Hosmer Library
🏢 Hennepin County Library · Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hosmer Library
Opened March 8, 1916 as the last of Minneapolis's four Carnegie-funded libraries, Hosmer Library at 347 East 36th Street is a Tudor Revival landmark in the Powderhorn neighborhood — named for the city's second librarian, James Kendall Hosmer — and it's one of only three surviving Carnegie library buildings in Minneapolis, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 12pm–8pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | 12pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 347 East 36th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 543-6900
Website: hclib.org
Plus Code: 86P8WPPH+XQ (Minneapolis, MN)
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📖 About Hosmer Library
Hosmer Library opened on March 8, 1916 as Minneapolis's tenth library branch and the fourth and final Carnegie-funded branch in the city. New York architect Henry D. Whitfield designed the Tudor Revival building — 90 by 54 feet, with polygonal towers flanking the main entrance, a crenellated parapet, and terra cotta trim — which cost $27,700 to construct. It was renamed in 1926 to honor James Kendall Hosmer (1834–1927), the city's second librarian and a former president of the American Library Association. Like its Carnegie siblings, the building received historic designation from Minneapolis's Heritage Preservation Commission in 1997 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2000. Today Hosmer is one of only three Carnegie library buildings still operating in Minneapolis, and it serves the Powderhorn and Central neighborhoods with a seed library, a zine collection, STEAM Squad programming, and language collections. The branch merged into Hennepin County Library when Minneapolis Public Library was absorbed into the county system in 2008.
⭐ What makes this library special
- The last of Minneapolis's four Carnegie-funded libraries, opened March 8, 1916 — designed by Henry D. Whitfield in Tudor Revival style with polygonal towers and crenellated parapet
- Named in 1926 for James Kendall Hosmer (1834–1927), Minneapolis's second city librarian and former American Library Association president
- Minneapolis Landmark (1997) and National Register of Historic Places (May 26, 2000) — one of three surviving Carnegie library buildings in the city
- Seed library: borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds free with your library card, available while supplies last
- Zine Collection: locally made and DIY publications alongside art exhibitions that rotate throughout the year
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Hosmer cardholders have free access to Hennepin County Library's digital resources and Minnesota's statewide databases:
📚 Services
- Seed library — borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds with your library card (while supplies last)
- Zine Collection — locally made and DIY publications
- Language collections in multiple languages
- K-12 homework help tutoring
- STEAM Squad programming
- Computers and technology access
- Meeting rooms (reservable at hclib.libcal.com)
- Art exhibitions rotating throughout the year
- 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)
- Seed library programs and community gardening support
- Summer learning programs (all ages)
- Early learning storytimes
- Arts and culture events and zine-making workshops
- Adult learning and digital literacy programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Minneapolis
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Minneapolis · Browse all Minnesota libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Kendall Hosmer, and why is the library named for him?
James Kendall Hosmer (1834–1927) was Minneapolis's second city librarian and a former president of the American Library Association. He was a prolific author, Civil War veteran, and historian. When the branch at 347 East 36th Street opened in 1916 it was called the Thirty-Sixth Street Branch Library; the city renamed it Hosmer Library in 1926 to honor his contributions to Minneapolis's library system.
Is Hosmer Library really a Carnegie library, and how many Carnegie libraries are still operating in Minneapolis?
Yes — Hosmer Library was the fourth and final Carnegie-funded branch library built in Minneapolis, opening March 8, 1916. Andrew Carnegie's donations funded its $27,700 construction. Only three of the four Carnegie branches still operate as libraries in Minneapolis: Franklin (1914), Hosmer (1916), and Sumner. All three are Minneapolis Landmarks and appear on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the seed library at Hosmer, and how does it work?
Hosmer Library maintains a seed library where any cardholder can borrow packets of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds at no charge — while supplies last each season. It's a community resource supporting home gardening in the Powderhorn neighborhood. Seed availability changes seasonally, so check with the branch before visiting.
What are Hosmer Library's evening hours for the week?
Hosmer Library is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday noon–8 pm (late evening hours for workers and students), and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am–5 pm. The branch is also open Sunday noon–5 pm.
📜 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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