Franklin Library
🏢 Hennepin County Library · Minneapolis, Minnesota
Franklin Library
Opened in August 1914 as Minneapolis's first Carnegie-funded library, Franklin Library at 1314 East Franklin Avenue is a Renaissance Revival landmark on the National Register of Historic Places — serving one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods with collections in Arabic, Ojibwe, Oromo, Somali, and Spanish, and open until 8 pm Tuesday through Thursday.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | 12pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1314 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: (612) 543-6925
Website: hclib.org
Plus Code: 86P8XP7V+6J (Minneapolis, MN)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Franklin Library
Franklin Library opened in August 1914 as the first of four Carnegie-funded libraries built in Minneapolis, thanks to $40,000 secured from Andrew Carnegie by city librarian Gratia Countryman. New York architect Edward Lippincott Tilton — a specialist in library design — drew the building in the Renaissance Revival style; it was designated a Minneapolis Landmark in 1997 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2000. A $4 million renovation completed in 2003–2005 brought the branch into the 21st century while preserving its historic character, and the lobby features Robert DesJarlait's striking 'Red Lake' mosaic. Franklin's collection has always mirrored its neighborhood: in the early 20th century it housed the largest Scandinavian-language collection in the Minneapolis system; today it serves one of the city's most multilingual communities with materials in Arabic, Ojibwe, Oromo, Somali, and Spanish. The branch also holds the Makoce Collection — a specialized gathering of Indigenous resources — and is one of three surviving Carnegie library buildings in Minneapolis. It is part of Hennepin County Library, which absorbed Minneapolis Public Library in 2008.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Minneapolis's first Carnegie-funded branch library, opened August 1914, designed by New York library architect Edward Lippincott Tilton in Renaissance Revival style
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (May 26, 2000) and designated a Minneapolis Landmark (1997) — one of three surviving Carnegie libraries in the city
- Makoce Collection: specialized Indigenous resources alongside broad multilingual collections in Arabic, Ojibwe, Oromo, Somali, and Spanish
- Robert DesJarlait's 'Red Lake' mosaic in the lobby, created by the noted Ojibwe artist and illustrator
- $4 million renovation (2003–2005) modernized the branch while preserving its historic Carnegie character
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Franklin cardholders access Hennepin County Library's full digital lineup and Minnesota's statewide resources free:
📚 Services
- Makoce Collection — specialized Indigenous-language and cultural resources
- Multilingual collections: Arabic, Ojibwe, Oromo, Somali, Spanish
- K-12 homework help tutoring
- STEAM Squad programming (science, technology, engineering, arts, math)
- Meeting room (reservable at hclib.libcal.com)
- Computers and technology access
- Art exhibitions in the branch
- Franklin Learning Center (established 1988) — community adult education programs
- Phillips Technology Center (established 1997)
- Genealogy and local history resources
🎸 Programs
- STEAM Squad — hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities for youth
- K-12 homework help tutoring (free, in-branch)
- Adult learning and digital literacy programs
- Summer learning programs (all ages)
- Arts and culture events and gallery exhibitions
- Early learning storytimes
- Community programs serving the Phillips and Whittier neighborhoods
📍 Nearby Libraries in Minneapolis
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Minneapolis · Browse all Minnesota libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Franklin Library considered a Carnegie library, and what makes it historically significant?
Franklin Library was the first of four Carnegie-funded branch libraries built in Minneapolis. Librarian Gratia Countryman secured $40,000 from Andrew Carnegie to construct it; New York library architect Edward Lippincott Tilton designed it in the Renaissance Revival style, and it opened in August 1914. It was designated a Minneapolis Landmark in 1997 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. A $4 million renovation in 2003–2005 preserved its historic fabric while updating services.
What is the Makoce Collection at Franklin Library?
The Makoce Collection is a specialized gathering of Indigenous resources housed at Franklin Library. The branch has a long history of serving multilingual communities — early on it held Minneapolis's largest Scandinavian-language collection, and today it offers materials in Arabic, Ojibwe, Oromo, Somali, and Spanish alongside the dedicated Makoce resources for Indigenous patrons and researchers.
What is the artwork in the lobby of Franklin Library?
The lobby features 'Red Lake,' a mosaic by Robert DesJarlait (1946–1996), the noted Ojibwe artist and commercial illustrator from Red Lake Nation who grew up in Minneapolis. The work reflects the branch's deep connection to the Indigenous communities of the Phillips and Whittier neighborhoods.
What are Franklin Library's hours, and does it stay open late any evenings?
Franklin Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday noon–8 pm, Monday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am–5 pm, and Sunday noon–5 pm. The three weekday evening hours (until 8 pm) make it accessible for students and working adults.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
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