Hennepin County Library

Features

  • If you like Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove

    If you like "Lonesome Dove"

    This classic western has been getting a fresh wave of attention lately—thanks to its 40th anniversary, buzz on social media and podcasts, shout-outs from folks like Stephen King and The New Yorker, and even renewed interest following Robert Duvall’s recent passing. Explore these books, movies, and TV shows set in the old west.

  • text: "First Pages" image: a right hand holding a pen above a piece of blank paper

    Writing workshops

    Do you have a story to tell or a recipe to share? Attend a workshop on writing a manuscript, cooking with words, finding an agent, self-publishing, and more through the "First Pages" workshop series.

  • photos of authors Layli Long Soldier and Heid E. Erdrich

    Author Talk: Layli Long Soldier with Heid E. Erdrich

    Join us for an evening with award-winning poet and artist Layli Long Soldier (Oglala Lakota), in conversation with Heid E. Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe). Long Soldier will read from and discuss her new book "We," a visionary new collection of poems, lyric essays, and her own visual artworks.

  • text: "Hope Takes Root, Student Art Contest" image: a watercolor painting of trees by Wanda Gag

    Student Art Contest

    Students in grades 6–12 from Hennepin County are invited to enter the 2026 Student art contest.

  • Black Authors Matter

    Minnesota Black Author Expo

    Join the Minnesota Black Author Expo for a day of storytelling, poetry and prose readings!

  • The Colleagues of Calligraphy

    Cargill Gallery presents: The Art of Letters

    Visit the exhibition at the Cargill Gallery from October 5-November 20, 2026.

  • text: "First Pages for Teens" image: a right hand holding a pen above a piece of paper

    College essay workshops

    High school students, learn creative writing elements to help you write great college application essays.

  • Get the Hennepin County Library app

    Carry your library card anywhere with the Hennepin County Library app, available for Apple and Android devices.

  • This color photo features menus from Minneapolis restaurants of yesteryear, such as the Rainbow Cafe and Cafe di Napoli.

    Menu Collection

    What's for dinner? Explore hundreds of menus from local restaurants from the 1880s to 1970s, like Murray’s and The Nankin.