On Jan. 1, 2008, an historic merger between the Minneapolis Public Library and the Hennepin County Library took effect. The full consolidation and integration of these two great library systems will occur over the next few years. The consolidated library system is called the Hennepin County Library with each individual library retaining its name.

Service Area

• The Hennepin County Library now serves the 1.1 million residents of Hennepin County.
• Forty one libraries are located throughout the county’s 611 square miles.
• Partnerships with and outreach to many diverse communities take the library beyond the physical walls of our libraries.
• Web-based services extend Hennepin County Library’s reach to customers wherever they have Internet access.

Governance

• The Hennepin County Library is a department of Hennepin County under the direction of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and Library Director Amy Ryan.
• An expanded 11-member Hennepin County Library Board is appointed by the Hennepin County Board of Comissioners. The Library Board is an advisory body that guides and affirms the library’s mission and vision for the future.
• Administrative Offices are located at 12601 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.

Library Hours

• Library hours and locations can be found on our website at www.hclib.org/locations.
• This includes the restoration of hours at three libraries (Roosevelt, Southeast and Webber Park). On Jan. 3, 2008, each of these community libraries in Minneapolis reopened 24 hours per week.
• Expanding library hours is a key objective for improving service. Financial sustainability, geographic balance and population density will all be considered as plans for achieving that goal progress.

Collection and Services

• More than 5 million books, CDs, DVDs and other materials comprise the library’s collection.
• Existing library cards can be used at both Minneapolis and suburban locations with a simple registration.
• Loan periods and fine rates remain the same as they were before the consolidation.
• More than 1,600 public computers are available. Computer sign-up policies and procedures remain unchanged for now.
• Both library websites and catalogs are active and link to each other. Integration of these systems is a long-term objective. For now each of two public websites and library catalogs will be maintained.