Hennepin County Library – Nokomis Library

Quite possibly the LOUDEST library I have ever visited. Every time I go there are kids talking/​screaming loudly, people playing computer games and generally acting like they’re at a McDonald’s. Yeesh.
I only come here to pick up my books that I order on line and get the hell out. Not very cozy or relaxing for me. The parking lot is terrible. Staff is so-​so. I’m sure they’ll help you if you ask.

Here’s one example of the good that’s coming from the Twins Stadium: the Central library branch is now open 7 days a week!
If you are a parent and looking for a good spot to spend a winter afternoon, the downtown library is a fabulous choice. The children’s center has a ton for the little ones to explore. With foam blocks, games, dvd’s music and loads of books in English, Spanish and French, our afternoon flew by.
Overall, it’s a gorgeous space. Definitely an awesome addition to downtown.

I think a reviewer who called the Minneapolis Public Library «quaint» was talking about the Nokomis branch. There are a LOT of branches to this excellent library system, which merged with the Hennepin County Library system a couple of years ago.
The mother-​ship, though, is the Central branch, downtown, which re-​opened in 2006 with a glorious new disign by Cesar Pelli. It’s anything BUT quaint, although it is definitely a comfortable place to read and hang out– and is jam-​packed with patrons on the computers every minute it’s open! For those not staring at a screen, it’s filled with natural light.
I’m a library lover, and have visited libraries in many large cities, but this collection is really fantastic. The collection of musical scores is particularly wonderful (and immense). With the opening of this newly designed building, patrons can now get to materials which were previously stored offsite, or had to be summoned from unseen bowels by staff.
They’ve got a great audiobook collection, too– I listen to books in the car most of the time, and get lots of them from the library, either Central or various other branches of the Hennepin system.
If you’re visiting Central, take a spin through the Friends of the Library bookstore, too. Library discards and donated books, magazines, music, videos, etc., are for sale at eensy-​weensy prices, and benefit the library. There’s a coffee shop attached to the building. Parking isn’t free, unfortunately, but IS easy– surface lots across the street, or underground at very competitive prices, payable with credit card, which is great if you’re there for tax-​deductible reasons, as I usually am.