List of Hennepin County Library branches

A black-and-white photo of a four-story stone building from across an empty street; a church stands off to its left and several two-story houses sit to the right down the street.
Original Minneapolis Public Library building from the early 1900s

The Hennepin County Library, which serves Hennepin County, Minnesota, including the city of Minneapolis, consists of 41 library branches. Several other libraries, separate from the Hennepin County Library system, also operate within the borders of the county.

The Minneapolis Public Library was founded in 1885 to serve Minneapolis, the largest city in Hennepin County.[1] The Hennepin County Library board was established as a separate entity in 1965 as a building initiative to serve the rest of the county. The two library boards first discussed the idea of a merger in 1967.[2] Due to concerns about properly serving the residents and city of Minneapolis, the merger debate ended in 1974, keeping both groups separate.[3] In 2007, the merger was revisited and the Minneapolis Public Library officially joined the Hennepin County Library system at the beginning of 2008.[4]

The library system consists of 41 branches across 24 cities and towns.[5] Of these, 15 are located in Minneapolis; collectively they made up the Minneapolis Public Library until they were absorbed by the Hennepin system in the merger.[6] Four of the branches (Central, Franklin, Hosmer, and Sumner) were originally founded as Carnegie libraries.[7]

Extant libraries

Extant Hennepin County Libraries
NameCity[5]CoordinatesImageOpenedNotes
Augsburg Park Richfield 44°52′26″N 93°16′44″W / 44.874009°N 93.278762°W / 44.874009; -93.278762 (Augsburg Park Library) Augsburg Park Library, a one-story beige stone building in 2014 1974[8]
Brookdale Brooklyn Center 45°03′57″N 93°18′38″W / 45.0658711°N 93.310626°W / 45.0658711; -93.310626 (Brookdale Library) A stone-and-glass building with a cylindrical glass rotunda 1981[9] Originally built in 1965 after a bookmobile served the community for a number of years.[10]:84–85
Brooklyn Park Brooklyn Park 45°06′40″N 93°21′21″W / 45.111031°N 93.355819°W / 45.111031; -93.355819 (Brooklyn Park Library) A modernist metal-and-glass building with a large covered entryway 2016[11] Replaced 1976 library.[12]
Champlin Champlin 45°10′30″N 93°23′39″W / 45.174871°N 93.394151°W / 45.174871; -93.394151 (Champlin Library) A single-story brick library with a tall front entrance on a clear summer day, pictured 2013 1994[13] Replaced earlier 1921 and 1973 Champlin Libraries[13]
East Lake Minneapolis 44°56′53″N 93°13′55″W / 44.948087°N 93.231914°W / 44.948087; -93.231914 (East Lake Library) East Lake Library, a tall, glassy one-story building, in 2008 2007[14] Replaced earlier 1924 and 1976 East Lake Libraries[14]
Eden Prairie Eden Prairie 44°51′01″N 93°25′40″W / 44.850413°N 93.427876°W / 44.850413; -93.427876 (Eden Prairie Library) Eden Prairie Library, a brick building with a huge semicircular gray metal covering over its entryway, pictured in 2011 2004[15] Replaced 1973 Eden Prairie Reading Center and 1986 Eden Prairie Community Library[15]
Edina Edina 44°54′29″N 93°21′22″W / 44.908081°N 93.356102°W / 44.908081; -93.356102 (Edina Library) Edina Library, a brick building with an arched entryway and a rectangular concrete pavilion over the entrance, pictured in 2018 2004[16] Originally opened in a schoolhouse in 1921. First permanent location was established in 1968, and the library remained there until its 2004 move.[17]
Excelsior Excelsior 44°54′10″N 93°34′05″W / 44.902719°N 93.567992°W / 44.902719; -93.567992 (Excelsior Library) Excelsior Library, a modern brick building with three large street-facing windows and a glass entrance over which the word "Library" is imprinted in cement. 2014[18] Replaced 1965 Excelsior Library[18]
Franklin Minneapolis 44°57′47″N 93°15′21″W / 44.962984°N 93.255847°W / 44.962984; -93.255847 (Franklin Library) Franklin Library, an ornate Renaissance Revival library of two stories 1914[19]
Golden Valley Golden Valley 44°59′18″N 93°22′46″W / 44.988222°N 93.379332°W / 44.988222; -93.379332 (Golden Valley Library) Golden Valley branch, a one-story brick building located in a grove of trees. A sign displaying the library's hours is standing in the grass. 1971[20]
