News
Keep up with the latest news about Hennepin County Library building projects, events, people, services and resources. You can also follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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Library Cards Now Offer Free Copying Credit
Copy machine fees are resuming, but your library card offers $5 worth of free printing and copying credit every week.
Category: Resources
Artist selected for Arvonne Fraser Library’s public art commission
As part of Hennepin County’s One Percent for Art Commissioned Public Art program, mural artist Kada Goalen has been selected to create installations for the two public stairwells at Arvonne Fraser Library.
Category: Events
Westonka Library project in procurement phase
The Westonka Library new construction project is in its procurement phase through late spring/early summer.
Category: Building projects
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Join Hennepin County Library as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in May. Connect with the library to learn more about these cultures through art, literature, music, and film.
Category: Events
Calling all explorers!
Hennepin County Library has launched the Library Passport – a fun new way for residents to explore all 41 branches in the Hennepin County Library system!
Category: Services
Garden of Goodness art install complete at Sumner Library
Hennepin County’s latest public art installation, “Garden of Goodness,” a tile and glass mosaic created by Stacia Goodman, is complete. Goodman, a Minneapolis-based mixed-media artist, was selected to create public art for Sumner Library as part of the county’s “One Percent for Art” commissioned public art program.
Category: Events
Volunteers make a difference
In 2024, adult and teen volunteers gave more than 22,800 hours of service to their libraries. To our 755 valued volunteers, thank you!
Category: People
Minnesota musicians: be heard!
After a year-long hiatus, Hennepin County Library is again searching for Minnesota musicians to feature on MNspin, the library’s free music streaming service. The annual submission period is open April 14-May 17, 2025.
Category: Services
Augsburg Park Library will reopen Monday, April 21
Augsburg Park Library will reopen to the public Monday, April 21, 2025. The building has been closed for a planned renovation project.
Category: Building projects
Garden of Goodness: A celebration of public art at Sumner Library
Join us at Sumner Library to celebrate the installation of “Garden of Goodness,” a tile and glass mosaic, created by Stacia Goodman as part of Hennepin County’s One Percent for Art program.
Category: Events
Cargill Gallery presents: Shifting Perspectives
Hennepin County Library announces its next Cargill Gallery exhibit, Art from the Inside: Shifting Perspectives, an exciting showcase of art that challenges conventional views and encourages new ways of seeing the world.
Category: Events
Vote for annual youth book awards
From February 19 - March 19, kids are invited to vote online for two book awards: Star of the North and Maud Hart Lovelace.
Category: Events
Help plan the future of Minneapolis Central Library
Hennepin County Library is assessing current library needs and imagining the building’s future to ensure that it continues to serve community over the next decades. Please take 5 minutes to share your input via a survey.
Category: Services
Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated nationally each year during the month of February. It is a time to highlight the contributions and achievements of African American individuals and communities, as well as their struggles for freedom and equality in the United States.
Category: Events
Seeding the Stars: A celebration of public art and community
Join us on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Hosmer Library to celebrate the installation of “Seeding the Stars,” two tile and glass mosaics, created by Olivia Levins Holden as part of Hennepin County’s One Percent for Art program.
Category: Events
Northeast Library closing for planned interior, exterior work
Northeast Library will close for planned interior and exterior work beginning Monday, February 24, 2025, and is expected to reopen in late 2025.
Category: Building projects
Work progressing on Augsburg Park Library building project
Contractors working on the Augsburg Park Library project have made some great progress in the past few months.
Category: Building projects
Hennepin County Library’s most borrowed books of 2024
As the year ends, we’re reflecting on the books Hennepin County readers loved this year.
Category: Services
Timeline shifting for Westonka Library new construction project
The timeline for the Westonka Library new construction project has been adjusted. The building will likely remain open through mid-2025.
Category: Building projects
What we loved in 2024
We have millions of items in our collection, so where do you start browsing? We thought you may enjoy starting with these staff recommendations of what we discovered and loved this last year. It's a mix of current and older titles, many of them in digital formats as well as physical.
Category: Services
Cargill Gallery presents: Flora and Fauna Illustrata
Hennepin County Library announces its next Cargill Gallery exhibit, Flora and Fauna Illustrata.Category: Events
Recommended library apps
Download these apps to explore what your library has to offer, wherever you are.
Southdale Library closing January 6 for new construction project
Southdale Library will close Monday, January 6, 2025, to make way for a brand new Southdale Library. The project is expected to take around three years to complete.
Category: Building projects
New Hennepin County Library App
Carry your library card anywhere with the new Hennepin County Library app, available for Apple and Android devices.
