Minneapolis Public Library - Community Libraries

Community Libraries

The first two branches of the Minneapolis Public Library opened in 1890, one each on the north and south sides of Minneapolis. A branch in the basement of North High School opened on February 27, 1890 and at 17th and Franklin Ave on April 23. By 2002 there were fourteen branches or community libraries. Each library had a staff member who was assigned to local schools to discuss the services available at the library.

The 2002 referendum also included funds to renovate community libraries, supplementing an existing program. The renovation status of the community libraries are:

• East Lake Community Library, built 1976, renovated 2007.
• Franklin Community Library, built 1914, renovated 2005.
• Hosmer Community Library, built 1916, renovated 1997.
• Linden Hills Community Library, built 1931, renovated 2002.
• Nokomis Community Library, built 1968. renovated October 2009 - April 2011.
• North Regional Community Library, built 1971, renovated 2007.
• Northeast Community Library, built 1973, reopened after renovation 2011.
• Pierre Bottineau Community Library, built 2003 in the Grain Belt Brewery complex to replace an older storefront library.
• Roosevelt Community Library, built 1927.
• Southeast Community Library, built in 1963.
• Sumner Community Library, built 1915, renovated 2005.
• Walker Community Library, built 1981 to replace the 1915 building still located across the street. Unusually, the Walker is built underground, with only a parking lot and the entrance, a small stub of glass, metal and concrete, above-ground.
• Washburn Community Library, built 1970 renovated 1992.
• Webber Park Community Library, built in 1980.

Improvements are in the works for Nokomis, Northeast, Roosevelt, Southeast, Walker, Washburn, and Webber Park Libraries. Some locations (such as Roosevelt and Nokomis) may be consolidated at one location, and "express" library services along major transportation routes are also a possibility. The framework for the future of the library is a document called Outlook 2010.

The Central, Franklin, East Lake Regional, Roosevelt and Nokomis Libraries are easily accessed from the Hiawatha Line. All locations are either wheelchair-accessible or will be after renovation.