Hopkins Hopkins 44°55′32″N 93°24′51″W / 44.925462°N 93.414229°W / 44.925462; -93.414229 (Hopkins Library) Hopkins, a one-story glass and brick building from the front on a sunny summer day 1968[21] Replaced earlier incarnations at Hopkins City Hall, Dow House (to which it moved in 1948), and an empty restaurant (to which it moved in 1963)[21]
Hosmer Minneapolis 44°56′15″N 93°16′14″W / 44.937507°N 93.270579°W / 44.937507; -93.270579 (Hosmer Library) Hosmer Library, a dark brown brick building with parapets, in early spring 1916[22]
Linden Hills Minneapolis 44°55′30″N 93°18′59″W / 44.925029°N 93.316511°W / 44.925029; -93.316511 (Linden Hills Library) Linden Hills Library, a Tudor Revival brick building on a sunny summer day 1931[23] Replaced rented Lake Harriet Commercial Club Building space[24]
Long Lake Long Lake 44°59′08″N 93°34′20″W / 44.9856282°N 93.5722919°W / 44.9856282; -93.5722919 (Long Lake Library) Long Lake Library, a storefront in a strip mall. 1995[25] Replaced several spaces serving the area since 1913.[25]
Maple Grove Maple Grove 45°06′07″N 93°26′28″W / 45.101962°N 93.441235°W / 45.101962; -93.441235 (Maple Grove Library) Maple Grove branch, a modern cream-colored building. 2010[26] Replaced nearby 1987 building[26]
Maple Plain Maple Plain 45°00′28″N 93°39′20″W / 45.007768°N 93.655487°W / 45.007768; -93.655487 (Maple Plain Library) Maple Plain Library, a one-story white building with a blue sloped roof and a teal, arched entryway. 1973[27] Replaced several locations providing service to the area since 1922.[27]
Minneapolis Central Minneapolis 44°58′50″N 93°16′12″W / 44.980502°N 93.270019°W / 44.980502; -93.270019 (Minneapolis Central Library) Minneapolis Central Library, a four-story glass building with a long metal cantilever on a snowless winter day 2006[28] Original 1889 was a few blocks away; replaced 1961 building at current location[28]
Minnetonka Minnetonka 44°54′31″N 93°30′10″W / 44.908612°N 93.502665°W / 44.908612; -93.502665 (Minnetonka Library) The Minnetonka Library, a one-story building with a large, triangular roof, out of which a triangular skylight arises. The building is situated among tall trees, and has a path leading away from its simple entrance. The path is adorned with bushes and a bench. 1989[29] In late 1800s, opened in Fletcher–Loring Flour Mill. Moved to other community locations until settling in 1989 at current location.
Nokomis Minneapolis 44°54′39″N 93°13′23″W / 44.910712°N 93.223059°W / 44.910712; -93.223059 (Nokomis Library) A single-story glass and limestone building from across a street on a sunny summer day 1968[30] Replaced the Longfellow Community Library, which opened in 1937[31][32]
North Regional Minneapolis 45°00′46″N 93°17′47″W / 45.0127809°N 93.2963388°W / 45.0127809; -93.2963388 (North Regional Library) North Regional, a tall, one-story glass and concrete library on a snowy, cloudy day 1971[33]
Northeast Minneapolis 45°00′37″N 93°14′52″W / 45.010155°N 93.247824°W / 45.010155; -93.247824 (Northeast Library) Northeast, a brick and glass building with metal siding on its far end and a stepped roof, on a sunny summer day 1973[34] Replaced 1915 Central Avenue branch.[34]
Osseo Osseo 45°07′15″N 93°24′09″W / 45.12072°N 93.402463°W / 45.12072; -93.402463 (Osseo Library) Sign and entrance for Osseo City Hall and Library in front of a plain, one-story building 1967[35] First opened above a drugstore in 1922. Moved several times until establishing its current location in Osseo City Hall.[36][37]
Oxboro Bloomington 44°50′38″N 93°16′02″W / 44.844014°N 93.267279°W / 44.844014; -93.267279 (Oxboro Library) Oxboro, a building with windows inlaid between red brick triangular protrusions, on a sunny summer day 1975[38] Temporary library operated from 1962–1973; current facilities were renovated in 2004.[38]
Penn Lake Bloomington 44°50′38″N 93°18′34″W / 44.843989°N 93.309569°W / 44.843989; -93.309569 (Penn Lake Library) Penn Lake, a beige brick building of one story, sits before a green lawn with punctuated by several tall trees on a sunny summer day. 1970[39] Replaced library service housed in two different school buildings since 1954.[39]
Pierre Bottineau Minneapolis 44°59′57″N 93°16′12″W / 44.999129°N 93.270015°W / 44.999129; -93.270015 (Pierre Bottineau Library) Pierre Bottineau, a light-colored brick building with a large glassy section and a path in front of it on a cloudy, snowy day 2003[40]
