Last revised June 2008

• 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.

• 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.

• Do I need a new library card?
No. You can continue to use your current library card. Cards issued by either system can be registered in the other system so one card can be used in all 41 libraries.

• Are the loan periods the same as they were before the consolidation?
For now, the loan periods remain the same.

• 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 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.

• What is the consolidated library system called?
Hennepin County Library. Each of the 41 individual libraries within the system retained its name.

• How was this library consolidation paid for?
City and county residents have paid and will pay the same amount per capita for their libraries. Library consolidation will not significantly shift this structure, and we remain committed to fair and equitable financing to support libraries countywide.

The city of Minneapolis will initially contribute the current library share of ongoing Local Government Aid ($6.8 million) plus an additional $1.0 million to cover the projected 2008 operating deficit of the Minneapolis Public Library. This annual contribution will phase out over 10 years. In addition, the city contributed to the cost of reopening three closed libraries for three years.

• Did the three closed Minneapolis Public Libraries reopen?
Yes. Roosevelt, Southwest and Webber Park libraries reopened Jan. 3. Their hours are: Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

• Will library hours change?
? Yes. “Ballpark Sundays” start June 1, and 13 libraries will have new Sunday hours – from noon to 5 p.m. – year-round (in addition to five libraries previously open Sundays).

• 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.

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

• When will the two library computer systems be fully integrated?
The electronic library systems or “Integrated Library Systems” that manage library catalogs, circulation and acquisitions along with other library business functions will be replaced with a single system in 2011. New Integrated Library Systems are being designed nationwide to more seamlessly integrate with online library services and manage increased digital collections. This is a very large and exciting undertaking that will improve the library’s technology infrastructure and reshape what is needed to match libraries services in the 21st century.

• When will the two websites be fully integrated?
Early in 2009, hclib.org and mplib.org will be integrated with the exception of the two catalogs; that will be part of the integration described above.

• Are holds free?
Yes, holds are free.

• Why can’t I place a hold on an item in the marketplace collection at East Lake?
The East Lake, North Regional and Central libraries are browsing collections that are not available for requesting. These collections do not move from one library to another and provide customers the opportunity to pick up a new and popular title without waiting through a long list of holds. These items are available on a first-come/first-served basis and cannot be set aside.

• Can I reserve DVDs in all locations?
Yes, with the exception of new DVDs at East Lake and North Regional Library.

• Historically, how did city libraries end up separate from county libraries?
Minneapolis Public Library was founded in 1885. Gratia Countryman, head librarian from 1904 to 1936, recognized the need for library service in rural Hennepin County and began taking books to rural residents. In 1915, Hennepin County Commissioners began allocating $1,000 annually to cover costs for non-city residents to use the Minneapolis Public Library and order books by parcel post. Countryman eventually lobbied the commissioners to create Hennepin County Library. They agreed, and set a one-mill tax levy in 1921 to support library services beginning in 1922. The city and county libraries had the same director and library board for several years and were headquartered in the same location. For more details, please visit www.hclib.org/pub/info/HistoryBooklet.pdf