• What does the Hennepin County Library system consist of?
The Hennepin County Library system includes 41 libraries across the county, more than 5 million books, CDs and DVDs in more than 40 world languages and 1,750 public computers and free wireless for customers.

• Where do I find information on library hours and locations?
On our website at www.hclib.org/locations.

• Why do library hours vary throughout the system?
Based on library location, size, proximity to public transit and budget considerations, library hours vary across the system, providing a variety of options for customers.

• Why are some libraries not open on Mondays?
Hennepin County libraries located in Minneapolis are not open on Mondays as a result of City of Minneapolis budgetary cuts made several years ago. When the merger between the former Minneapolis Public Library and Hennepin County Library occurred, leadership looked at hours of operation. It was decided that adding Sunday hours to 13 libraries and re-opening three Minneapolis libraries that had been closed prior to the merger would better meet customer needs than being open on Mondays. We continue to review important service elements like open hours and make adjustments as budget requirements allow.

• Why does Hennepin County Library have two catalogs?
Hennepin County Library's rich collection of books, magazines, music, movies, maps and more is a result of the 2008 merger between suburban Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library. The two library systems’ collections continue to be reflected in two catalogs: the Hennepin County Library Minneapolis catalog and the Hennepin County Library suburban catalog. In late 2009, the two catalogs will merge into one. This catalog merger will involve careful planning for the migration of all data, including all titles, customer information and more. Until then, Hennepin County Library customers should consult both catalogs to see all resources. 

Here are the details:

Minneapolis catalog
Search for items in the 15 Minneapolis libraries, including Special Collections and Government documents. If you have a library card registered in the Minneapolis catalog, you can place reserves and choose a pick-up location from one of the 15 libraries.

Suburban catalog
Search for items in the 26 suburban libraries. If you have a library card registered in the suburban catalog, you can place reserves and choose a pick-up location from one of the 26 suburban libraries.

• I don't have a library card. Which catalog do I use?
Choose which library you will use most and apply for a library card registered in that catalog. If you will use one of the Minneapolis libraries most, apply for a Hennepin County Library Minneapolis library card in person or online. Think you'll use the suburban libraries more? Apply for a Hennepin County Library suburban library card in person or online.

• Can I choose items in both catalogs?
Yes. Register your Minneapolis card in the suburban catalog in person or online. Register your suburban library card in the Minneapolis catalog in person. Don't know if your card is already registered in both catalogs? Ask a staff member.

• Are there still some policies that are different depending on which catalog I use?
Many policies and procedures have already been merged, such as the fee and fine policy. Others are being looked at and will be merged in 2009, along with the merging of the two catalogs.

• Are holds free?
Yes, holds are free.

• Can I pay a fine at any of the libraries?
Yes, if you pay the fine online. Fines paid with cash or check must be made at a library that uses the computer catalog from which the material was checked out. Fine payment will be fully interchangeable when the library computer systems are integrated.

• If I request an item online, can I pick it up at any Hennepin County Library?
Not at this time. Since the catalogs and circulation systems are still separate, requests placed through the suburban catalog must be picked up at a suburban location, and requests made through the Minneapolis catalog must be picked up at a Minneapolis location. We will let you know when the catalog and delivery systems are integrated.

• What is the governance structure for the Hennepin County Library system?
The library system is a department of Hennepin County under the direction of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and the Library Director.

• What role does the Library Board play?
The 11-member Hennepin County Library Board is appointed by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. The board includes representation from throughout Hennepin County. The Library Board recommends the library’s proposed operating and capital budgets each year. It reviews long-range plans and develops policies for the operation and administration of the library system and the development of the library’s collection.

• Where are the administrative offices?
They are at Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka.