Live Chat
You can chat online with a reference librarian anytime. Log on to Hennepin eLibrary and click on Ask a Librarian. Get help with questions that can be answered quickly and effectively using online resources - and advice on search strategies and the use of the Library's collection of databases and other online resources.

Central Telephone Reference
Call 952-847-KNOW (5669) Hennepin County Library's telephone reference service provides direct access to a librarian who will help answer your questions. To reach your local library, check here for the location, hours, and phone number.

Email AskLibrarian@hclib.org
Have a question you think might take a little research? Send an e-mail to AskLibrarian@hclib.org or fill in a form at www.hclib.org. Reference librarians will send you factual answers to your questions - or information about where you can find the answers - generally within 48 hours.

Visit your librarian in person
Stop by your local library and consult with a reference librarian. Hennepin County Library staff will help you find information to answer your specific questions - and provide you with personal assistance, advice, and one-to-one instruction on how to use library resources.

Who can use the service?
Anyone can use HCL's e-mail, phone and in-person reference services. The chat service is open to all Hennepin County library card holders and any other Minnesota library card holders who have registered their card with HCL.

What can I ask?
Live chat is best for questions that can be answered quickly using online resources. E-mail questions will be responded to within 48 hours with brief answers to factual questions or suggestions for locations and sources. In-person and phone reference is geared up to take care of any of your questions.

Privacy Policy

• Name
• Email address (optional)
• Library card number (if you are using the service from home/office/school)