Plymouth Plymouth 45°01′22″N 93°28′52″W / 45.022686°N 93.481204°W / 45.022686; -93.481204 (Plymouth Library) Plymouth branch, a brick, glass, and metal building. 2010[41] Replaced 1995 facility[41]
Ridgedale Minnetonka 44°57′53″N 93°26′24″W / 44.964785°N 93.440138°W / 44.964785; -93.440138 (Ridgedale Library) A modern glassy building with a wavy roof glints in the low sunlight 1982[42] Originally opened in 1982. Major renovations completed in 1997–99 in current location. Renovations in progress;[42] expected to be complete in September 2018.[43]
Rockford Road Crystal 45°01′56″N 93°21′43″W / 45.0321032°N 93.3618712°W / 45.0321032; -93.3618712 (Rockford Road Library) Rockford Road branch, a squat, white building located among trees. 1972[44] Prior to 1972, operated in other locations in the community. Current facility was renovated in 2013.[44]
Rogers Rogers 45°11′29″N 93°32′55″W / 45.1915066°N 93.5485597°W / 45.1915066; -93.5485597 (Rogers Library) Rogers Library, a small, silver corrugated metal building. 1980[45] Replaced bookmobile service in the area beginning in the 1970s.[45]
Roosevelt Minneapolis 44°55′47″N 93°13′57″W / 44.929614°N 93.232472°W / 44.929614; -93.232472 (Roosevelt Library) 1927[46]
Southdale Edina 44°52′32″N 93°19′11″W / 44.875536°N 93.319706°W / 44.875536; -93.319706 (Southdale Library) Southdale Library, a modern-style white building in an inverted step sequence supported by pillars over its parking lot on a sunny day 1973[47]
Southeast Minneapolis 44°58′52″N 93°14′16″W / 44.980996°N 93.237729°W / 44.980996; -93.237729 (Southeast Library) Southeast Library, a one-story 1970s-style bank building 1967[48]
St. Anthony St. Anthony 45°00′58″N 93°13′09″W / 45.016018°N 93.219051°W / 45.016018; -93.219051 (St. Anthony Library) The St. Anthony Library, a store-front library with a parking lot directly in front. 2002[49] Replaced 1963 library.[49]
St. Bonifacius St. Bonifacius 44°54′15″N 93°44′36″W / 44.9041489°N 93.7434159°W / 44.9041489; -93.7434159 (St. Bonifacius Library) The small facade of St. Bonifacius, a white building with two columns and green and gold ornamentation, on a sunny winter day. 1931[50]
St. Louis Park St. Louis Park 44°56′40″N 93°22′11″W / 44.9444267°N 93.3697042°W / 44.9444267; -93.3697042 (St. Louis Park Library) The facade of the St. Louis Park library, a one-story brick-and-concrete building with flowers lining the entry walkway. There is a bicycle rack off to the right. 1968[51] Originally opened in 1913; moved in 1914 to Central Junior High School. Moved in 1960 and again to its current location, which was renovated in 2014.[51]
Sumner Minneapolis 44°59′05″N 93°17′41″W / 44.984787°N 93.294614°W / 44.984787; -93.294614 (Sumner Library) Sumner, a Tudor Revival library of red brick on a sunny summer day 1915[52] In 1938 was relocated 100 feet (30 m) to accommodate construction of Olson Memorial Highway[52]
Walker Minneapolis 44°56′59″N 93°17′55″W / 44.949596°N 93.298717°W / 44.949596; -93.298717 (Walker Library) Walker, a modern library, towers overhead as viewed from the sidewalk beneath its coppery overhang 2014[53] Replaced 1911 and 1981 Walker branches.[23][54]
Washburn Minneapolis 44°54′26″N 93°17′19″W / 44.907323°N 93.288684°W / 44.907323; -93.288684 (Washburn Library) Washburn Library, a pinkish stone building from across the street on a sunny summer day 1970[55]
Wayzata Wayzata 44°58′17″N 93°30′42″W / 44.971373°N 93.511663°W / 44.971373; -93.511663 (Wayzata Library) The Wayzata Library, a traditional brick building with square columns and a street lamp. 2003[56] Replaced earlier 1905, 1955 (temporary), and 1957 library spaces[57]
Webber Park Minneapolis 45°01′55″N 93°17′18″W / 45.031862°N 93.28847°W / 45.031862; -93.28847 (Webber Park Library) A one-story building of gray stone and red wooden beams 2017[58] Replaced an earlier 1910 library which would become Camden Library and later Webber Park Library which moved to new building in 1980 before moving to a temporary location in 2013.[59][60]
Westonka Mound 44°56′26″N 93°40′01″W / 44.940627°N 93.666939°W / 44.940627; -93.666939 (Westonka Library) The Westonka Library, a modern off-white and black building located among foliage. Its welcome sign is in front and off to the left, in a bed of yellow flowers. 1972[61] Replaced various earlier community locations which began service to the area in 1915[61]

