Hennepin County Library – St. Anthony Library

We went to the St Anthony Library specifically to see a performer who didn’t show up (it was rumored he accidentally went to St Anthony Park. Two different places, folks!) The librarian said it was the first time in something like 25 years that a performer has failed to show up, so I won’t name names.
But the fabulous librarian wan’t about to let the kids down! He pulled out a wonderful story hour ending with I suspect is his signature move: robot dancing. Well played.
Inside this felt like any other Henn County library, but it might be the only one in a strip mall. Not sure what those walls are made of, but my phone wasn’t working in the library. This meant I had several nice conversations with other parents. Nice crowd in St Anthony. (St Anthony Park is nice too)

I am a book worm and frequent libraries often. At least once a week I pick up my requested books at this branch. The space is always clean, and they have decent hours for such a small place. There is not much selection though, so I would not recommend browsing for a book here. That is unless you read James Patterson’s mysteries.

This is our main library, being pretty close to New Brighton, and around a lot of other cool places. I grew up riding my bike here as a kid when it was shoved in to that little corner place, so I do have an emotional connection to this location.
I love the kids programs available during the summer. The guy who organizes them is really friendly (and seems to recognize my kids, either that or he’s just friendly and likes to say hi to kids when they come in), and picks great stories. Their Tuesday «preschool-​2^nd grade» activity is usually on-​par with a great time. My kids can be kids here and I don’t have to feel super antsy that they’ll bug anybody (the kids section is always busy).
Self check-​out rocks, selection of kids movies/​books/​cds is great. Adult stuff is so-​so (I don’t know why I have such a hard time finding books for myself here, although it is rather small).

The main advantage of St. Anthony’s storytime is that they do two on the same morning, so if you have a baby and an older kid, you might be able to hit both. This is a pretty small library, but luckily they have a separate room for storytime, which helps keep things contained and in control.
It’s always pretty crowded, but doesn’t seem to be a problem here like it is at East Lake. The families are are regulars, and many parents know each other, it’s a pretty friendly group.
Storytime is always by the same librarian, who does a nice mix of books, songs and movements.