February 15, 2007
Today, the Committee on Future of Libraries in Hennepin County –created by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners last November to examine a possible merger of the Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library systems—unanimously approved a resolution to recommend a consolidation of the libraries. The two public library systems in Hennepin County include 26 libraries in suburban Hennepin County and 15 libraries (of which three sites are temporarily closed) in the city of Minneapolis.
The committee recommended guiding principles for a consolidation of library services in Hennepin County, with a vision to be a premier library system in the country by building on strengths and talents of both library systems. The committee also recommended that a joint resolution for consolidation into a united library system and commitment to move forward with a consolidation be forwarded to the Hennepin County Library Board for review and to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor, and the Minneapolis Public Library Board for approvals.
At today’s meeting, the committee discussed issues for a united library system such as providing better and more seamless service to the public, governance, financial support, capital assets and liabilities, employees working in a united library system and implementation planning. The committee recommended an effective date for consolidation of the two systems on or before December 31, 2008 and to name the united system as Hennepin County Library—with all individual library names to be retained, including Minneapolis Central Library. A guiding principle for governance recommends an appointed Library Board of 10 members, expanding Hennepin County's existing seven-member Library Board to 10. The three new members would initially be residents of Minneapolis and appointed by the County Board.
As part of a proposed communications plan, a series of public information sessions are planned in Minneapolis during March. Other possible public information sessions may be added. Fact sheets and library websites will be updated to include committee recommendations and information on next steps. It is anticipated that the Hennepin County Board and other governing bodies will review consolidation and implementation plan recommendations, and take action sometime in March.