Former libraries

A black and white photo of a truck with a rounded front sitting in the snow in front of a one-story brick building with the words "CANNING SETS" on its outer wall
Historic Hennepin County Library bookmobile

Historically, the library operated a bookmobile that started in 1922.[62] In 1955, the bookmobile was serving 1,500-1,600 families and 16 schools,[63] and in 1962 that figure was up to 6,000 families.[64] The library still offers outreach services in the form of mailing or delivering materials to the home of patrons unable to physically access the library system.[65]

The following libraries are no longer operational:[63]

The Hennepin County Library formerly operated school libraries in rural communities and a library in Glen Lake Sanatorium.[63]

Libraries not part of the Hennepin County Library system

The following libraries are located in Hennepin County, but not part of the Hennepin County Libraries system:[5] the Hennepin County Law Library,[72] Lindell Library,[73] Minneapolis Community and Technical College Library (located in Whitney Hall),[74] Minneapolis Institute of Art Museum Library,[75] Quatrefoil Library,[76] Saint Mary's University Library,[77] and the University of Minnesota Libraries.[78]

See also

References

Citations

  1. Benidt 1984, inner flap.
  2. Benidt 1984, p. 211.
  3. Benidt 1984, p. 212.
  4. Flagg, Gordon (January 11, 2008). "Minneapolis PL Merges with Hennepin County Library". American Libraries Magazine. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 "Library locations". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  6. Brandt, Steve (December 21, 2007). "The switchover". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  7. Benidt 1984, p. 5, 242.
  8. "Richfield Community Center". City of Richfield, Minnesota. Archived from the original on July 10, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  9. "About Brookdale Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 11, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  10. Christensen, Karen; Levinson, David, eds. (2007). Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love. Berkshire Publishing Group. ISBN 9780977015924.
  11. Nelson, Rick (October 21, 2016). "Brooklyn Park finally gets a landmark library". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  12. Gruber, Hannah (July 6, 2010). "Brooklyn Park moves closer to new library". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 6, 2018 via HighBeam Research. (Subscription required (help)).
  13. 1 2 Hopps, Megan (July 10, 2014). "Champlin's historic library closes its doors". Press & News. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  14. 1 2 "About East Lake Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 19, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  15. 1 2 "About the Eden Prairie Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 5, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  16. "History". The City of Edina. Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  17. "Edina Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  18. 1 2 "New Excelsior Library Opening September 13, Current Library Closing August 16". Newsroom. Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  19. Benidt 1984, p. 100.
  20. "Golden Valley Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  21. 1 2 "Hopkins Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  22. Benidt 1984, p. 105.
  23. 1 2 Benidt 1984, p. 97.
  24. Benidt 1984, pp. 97–98.
  25. 1 2 "Long Lake Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  26. 1 2 "Maple Grove Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  27. 1 2 "Maple Plain Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  28. 1 2 "Minneapolis Central Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  29. "Minnetonka Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  30. Benidt 1984, p. 199.
  31. "Architecture". Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site. 2004. Archived from the original on 2016-11-05.
  32. "Nokomis Library, Minneapolis Public Library, Minneapolis, Minnesota". Minnesota Reflections. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  33. Benidt 1984, p. 201.
  34. 1 2 Benidt 1984, pp. 202–204.
  35. "History of Osseo Library (1947 photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society)". Tumblr. Hennepin County Library. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  36. "Osseo Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018. The first library in the Osseo community opened in 1922 in the Commercial Club Room on the upper floor of the Hovorka drugstore. Over the next several years, the library moved to the local Town Hall, a space in the village's former jail, the Masonic building, and finally to its current location in Osseo City Hall.
