Public Libraries in Minneapolis, Minnesota
🏢 Hennepin County Library
Public Libraries in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A directory of Minneapolis (Hennepin County Library) locations — from the downtown Minneapolis Central Library to century-old Carnegie branches — with real hours, addresses, and what makes each one worth a visit.
📚 About the Hennepin County Library
Minneapolis is served by Hennepin County Library, which merged with the historic Minneapolis Public Library in 2008 and today operates dozens of locations countywide. Its downtown Minneapolis Central Library, designed by architect César Pelli and opened in 2006, is a five-story, light-filled building topped by a green roof and home to the James K. Hosmer Special Collections and the Cargill Learning Center. The system's Minneapolis roots run deep, including a string of early-1900s Carnegie branches still in service. Any Minnesota resident can get a free library card, which unlocks borrowing, computers, Wi-Fi, and digital services including the statewide Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM).
📱 Free with a Hennepin County Library Card
Any Minnesota resident can get a library card free and unlock:
Minneapolis Public Library Branches
Hennepin County Library serves Minneapolis through its César Pelli-designed downtown Minneapolis Central Library and a network of neighborhood libraries — from restored Carnegie branches to award-winning green buildings. Explore individual locations for real hours, addresses, and what makes each one distinctive:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Minneapolis Central Library special?
The downtown Minneapolis Central Library, designed by Argentine-American architect César Pelli and opened in 2006, is a five-story building filled with natural light and crowned by a green roof. It houses the James K. Hosmer Special Collections, documenting Minneapolis history, and the Cargill Learning Center.
Is Minneapolis served by the Minneapolis Public Library or Hennepin County Library?
Both names refer to the same libraries today. The historic Minneapolis Public Library merged into the Hennepin County Library system in 2008, so Minneapolis branches are now operated by Hennepin County Library.
Do I need to live in Minneapolis to get a library card?
No. Any Minnesota resident can get a Hennepin County Library card for free, which unlocks borrowing at all locations plus digital services like Libby, hoopla, Kanopy, and the statewide Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM).