
The second grant is a much larger investment in the library’s physical and digital infrastructure. The Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant provides funds to improve broadband connectivity and digital access within public libraries across the state. With this support, HPL will be able to make a range of key upgrades that serve community needs in education, telehealth, job searching, and remote work. Among the improvements planned are upgraded public computers and wireless hotspots that will be made available to borrow for active library cardholders.
This grant is about more than technology — it’s about removing barriers. Whether someone is trying to apply for a job, attend a virtual doctor’s appointment, take a college course, or simply connect to the internet when they don’t have access at home, the library will be ready to help.
These upgrades also support broader goals around digital inclusion and economic development at the state level – such as through the Texas Broadband Development Office – and even nationally. As more services, applications, and opportunities move online, it’s essential that all residents, regardless of income or background, can keep up. The LIFI project positions the Hewitt Public Library as a central access point for opportunity in our community.
What to Expect and What Comes Next
The implementation timeline for both projects begins this fall. The StoryWalk® installation is expected to debut in January 2026, with a public celebration planned at Warren Park. The infrastructure upgrades will roll out in stages, beginning in mid-October 2025 and continuing into the spring.
As we prepare to launch these exciting new offerings, we want the community to know that these projects are just the beginning. They are part of a broader, intentional strategy to make the Hewitt Public Library — and the City of Hewitt — a place where learning, creativity, and connection are always within reach.
Our long-term strategic plan prioritizes access, innovation, and inclusion. We believe the library should be a welcoming space for everyone: a place where a child can discover the joy of reading, a parent can build job skills, a senior can stay connected with loved ones, and students of all ages can access the tools they need to succeed.
With these grant awards, we’re proud to be taking big steps toward that vision.