Tour de Library Day 14

 

July 18, 2024

Total 35 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

Biking the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in the western suburbs, I marveled at marshlands and all the green space available for walkers and bikers to enjoy.  On another hot summer day, I was grateful for this shady bike trail keeping me cool and safe from traffic.  My navigator (husband) was also looking forward to the promise of a stop at Back Channel Brewing Co. near the trail and on the way home from our library expedition.  

WESTONKA LIBRARY

2079 Commerce Blvd
Mound, MN 55364

The moment I walked into the Westonka Library, I was greeted by friendly staff at the front desk.  According to one of the members, they make it their mission to greet every patron to make them feel welcome.  I relished the attention and the chance to hear about what makes their location special.

The current space is perfect for a visit on a bike, as it sits on a wooded area near Lake Minnetonka and the bike trail.  It has a cozy community feel, reminiscent of my own beloved Golden Valley Library which also opened its doors in the early 70's.  It makes me happy to hear staff speak of their love of their library.  I spoke to one staff member who grew up and went to school nearby.  Now her adult kids live in the area and also enjoy the library.    

The library is preparing to undergo a major remodel later in 2024.  This will be the first net zero greenhouse gas emissions library.  The library will be closed for 18 months during the remodeling period.  Luckily the community will have a number of sister libraries to choose from in the interim, including St. Bonifacius the next library on my visit.  

Hurry on over, here is your chance to visit Westonka Library and see the before and after transformation!

     

ST BONIFACIUS LIBRARY

8624 Kennedy Memorial Drive 
St Bonifacius, MN 55374

Our group returned to the bike trail and continued west towards the small city of St Bonifacius, a one square mile community originally settled by German immigrants.  Of note, St Bonifacius is the patron saint of Germany, brewers, tailors and file cutters.  The library building has a charming European style exterior and compact interior.  

I sat down with the two staff members who shared wonderful stories about the library's history and past.  Originally a bank building without running water, staff had to close up and go home to use a bathroom.  Luckily there is now a bathroom where the bank vault use to be, in the safest space in case of a tornado.  

St Bonifacius Library is a cherished part of the community, who rally to keep it open.  Despite its small size and small online presence, this library is a treasure trove for history buffs.  The St. Bonifacius Historical Society is conveniently located in the basement of the library.  

The staff also suggested we visit "Missile Park" located just down the hill from the library.  It is a unique look back to a time during the cold war period, when St Bonifacius was an important site in the nation's missile defense system.  It was the last resort in protecting the Twin Cities in case of a Soviet attack, yikes!   

Ask Us Service

June 15, 2024  "ASK US"

If you haven't yet used the HCL "Ask Us" services, you are missing out!  This personalized library service delivers a fountain of information regarding books, resources and answers many of your questions.  And it's all for free!   https://www.hclib.org/en/contact#ask-us 

After I left the last library location I had a few lingering questions, I decided to utilize my favorite method, the HCL chat line.  Within a few minutes, I had answers to my questions and a couple of resources to use or check out.  All from one reliable site.  You can also submit your questions by text or email, or call 612-543-KNOW (5669)

I was curious about sites designated as Federal Depository Libraries. The system was established by Congress in 1813 to ensure the public has access to government information throughout the U.S. You may wonder how many are in Minnesota. Well there are 21, the University of MN has 4 of the locations.  The downtown Central Library is the one in the HCL system. Gathering information this way just feels a lot more pleasant and satisfying than using google. Try it out and see what you think! 

Tour de Library Day 13

 

June 14, 2024

Total 33 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

It is great to be back on tour for summer 2024.  How I've missed my "bike to the library" days.  It's hard to believe I've hit single digits for my remaining libraries! 

As we say, summers in Minnesota are for biking...and road construction.  Despite hitting snags along the tour, with closures for parts of Cedar Lake Trail due to light-rail construction, it did not dampen our enthusiasm on this beautiful day in the Twin Cities.   

 

RIDGEDALE LIBRARY

12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305

The Ridgedale Library has been serving the Minnetonka area for more than 30 years.  In 2008 when Minneapolis Library merged with Hennepin County Library, the Ridgedale Library became a book processing hub.  All new HCL books begin their journey at this site, first getting a barcode before being dispersed throughout the HCL locations and into our hands.  This location shares the building space with Hennepin County services and district courts as part of the Hennepin County Ridgedale Regional Center.         

There is original art along the light filled entrance, with tiled benches, and a large Minnesota themed painting as you walk up the stairs.  Try to find all the book quotes from the library's collection scattered throughout the painting.  

Looking around, I saw many family friendly amenities, including large reading spaces, interactive learning areas for children, an abundance of public computers, and a large number of meeting rooms.  The children's librarian reports summer activities keep the library buzzing.  At your next visit, grab a handy bookmark with the Ridgedale QR code for children and teen programs.  

Pick up your reserved books at the "self service holds" conveniently located at the entrance and right next door to Jones Coffee for a perfect ending to your visit.    

  

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!   

 

 

Tour de Library Day 9

 

September 8, 2023

Total 27 of 41 Hennepin County Libraries

BROOKLYN PARK LIBRARY

8500 W. Broadway Ave.
Brooklyn Park , MN 55445

 

Talk about library service transformations -- the Hennepin County Library bookmobile originally provided the only services to the Brooklyn Park area before 1976.  When the Brooklyn Park Library moved in 2016 to its current location it spread its wings with an open concept building that provides loads of space for patrons.  From the artistic ship-like bike racks out front, to the colorful accents that draw your eyes across the library, it has a huge "wow" factor.

During my visit I observed two library guests get their new library cards.  The library staff was enthusiastic in welcoming them and telling them about all the resources available to them through HCL.  I also learned how HCL has a shared system with some other county libraries, and how patrons can use their library card for credit when printing.  I even learned about the "First Pages" writing program for teens and adults. 

MAPLE GROVE LIBRARY

8001 Main St. N.
Maple Grove , MN 55369

The Maple Grove Library is another contemporary "open concept" library with lots of room available to work or study, and I saw many people taking advantage of the space. With diner-type booths, colorful and comfortable looking chairs, and plenty of conference rooms, it serves Maple Grove, Osseo, and surrounding communities.

There is a large dragon above the children's section that draws the kids (and me) like a beacon.  Don't forget to check out the Strega Nona original sketches by Tomie DePaola. 

Along with many sustainable features, the staff loves the slanted roof allowing water to converge like a waterfall outside the window when it rains.  Talk about cool!  

OSSEO LIBRARY

415 Central Ave.
Osseo , MN 55369

The Osseo Library implemented a new self-service model and expanded hours on 9/11/23, just a few days after my visit. Don't forget to check the library hours for our smaller locations, including the St. Bonifacius Library, before planning a library visit.

The Osseo Library originally opened in 1922 above a drugstore. After moving around -- first to a town hall, then a room formerly used as the village jail, then a masonic center -- it finally resides in a unique location within Osseo City Hall. This location allows the library doors to be open whenever city hall is open, making it a perfect fit for the community and for the new self service model. There is more than one way to have a cool factor!

We took advantage of exploring downtown Osseo during our library visit. You can grab a cold brew coffee at Annabelle House or a bite to eat at the many restaurants within walking distance of the library.