Tour de Library Day 12

 

October 11, 2023

Total 32 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

A picture perfect fall day, the sun shining brightly, a chill in the air and the leaves full of color.  We were glad to save a couple of the west metro library locations for the month of October.  We biked along the Luce Line Trail and Baker Park Reserve.   

MAPLE PLAIN LIBRARY

5184 Main St E
Maple Plain, MN 55359

The bike trails were well marked as we entered the city and safely crossed Hwy 12, utilizing the pedestrian safety zones,  which landed us at the doorstep of the Maple Plain Library.  The library operated at many locations, with the current site a former grocery store.  The building fits very nicely into the surrounding community.  

In a prominent place as you walk in, there was a banned books exhibit with yellow caution tape all over. Each book had a card with the reason as to why it carries a "banned books" label in many parts of the country. It prompted me to investigate further, the library staff was helpful in providing more information on the topic.

The one community room is used by various groups, including the local Girl Scout Troop, and it was filled with kiddos earlier in the day for the music program in collaboration with MacPhail Center.

Staff report "the Maple Plain families are a crafty bunch," always keeping them busy with creative ways to engage them.

Open to ideas and dialogue, music, and crafts galore, they have found a keen way to build lasting community relationships with library patrons!

LONG LAKE LIBRARY

1865 Wayzata Blvd UNIT 108
Long Lake, MN 55356

The library services started in 1913 for the Long Lake community.  The Library was housed in a former bank building down the road.  Much like the nearby Maple Plain Library, it also moved around a bit until it found its current location within the Long Lake Town Center Mall in 1995.

The Long Lake Library has some similarities to the St Anthony Library, which is also located in a shopping center, and both have a large pick-up reserve section.  According to staff, the Long Lake community utilizes the broader HCL to check out materials and books in large numbers.  

The separate children's area is easily viewed through windows, providing a cozy space for children to claim as their own.  The self-check out section was busy with school age kids coming and going, with the friendly library staff greeting many by name.

Stay tuned for more biking the libraries, coming summer 2024!

Tour de Library Day 11

 

September 22, 2023

Total 30 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

I did not think we would be able to bike our way to these next two libraries from downtown Minneapolis, yet via numerous bike trails and bike boulevards we did indeed!  Part of this adventure is seeing the different neighborhoods and distinct communities our libraries inhabit.  I get a broader view of what it means to be a Hennepin County Library patron.    

AUGSBURG PARK LIBRARY

7100 Nicollet Ave.
Richfield , MN 55423

Taking the chain of lakes path we biked along Lake Harriet Parkway, coming alongside groups of elementary school kids on their bikes heading to school with parents in tow. 

The Augsburg Park Library has a large Latino community.  Staff enthusiastically filled me in on the many things they love about their library. They enjoy interacting with their diverse library patrons, there is nature right next door and, according to Anita and Ruby, the staff make it fun to come to work.     

Speaking of fun, there was an eclectic art exhibit of "stuff found inside returned library books" which is hilarious and a must see!  The library abuts a large inclusive outdoor play space designed for kids of all abilities and development.  A visit to the library and the park makes this location a fun 1-2 combo for families to explore.

SOUTHDALE LIBRARY

7001 York Ave. S.
Edina , MN 55435

The Southdale Library has one of the largest footprints in the Hennepin Library system. A unique building on stilts which opened its doors in 1973, it has the entrance on the second floor via elevator or stairs and a "bridge" entrance at street level.

There is so much space inside! As you walk in, it feels a lot like a bookstore, with room for many book displays, themes and book recommendations. There is a plethora of desks and plenty of computers available -- it made my eyes light up. The large collection of reference material on the third floor, along with the knowledgeable staff people I spoke with, make this location ideal to complete any research or project on your list.

The Southdale Library is scheduled for a capital project and will be moving nearby. The library will be closed for 18 months, so hurry on over for a visit and take a look at this unique building and the bounty of reference material they have available.

Tour de Library Day 10

 

September 18, 2023

Total 28 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

PLYMOUTH LIBRARY

15700 36th Ave. N.
Plymouth , MN 55446

Biking along Theodore Wirth Parkway and the Luce Line Trail, we arrive at the Plymouth Library.  Upon entering I notice the large circular stained glass artwork on the west windows.  As I get a closer look, there is a cool "literary layer" to this beautiful art piece --  be sure to take a look.

I wandered along the world language collection, which includes a variety of adult and children's books in Spanish, Hindi and Korean language materials, to name just a few.  The staff takes a poll with the library patrons and community to determine which "world language conversation group" to focus on each year.  Spanish Club is always popular.  Join the World Language Club on Monday nights this year.  Parlez vous francais?

As the sky starts to darken, we decide to cut our library tour day short and head home via Medicine Lake Regional Trail.  We make it back home after a 30 mile ride just in time as the rain arrives.  A successful day.  A beautiful bike ride.  A day of learning about one of the many ways our libraries engage their community... and we stayed dry!