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
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
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!
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