Hennepin County Library celebrates National Library Week

The American Library Association has designated April 23-29, 2023, as National Library Week, a time to celebrate libraries, and library staff, across the country. This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story.”

The story of library services in Hennepin County starts more than a century ago, when Minneapolis residents began turning to their libraries as a trusted source for learning and enrichment. In 1922, the library used a horse-drawn book wagon to bring books to rural Hennepin County schools and families. Over the years, the story of the library has been one of growth and change. In 2022, Hennepin County Library had: 

• 41 locations 
• 1,900+ open hours each week 
• 461,000 active library cardholders 
• 11 million first-time checkouts 
• 10,894 Ask Us online chats 

In addition to books and other physical materials, the library also offers services that allow patrons to watch movies, download and stream songs by Minnesota artists, learn more than 70 different languages online, listen to audiobooks, explore job and business databases, get help with homework, connect to Wi-Fi, reserve public meeting rooms, and so much more.

Hennepin County Library’s dedicated staff serve as a source of information, provide safe and welcoming spaces, and create a supportive and inclusive environment for all Hennepin County residents. Celebrate National Library Week by making a visit to your local library and experience all that Hennepin County Library has to offer.