Giving myself a challenge at the start of summer, I set out to visit and to learn something about each of the 41 Hennepin County Libraries. To make this adventure even more fun I decided to do it on a bike. What, I wondered, was unique or valuable to know about each library location? What do staff and patrons enjoy the most about their location?
What started as a personal journal soon became something to share with my family and friends. In the true spirit of Friends of the Hennepin County Library, it evolved into a way to shine a light on our amazing, world-class Library. I hope I can show others why they should consider visiting other Hennepin libraries outside of their home locations.
6/2/23
Total 4 of 41 Hennepin County Library sites
SUMNER LIBRARY
611 Van White Memorial Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Our very first stop of the very first day of our Hennepin County Library tour was Sumner. As we entered we saw signs for the Sudduth Collection, and a staff member who was on a break sitting nearby overheard us and stepped right up to answer our questions. The historic designation was one of the first four Carnegie-funded libraries built in Minneapolis in 1915.
Thanks to Alisha, we learned about the incredible resource that is the Gary N. Sudduth African American History and Cultural Heritage Collection and the man behind the collection. Over 5,000 items strong! During the construction of Highway 55 the entire neighborhood was uprooted and displaced, but the building that now houses the library was actually moved a few hundred feet, and then replaced in its original spot, one of the few remaining structures to survive.
NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY
1315 Lowry Ave N.
Summer youth programs and Homework Help are popular at North Regional Library.
The entire first floor has been redone, and most of the space is dedicated to teen and children's literature. Before Covid the library had one of the largest graphic novel and Manga collections available. Local artists works can be found throughout the library, including the beautiful carved oak chairs upstairs.
Our library host DJ shared his journey, starting with Teen Tech to becoming one of the staff members running the youth programs at North Regional. Go DJ!
WEBBER PARK LIBRARY
4440 N Humboldt Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55412
Nature surrounds Webber Park Library, with a perfect location right off the parkway, and provides easy access by bike, yay!
Large windows allow light to filter into the space from every direction, even when it was raining outside during our visit. It lets you feel close to nature, a sanctuary from the elements, beckoning us to grab a book and sit for a spell.
Staff member Alexis highlighted the strong Local Friends group and the neighborhood involvement helping Webber Park Library thrive.
2200 Central Ave N E
Minneapolis, MN 55418
A modern structure in the site of an original Carnegie Library, this branch has so much history to explore. The library has been going greener after a remodel in 2011 emphasized sustainable building practices, and this helps make the Northeast Library a gem in the bustling Central Ave area.
Community connections, like the "Art at the Library" program and the abundance of library resources in many languages, highlight the diversity of the local neighborhood.
With coffee shops, global restaurant fare, and a brewery nearby, it was a great way to end our first day of the HCL biking tour!
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