Category: Resources
Pierre Bottineau Library will reopen Monday, December 2
Pierre Bottineau Library will reopen to the public at noon on Monday, December 2, after the completion of a planned building modification project.
Category: Building projects
Native American Heritage Month
Hennepin County Library invites you to connect and learn more about Native American heritage with engaging art, literature, music, and film.
Category: Events
Augsburg Park Library building project update
Progress on the Augsburg Park Library building project is moving along.
Category: Building projects
Public Art opportunity: Hennepin County – Arvonne Fraser Library
Hennepin County is collaborating with Forecast Public Art to facilitate the curation and commissioning process for permanent artwork for Arvonne Fraser Library.
Category: Building projects
Southdale Library community meeting planned for December 7
Members of the public are invited to attend a community meeting at Southdale Library Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. to get an update on the project timeline, see the most recent design plans and renderings, and learn more about plans for the closure.
Category: Building projects
Sumner Library will reopen Tuesday, November 19
Sumner Library will reopen to the public Tuesday, November 19. The building has been closed for a planned renovation project.
Category: Building projects
Cargill Gallery presents: Exhale – Reflections on Guaranteed Income
The artists of the Cargill Gallery exhibit "Exhale" reflect on the potential impact of Guaranteed Income on their communities, livelihood, and creative practice. What emerges are themes of joy, breath, and care.
Category: Events
Updated timeline for Westonka Library new construction project
The Westonka Library new construction project is in the works. The timeline for this project has been adjusted slightly and the building will now remain open into early 2025.
Category: Building projects
Summer at Hennepin County Library a huge success
As summer winds down and the school year begins, we’re looking back at all the fun we had this summer at Hennepin County Library.
Updated timeline for Brookdale Library remodeling project
Brookdale Library is scheduled to undergo a remodeling project in the coming years. The timeline has been adjusted to start in 2027 to ensure that Brookdale Library remains open while Southdale Library is undergoing construction, avoiding overlapping closures of two heavily utilized libraries.
Category: Building projects
Work on Sumner Library renovation project moving along
After record rainfall earlier this summer, exterior work at Sumner Library is finally underway. Saturated soils in June delayed site work throughout the region and pushing out the start of Sumner’s exterior work.
Category: Building projects
Hennepin County Library hosting Entrepreneur Expo at Minneapolis Central Library Oct. 5
Small business owners are invited to attend Hennepin County Library’s Entrepreneur Expo Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Minneapolis Central Library.
Category: Events
Pierre Bottineau Library building project progressing
Progress on the Pierre Bottineau Library building project is moving along. Currently, around 50% of construction is complete.
Category: Building projects
Cargill Gallery presents: Laomerica 50 – Democracy and Diaspora
Hennepin County Library announces its next Cargill Gallery exhibit: Laomerica 50 – Democracy and Diaspora. The exhibit examines the complex experiences of Minnesota’s population of Laotian refugees over the past 50 years.
Category: Events
Pierre Bottineau Library project moving along
The Pierre Bottineau Library project is moving along. Contractors are in the demolition phase, with a current focus on removing existing glue from the concrete in preparation for new carpet tile.
Category: Building projects
Augsburg Park library closing for planned interior, exterior work
Augsburg Park Library will close for planned interior and exterior work beginning Sunday, July 14, and is expected to reopen in spring 2025.
Category: Building projects
June is Pride Month
June is Pride month! Celebrate with events, music, and books for all ages.
Category: Events
Cargill Gallery presents: 1934 & Now
Hennepin County Library announces its next Cargill Gallery exhibit: 1934 & Now, Connections of the Minneapolis Truckers’ Strike of 1934. This exhibit presents work that connects local labor history, current issues, and the role of workers in bringing social change.
Category: Events
Architectural firm selected for Brookdale Library project
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners recently approved a contract with Gensler as the architectural firm for the Brookdale Library project.
Category: Building projects
Youth leadership opportunity at Hennepin County Library
Hennepin County Library is accepting applications for a formal Library Youth Advisory Committee. Hennepin County commissioners will appoint a total of 14 youth – two for each district – for one-year terms.
Category: People
Crews making progress on Sumner Library renovation project
Noticeable progress has been made on the Sumner Library renovation project since the last update.
Category: Building projects
Volunteers make a difference
In 2023, adult and teen volunteers gave more than 18,000 hours of service to their libraries.
Category: People
Pierre Bottineau Library closing for planned interior work
Pierre Bottineau Library will close for a facilities modification project beginning Monday, May 13, and is expected to reopen in fall 2024.
