Tour de Library Day 8

 

August 11, 2023

Total 24 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

GOLDEN VALLEY LIBRARY

830 Winnetka Ave. N.
Golden Valley , MN 55427

Biking through Theodore Wirth Parkway, we arrive at the Golden Valley Library located by the hidden urban waterway of Bassett Creek.  It has been at this location since 1971.  We took full advantage of one of the many beautiful bike trails in this area, arriving happy and sweaty.

Walking inside there is a homey-retro-vibe. It could be the 70's-style design or maybe it was because this city was home for a large part of my adult life.  The Golden Valley Library to me is a no- nonsense library that has what you need, knows where to get it, and finds the answer to all your questions.  It is a well established and dependable friend you can count on.

Located near a number of senior apartments, with its walk-ability and bike-ability, the library provides services to the changing generations in the area.  According to staff, this location has high computer usage data.  Once a month the library has a booth at the farmers market right next door, a perfect excuse to visit the Library, get a book and pick up fresh produce or flowers.

ROCKFORD ROAD LIBRARY

6401 42nd Ave. N.
Crystal , MN 55427

 

The Rockford Road Library which provides services for the cities of Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale is closed for major remodeling.  It has me excited to revisit when the transformation is completed.  I just love that fresh library smell.  See you in 2024!

BROOKDALE LIBRARY          

6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
Brooklyn Center , MN 55430

One of the largest libraries in the system, second only to Central, the Brookdale Library is adjacent to Hennepin County Service Center and district courts, which brings in foot traffic to utilize the library resources and materials.

With abundant study rooms, conference rooms and open space it allows them to provide a variety of programming for their diverse community.  The library has a large World Language collection for both adults and children. Bilingual staff are available.  Programs and info sessions have included applying for college, immigration, and visa references and materials.

Kelsey, a supervisor at the Brookdale Library, told me about their participation in a new "video conference rooms" pilot program, making them available for patrons to hold meetings and interviews in a professional environment, with additional technology for better sound and video.  Oh, and by the way, Brookdale was Kelsey's childhood library, so she feels right at home. 

Tour de Library Day 7

 

August 4, 2023

Total 21 of 41 (half way point!) Hennepin County Libraries

ARVONNE FRASER

1222 4th St. S.E.                                        
Minneapolis , MN 55414                                

The Arvonne Fraser Library, serving the Dinkytown neighborhood and the University of MN community, has a unique brutalist design which was popular in the 60's.  Now with the recent remodel, the addition of skylights, and the open central area, the library has abundant light to welcome patrons.

I learned about the history of Arvonne Fraser, a women's rights activist and political force who was a graduate of the University.   We are so fortunate to have a HC Library to highlight her wonderful legacy. 

Library staff person Rebecca spoke about current and retired university faculty and families in the community who keep them on their toes asking for specific book selections, topics and programming.  Kim mentioned the "patrons experiencing homelessness group" that is voluntary for staff members from any HCL.  The group discusses urban library topics and issues, coming together and sharing ideas as a library collective caring about the community they serve.   

PIERRE BOTTINEAU

55 Broadway St. N.E.
Minneapolis , MN 55413

Architectural questions about this Library building are frequent, so the staff created, "A River of Knowledge...Pierre Bottineau Library," a pamphlet with all sorts of historical facts and architecture details. The 1893 Wagon Shed and 1913 Millwright Shop from the Grain Belt Brewery Campus were renovated and combined to create this HCL gem in the growing NorthEast community.

Adam, who is another staff member who works at his beloved childhood library, filled me in on the changing community and the families who make up the neighborhood. He enjoys the diversity and all the changes since he lived in this area. The children's librarian is building connections to develop programming for Somali and Spanish speaking communities.

The ebooks continue to be in high demand. Staff works hard at keeping the collections up to date and relevant for the needs of the community.

ST ANTHONY LIBRARY

2941 Pentagon Dr. N.E.
St. Anthony , MN 55418

The St. Anthony Library has been conveniently located at the St. Anthony Shopping Center since 1963.  After a short move within the area in 2002, it continues to serve the NE Minneapolis and St. Anthony community.   

The location has a surplus of available parking, which is a bonus for library patrons.  They have a large area for holds and pick-ups, which creates a lot of traffic at this small location.  With such a unique location, staff mentioned that people outside of the community don't always realize the library is in the shopping center.  

As we left the library, we spotted a Dairy Queen across the parking lot, a welcome site on this hot day of biking.  Talk about convenient!