HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY - NORTHEAST TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATION ON OCT. 29
Expanded space for children, teens, comfortable reading, and quiet study; triple the current number of public computers; and energy conservation and sustainable features are just a few of the renovations in the works at Hennepin County Library - Northeast, 2200 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis. The library will close on Oct. 29 in preparation for construction, which will begin in December. The projected renovation completion date is 2011.
A "Renovation Kickoff" event is scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. at the library. Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein, 2nd District, will present a Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m. The renovation's design boards will be available for viewing, kids can enjoy a fun craft activity celebrating the renovation, and refreshments will be served. Watch for more details later.
“Northeast Minneapolis -- with its civic-minded residents and vibrant arts community -- relies on the library as a community and cultural center. Libraries are the great equalizers and this library has been a popular destination for kids and seniors and a mainstay of the community,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein, 2nd District. “We're certain that this exciting, needed, and beautiful renovation and expansion will make the library even more of a magnet for area residents of all ages."
The last day to place a request (reserve) for books or other material for pick up at Hennepin County Library - Northeast is Oct. 14.
In planning for the renovated library, the Northeast Library Advisory Team, which consists of members of the community, provided essential feedback on what the community wants in a library.
Design plans also include a new early literacy/interactive discovery zone for young children. Wireless access will be available. More visible and welcoming entrances will open onto an improved parking area and Central Avenue.
Sustainable features incorporated into the renovation include maximizing use of natural daylight through window design, new and updated mechanical systems for energy efficient operation, use of renewable products, native plantings, and a storm water management system.
Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson said, "We're very excited about the Northeast renovation. The design was developed in partnership with the local citizen advisory team and will enhance library service in a great neighborhood."
Customers are welcomed to use any other Hennepin County Library during the renovation of Hennepin County Library - Northeast. Nearby libraries include:
- Hennepin County Library - Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-630-6000
- Hennepin County Library - Pierre Bottineau, 55 Broadway St., N.E., Minneapolis, 952-847-2850
- Hennepin County Library - St. Anthony, 2941 Pentagon Dr. N.E., 952-847-6075. In response to customer feedback, Hennepin County Library - St. Anthony will be open longer hours on Saturdays — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — beginning Oct. 31 and continuing throughout the renovation of Hennepin County Library - Northeast.
While Hennepin County Library - Northeast is closed, students who need homework assistance are encouraged to use the Homework Hub at nearby Hennepin County Library - Central. Online homework help is available for grades 3-12 in English and Spanish 1-11 p.m. seven days a week: http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/homework.cfm
Hennepin County Library - Northeast is currently 14,500 square feet. The renovated and expanded library will be 16,221 square feet. Architect for the project is Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. (note: spelling of the firm corrected in this text 10/13/09). City of Minneapolis bonds provided core funding for the renovation in the amount of $3.785 million. The Hennepin County Board augmented the Minneapolis funding by $1.45 million to provide a more complete project for the community.
In 2008, customers borrowed more than 176,000 books and other materials from Hennepin County Library - Northeast.
Learn more about the Hennepin County Library - Northeast renovation project.
9/30/2009