Category: Building projects
New Cargill Gallery exhibit: The Next Chapter
Hennepin County Library announces its next Cargill Gallery exhibit, The Next Chapter. This exhibit features Minnesota Book Artist Award winning works.
Category: Events
One new member, two re-appointed to Hennepin County Library Board
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners appointed Xaiyo Chang the newest member of the Hennepin County Library Board, while Lynn Stetler and Amal Karim were re-appointed for another term.
Category: People
Solar Eclipse Resources
Hennepin County residents will have an opportunity to experience a partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.Category: Events
Rockford Road Library will reopen Monday, April 8
Rockford Road Library will reopen to the public Monday, April 8. The building has been closed for a planned renovation project.Category: Building projects
Plans progressing for Westonka Library replacement
Hennepin County hosted a community meeting at Westonka Library Saturday, March 2, as part of a series of events to engage the public and share updates on the Westonka Library replacement project.Category: Building projects
Public Art opportunity: Hennepin County Sumner Library
Established artists invited to submit qualifications for public art opportunity at Sumner Library.
Category: Building projects
Artist selected for Hosmer Library’s public art commission
Olivia Levins Holden has been selected to create public art for Hosmer Library as part of the county’s “One Percent for Art” Commissioned Public Art program.
Category: People
Work continues on Sumner Library renovation project
Crews are making progress on the Sumner Library renovation project with noticeable changes each week.
Category: Building projects
Maud Hart Lovelace and Star of the North Picture Book Awards
From March 1-March 21, children are invited to vote online for two book awards: Star of the North and Maud Hart Lovelace.
Category: Events
Rockford Road project update
Progress on the Rockford Road Library renovation project continues.
Category: Building projects
Love local music? Check out MNspin, Hennepin County Library’s music streaming service!
MNspin is a free local music streaming service offered by Hennepin County Library. MNspin connects Minnesota artists with new audiences and offers listeners an ad-free exploration of our rich, diverse local music scene.
Category: Resources
Westonka Library community meeting planned for March 2
Plans for a new Westonka Library building are progressing and members of the public are invited to attend a community meeting at the library Saturday, March 2.
Category: Building projects
New Cargill Gallery exhibit: Voices of the Unheard
The George Floyd Global Memorial introduces “Voices of the Unheard.” This exhibit highlights voices of black youth. It was designed by engaging black students, discussing the events of the 2020 Uprising, and allowing each student to choose a protest sign that resonated with their feelings.Category: Events
Black History Month
Hennepin County libraries will celebrate and honor Black History Month this February with public programs, displays and activities in libraries, and recommended book, music, and film lists.
Category: Events
Construction work on Sumner Library is underway
In their first month of work, KMS Construction, a Black-owned construction company headquartered in Minneapolis, has begun interior selective demolition.
Category: Building projects
Brookdale Library remodeling project planning begins
Brookdale Library is scheduled to undergo a remodeling project in 2026.
Category: Building projects
Plans for new Southdale Library building progressing
Hennepin County hosted a community meeting at Southdale Library Saturday, January 20, as part of a series of events to engage the public and share updates on the Southdale Library building project.
Category: Building projects
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year celebrations, based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, occur on the same date across East Asia. Although occurring on the same new moon day, celebrations are unique to their own cultures, each with its interpretations, zodiacs, and traditions.
Category: Events
Hennepin County Library’s most borrowed books of 2023
As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at Hennepin County Library’s most borrowed books of the year. Curious about what your fellow book lovers were reading this year?
Category: Resources
County board approves funding for next phase of Westonka Library project
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved the second phase of funding for the Westonka Library project November 2.
Category: Building projects
Southdale community meeting planned for Jan. 20
Plans for a new Southdale Library building are progressing and members of the public are invited to attend a community meeting to learn more about the project.
Category: Building projects
Rockford Road project update
Construction on the Rockford Road Library renovation project is moving along as planned.
Category: Building projects
New Cargill Gallery Exhibit: TransFabulous – Gender in Community
TransFabulous is proud to present Gender in Community, an exhibit created with the thriving queer arts community both local and abroad.
