Linden Hills Library
🏢 Hennepin County Library · Minneapolis, Minnesota
Linden Hills Library
Built in 1931 under library director Gratia Countryman and designed by the firm Bard & Vanderbilt in Tudor Revival style, Linden Hills Library at 2900 West 43rd Street is one of southwest Minneapolis's most beloved neighborhood landmarks — listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featuring leaded glass windows, two working fireplaces, and a Phil Daniel stained-glass installation added in 2002.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 2900 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Phone: (612) 543-6825
Website: hclib.org
Plus Code: 86P8WMGM+2C (Minneapolis, MN)
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📖 About Linden Hills Library
Linden Hills Library opened on February 5, 1931, bringing a permanent branch to southwest Minneapolis's lakeside Linden Hills neighborhood under the leadership of nationally recognized library director Gratia Countryman (1904–1936). Architects Bard & Vanderbilt designed the Tudor Revival building — with construction by Pike & Cook — giving it leaded glass windows, two interior fireplaces, and outdoor terraces that set it apart from the city's earlier Carnegie branches. A panel above the entrance honors the generations of Minneapolitans who built the community library. Before the 1931 building, Linden Hills residents had relied on deposit collections at two nearby temporary addresses. The branch received Minneapolis Landmark designation in 1997 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2000. A 2001–2002 renovation added 1,200 square feet and installed a stained-glass work by Minneapolis artist Phil Daniel above the front entrance, bringing the total cost to $2.3 million. First head librarian Edith Frost served from 1911 to 1946, championing the library as a community center and promoting early childhood literacy. The branch merged into Hennepin County Library in 2008 when Minneapolis Public Library joined the county system.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened February 5, 1931, designed in Tudor Revival style by Bard & Vanderbilt — brought the first permanent branch library to the Linden Hills neighborhood of southwest Minneapolis
- Minneapolis Landmark (1997) and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (May 26, 2000) for its architectural and community significance
- Distinctive interior features: leaded glass windows, two working fireplaces, outdoor terraces, and a carved panel honoring founding community generations above the entrance
- 2001–2002 renovation added 1,200 sq ft and installed a stained-glass work by Minneapolis artist Phil Daniel above the front door ($2.3 million project)
- Led for 35 years by founding head librarian Edith Frost (1911–1946), who championed the branch as a children's literacy and community center long before the 1931 building opened
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Linden Hills cardholders have free access to Hennepin County Library's digital resources and Minnesota's statewide databases:
📚 Services
- Meeting room (reservable at hclib.libcal.com)
- Computers and technology access
- Language collections in multiple languages
- K-12 homework help
- Art displays rotating throughout the year
- Genealogy and local history resources
- Reader's advisory assistance
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
🎸 Programs
- Early learning storytimes and children's programs
- Summer learning programs (all ages)
- Homework help for K-12 students
- Adult learning and digital literacy programs
- Arts and culture events
- Books and reading discussions
- Community programs supported by Friends of Linden Hills Library
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southwest Minneapolis
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Minneapolis · Browse all Minnesota libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Linden Hills Library open, and who built it?
Linden Hills Library opened on February 5, 1931, bringing the neighborhood's first permanent branch library after decades of relying on rotating deposit collections. The Tudor Revival building was designed by the firm Bard & Vanderbilt and built by Pike & Cook under the leadership of Minneapolis Public Library director Gratia Countryman, who shaped the city's entire library network from 1904 to 1936.
Why is Linden Hills Library listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
The branch was designated a Minneapolis Landmark in 1997 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2000 for its architectural and community significance. Its Tudor Revival design — with leaded glass windows, two interior fireplaces, outdoor terraces, and a carved entrance panel honoring early community members — is considered an outstanding example of early 20th-century branch library architecture in Minneapolis.
What artwork was added to Linden Hills Library during its renovation?
During the 2001–2002 renovation, Minneapolis artist Phil Daniel created a stained-glass installation that was placed above the front entrance. The $2.3 million project also added 1,200 square feet of space. The building's original leaded glass windows and historic fireplaces were preserved throughout.
Is Linden Hills Library open on Sundays?
Linden Hills Library is closed on Sundays. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 am–5 pm; Tuesday and Thursday noon–8 pm; and Saturday 9 am–5 pm. The Tuesday and Thursday evening hours (until 8 pm) offer flexibility for working adults and students.
📜 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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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.