  37. "Minneapolis Public Library Annual Reports, 1967". Hennepin County Library Digital Collections. p. 212. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  38. 1 2 "Oxboro Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  39. 1 2 "Penn Lake Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  40. Mack, Linda (May 31, 2003). "Library skillfully reuses history". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 6, 2018 via HighBeam Research. (Subscription required (help)).
  41. 1 2 "Plymouth Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  42. 1 2 "Ridgedale Library building project". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  43. "Renovated Ridgedale Library to reopen in September". Hennepin County. July 5, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  44. 1 2 "Rockford Road Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  45. 1 2 "Rogers Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  46. Benidt 1984, p. 107.
  47. "Southdale Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  48. Benidt 1984, p. 197.
  49. 1 2 "St. Anthony Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  50. "St. Bonifacius Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  51. 1 2 "St. Louis Park Library". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  52. 1 2 Benidt 1984, p. 101.
  53. Roper, Eric (April 27, 2014). "Library returns to Uptown with new Walker". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on May 23, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  54. Benidt 1984, p. 205.
  55. Benidt 1984, p. 200.
  56. Wascoe, Dan (May 3, 2003). "Wayzata's 14 years of saving, planning pay off". Star Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2015.   via ProQuest (subscription required)
  57. "Wayzata Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  58. Zamora, Karen (May 18, 2017). "After long wait, Webber Park Library opens to a happy throng". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  59. "Webber Park Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  60. Brandt, Steve (November 27, 2014). "Long wait but Webber Park library finally on track". Star Tribune. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  61. 1 2 "Westonka Library". Hennepin County Library. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  62. In the Beginning (PDF), Hennepin County Library, archived from the original (PDF) on April 20, 2013, retrieved February 13, 2018
  63. 1 2 3 Wezeman 1956, p. 16.
  64. "1962 Hennepin County Library Bookmobile". Tumblr. Hennepin County Library. September 6, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  65. "Outreach Services". Hennepin County Library. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  66. "Dayton Library exterior, Hennepin County, Minnesota". Minnesota Reflections.
  67. "Hamel Branch Library, Hennepin County Library, Medina, Minnesota". Minnesota Reflections.
  68. Kim Simmonds (May 28, 2014). "The demise of the Longfellow Zoological Gardens". Southwest Journal. Retrieved 2018-09-23.
  69. "1977 Publicity Scrapbook Summary" (PDF). Hennepin County Library.
  70. "Morningside Community Library, Hennepin County Library, Edina, Minnesota". Minnesota Reflections.
  71. "Robbinsdale Public Library, Hennepin County Library, Robbinsdale, Minnesota". Minnesota Reflections. Minnesota Historical Society.
  72. Minnesota statutes, Chapter 134A
  73. "Lindell Library". Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  74. "Library - Minneapolis Community & Technical College". minneapolis.edu. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  75. "Museum Library". Minneapolis Institute of Art. Retrieved February 5, 2018. Established with the museum's opening in 1915, Mia's Art Research & Reference Library is one of the Midwest's premiere research centers dedicated to the study of art.
  76. Keim, Adam (2008). History of the Quatrefoil Library (PDF). Friends of the Bill of Rights. ISBN 9780966882827.
  77. "About Us". Twin Cities Library, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  78. "University of Minnesota Libraries Facts and Figures". University of Minnesota. 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2018.

Bibliography

  • Benidt, Bruce Weir (1984). The Library Book: Centennial History of the Minneapolis Public Library. Minneapolis: Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center. ISBN 0961371609.
  • Christensen, Karen; Levinson, David, eds. (2007). Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love. Berkshire Publishing Group. ISBN 9780977015924.
  • Wezeman, Frederick (1956). The Public Libraries of Minneapolis and Hennepin County: Survey of Factors Affecting their Future Relations. University of Minnesota Library School.
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