Category: Events
Linden Hills Library will reopen Monday, Nov. 13
Linden Hills Library will reopen to the public Monday, Nov. 13. The building was closed for a preservation project. Work included repair of exterior windows, brick, and stone, and the replacement of the slate roof.Category: Building projects
New music now streaming on MNspin
Hennepin County Library’s free music streaming service, MNspin, has released its 2023 collection of music. This year’s selection includes 105 new albums, growing the collection to more than 600 albums across 14 genres.Category: Services
Let Freedom Read
In recognition of Banned Books Week, Library Board members share their perspectives on intellectual freedom and the First Amendment.Category:
New Cargill Gallery exhibit: Storied Leaves
Travel through time and across the globe as you explore the library's rare Art Book Collection. This vibrant exhibit showcases art from six continents—Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania—spanning ancient to contemporary times.Category:
Hennepin County Library hosting Entrepreneur Expo at Minneapolis Central Library Oct. 11
Small business owners are invited to attend Hennepin County Library’s Entrepreneur Expo Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Minneapolis Central Library. The event returns for its 5th year after a three-year hiatus.
Category: Events
Southdale Library community meeting engages residents in planning for new building
Hennepin County Library hosted a community meeting at Southdale Library Thursday, August 31, as part of a series of events to engage the public in the upcoming new build project.
Category: Building projects
Osseo Library hours expanding Sept. 11
The hours of Osseo Library will be expanded with a new self-service model beginning Sept. 11.
Category: Services
Rockford Road project update
The Rockford Road Library renovation project has reached a milestone and site construction is moving along as planned.
Category: Building projects
Sumner Library closing for renovation
Sumner Library will close for a renovation project beginning Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, and is expected to reopen in fall 2024.
Category: Building projects
Hennepin County Appoints New Library Director
Hennepin County has named Scott Duimstra as the next director for Hennepin County Library.Category: Services
Southdale Library community meeting planned for Aug. 31
A public meeting will be held at the library on Thursday, August 31, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Category: Building projects
Westonka Library engages community in planning for new building
Hennepin County Library hosted an open house at Westonka Library Tuesday, July 18, as part of a series of events to engage the public in the upcoming new build project.
Category: Building projects
Westonka Library Building Project Open House
An open house will be held at the library on Tuesday, July 18, from 6:30-8 p.m.Category: Building projects
Sumner Library engages community in renovation planning
Hennepin County Library hosted a series of events to engage the public and gather feedback on the upcoming renovation of Sumner Library.
Category: Building projects
Continuing Conversations - Sumner Library Renovation Planning
Join a continuing conversation about the renovation plans for Sumner Library on Monday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be led by library staff and architect Mohammed Lawal. Participants can also view drawings and floor plans, and share their feedback. All are welcome.
Category: Building projects
Rockford Road Library closing for building project
Rockford Road Library will close for a building project beginning Monday, May 1, and is expected to reopen in spring 2024.
Category: Building projects
Westonka Library project resumes
Planning for the Westonka Library project will resume in 2023.
Category: Building projects
Sumner Library renovation planning open house on April 10
Renovation plans for Sumner Library are being finalized. A follow-up open house will be held at the library on Monday, April 10, 2023, from 6-7:30pm.
Category: Building projects
Rockford Road Library refurbishment planning continues
Rockford Road Library is finalizing design development for a refurbishment in 2023.
Category: Building projects
Southdale Library planning will resume in 2023
Southdale Library planning will resume in 2023 and will include building on the existing site.Category: Building projects
Sumner Library renovation planning open house September 12
Renovation plans for Sumner Library are currently in the design development phase. An open house will be held at the library on Monday, September 12, from 6-7:30pm.
Category: Building projects
Rockford Road Library planning underway
Rockford Road Library is scheduled to undergo a refurbishment project in 2023. In preparation for the project, Hennepin County Library is seeking your input. We want to know how you use the library and where we can make improvements. [The survey closed on September 30.]
Category: Building projects
Rockford Road Library reopens September 6
Rockford Road Library will reopen on September 6, following the first phase of a two-part parking lot maintenance project. The second phase of the project will be completed in 2023.
Category: Building projects
Rockford Road temporarily closing on August 9
Rockford Road Library is temporarily closing for site work August 9 – early September. During the closure, all holds will be sent to Golden Valley Library. To change to another location, ask staff.
Category: Services, Building projects
Sumner Library project planning begins
Sumner Library is scheduled to undergo a refurbishment project in late 2022. In preparation for the project, Hennepin County Library is seeking your input. We want to know how you use the library and where we can make improvements.Category: Building projects
Southdale Library project on hold
Hennepin County has paused its plans to relocate Southdale Library from the current 8-acre parcel on York Avenue in Edina.
Category: Building projects
Southdale Library facts and redevelopment history
Plans for a new Southdale Library are underway. Learn more about the project by reviewing the library facts and redevelopment history.Category: Building projects
Designer Selection Committee recommendation for Westonka Library
The Hennepin County Designer Selection Committee has recommended Gensler as the architectural firm for the new Westonka Library.
Category: Building projects