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Minneapolis Central Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
300 Nicollet MallMinneapolis, MN 55401
Neighborhood: Downtown Minneapolis
(612) 630-6000
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Tue, Thu 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
22 reviews for Minneapolis Central Library
22 reviews in English
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Review from Josh M.
Minneapolis, MN
9/7/2011 2 photos
Coolest library I've ever been in, this review is a long overdue one for me. I've never reviewed it since it's such a great place that I wanted to make sure I didn't leave anything out. Since I discover a new study spot or an amazing selection of material on different topics almost every time I'm here it's safe to say I'm still not going to cover everything, you're simply going to have to come here and see for yourself how great it is.
To start with the space is huge, when you first walk in there is a end to end 4 story atrium, you can go up either by unwalled stairs or glass elevators. So many great places to read and study inside, they are everywhere so you'll for sure be able to find a spot that works for you. If you need to take a breather there is a Dunn Bros on the first floor, and you can either eat and drink in there or if it's in a covered container you can bring it into the library.
So many other great things about this Library that I frequently use are the Special Collections, The large room with books from 80 - 100 years ago, and Microfilm of newspapers going back to the late 1800's. You can find lot's of info and pictures of practically any part of Minneapolis history in the Special Collections, including historical events, buildings past and present, as well as neighborhoods, heck I wouldn't be surprised if they even had stuff on the house you live in, really great resource.
I also love looking at old newspaper ads on Microfilm, you learn so much about everything from vintage furniture and fashion styles to mannerisms, and what the times were like. The artwork back then was gorgeous, even old movie ads from earlier eras can be very artistic. Oh and I find it very entertaining to read some of the sales pitches in the ads, really can be funny sometimes, especially some of the ones during the Great Depression of the 1930's. So much to do at this Library, you're gonna need a bit of time to discover and enjoy everything there is to offer, at least on your first visit. -
Review from Carrie W.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always a good trip to the central library! They have everything you could ever want. Magazines, movies, books, references, even a coffee shop for after you check out your books.
I take the girls I nanny here, they're 9 and 12. They love the youth section, we spend a lot of time there. They have bean bags, tables, and computers. It's always a nice outing. I can get stuff done on my laptop while they read their manga and other books. We're both happy! -
Review from Melissa C.
St Paul, MN
8/20/2011 22 Check-ins Here
It feels wrong to give a library a less-than-five-star review. This is the home of books, after all--a mecca of music, a haven for hardcovers, the palace of paperbacks...well, you get the idea. Libraries rock.
This library, too, rocks. It's all shiny and new and it looks like it was built by IKEA. Such a pleasure it is to stand over a cool floor vent on a hot summer day while perusing page after page of magnificent reading material!
But the problem I have with this library is that someone put too much form before too little function, making it unnecessarily difficult to use.
Pet peeve: planting the beautiful birch trees WAY too close together outside the front of the library. It looks good the first year... and then they take turns dying off. They've already started the process.
The metal ornamentation on the font of the library is perfectly peaked to collect water--leading to an improvised rain-spout right in front of the doors, and, in the winter, a deadly dash into the library where you avoid massive icicles. (To be fair, in the winter they always rope this off to prevent massive-icicle death...but really? Why not just, you know, avoid death-at-the-entrance?)
The book return is on the opposite side of the library entrance--so you enter from the Nicollet side (or parking ramp) and you have to walk past the library entrance, all the way over to drop off your books, and then all the way back to enter the library. It's a small thing, but it's a continued annoyance (why not allow you to enter the library on both ends?).
It's just a bunch of little design. . . thoughtlessnesses (is that a word? No? It is now.)... that lead to a more unpleasant library experience than they should--especially considering that said library is brand-spanking-new. Next time lets look at the library design with the practical, heavy user in mind.
It's also worth noting that you can park free for 10 minutes while you drop off your books (and you can do this underneath the parking ramp). The meters outside are a totally unreasonable 8 minutes per quarter (considering that the drop-off and library entrance are so far apart, you're always going to need two quarters). -
Review from John C.
11/21/2011
I used to go to story time here every once in a while, as it's fun to go to the big one, but I was usually disappointed by the performance. But they have a huge children's section, and with babies or toddlers they can play with the big cushy blocks and browse through the ships filled with board books.
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Review from Katherine B.
Minneapolis, MN
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This library is lovely, but security is intense! Are there that many people trying to steal things? Probably.
If you park in the ramp, make sure you take your ticket with you -- pay machines are only available on foot. $5 for 3 hours is a decent deal for a morning downtown. -
Review from Breanne K.
Minneapolis, MN
4/27/2011 32 Check-ins Here
Best library in the city, for sure. It has so much to offer. You can find a book or movie, use the web, or just spend some time people watching. There are tons of nooks and crannies for those of us that want to find a comfy secluded paradise for reading. No better way to spend a rainy day!
I love the whole library system in Minneapolis. You have the ability to browse books online and reserve them for a specific location. No more driving to Southdale to grab Frankenstein... I now have all my books sent to Central so that I can grab them on my way to the bus. -
Review from Alexandra H.
Twin Cities, MN
2/16/2011
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I'm here pretty much all of the time.
This library is an architectural gem and a fantastic place to get some work done (if you can peel your eyes off of the stacks and cease the people-watching, that is.)
There are 4 floors, plenty of tables to work at (each has an accompanying outlet), free WiFi, computers and a Dunn Bros. next to the entrance. I don't really know what more you could need.Listed in: Loitering, Downtown, Places I Pretended to Study
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Review from Karen S.
12/15/2009 ROTD 3/4/2010
I'm a self-admitted nerd, and haven't found a Library I don't like, but Central Library is tops. Even if you're not into the whole reading thing, take a field trip to see the building. It's lovely, with tons of windows and natural lighting. There's a small gallery upstairs with rotating art exhibits that are always worth a visit. Getting there is easy - light rail, buses, and underground parking are all options. Love the Dunn Bros on the first floor too, and the library lets you bring in drinks.
Free wifi, and more than enough computers that you can use for free (you just need a library card). Printing is available for a nominal fee.
Support your local library, and check this place out!Listed in: ROTD's
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Review from Karman L.
Boston, MA
7/22/2008
Cool building. Very modern looking central library. Great photo opportunity!
Don't understand how come it's right across the street from a bunch of strip clubs. -
Review from Ramona H.
Minneapolis, MN
4/11/2009
This library is my stomping ground.
Huge selection (of course, its a library), they're really good about transferring things from other locations fast, and the building is BEAUTIFUL.
My favorite part is the Dunn Bros on the first floor. I love finding a new good book and lounging in the coffee shop to read it. Big windows=sunshine and good people watching as well.
I do wish it was connected to the skyway (even 2 blocks in Jan is a long way to trek), but I'm glad the hours changed and that they're now open on Sundays.
Yeah public libraries rock! -
Review from Dawn F.
4/9/2011
The recent event for Joyce Carol Oates was fantastic....thank you for being able to accomodate such a large crowd! And for making it possible to see her speak! :)
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Review from Anya S.
8/24/2009
Cool building - check
Lots of books - check
Coffee shop downstairs - check
Central location - check
Online reserve system - check
Knowledgeable staff - check
Creepy somali man watching porn -check.
People are upset because the teen section faces the strip club corner. Ehh, Id be more worried about the sticky keyboards there. -
Review from Julie S.
1/10/2010 6 photos
I am a total book nerd. I read too much to buy everything I want to read, so I am also a total library nerd. I can't say that I have ever met a library that I like more than the Central Library downtown. It is gorgeous! The stacks are well-stocked. If there is something you don't find, they are so helpful in searching it out with you or transferring it from another branch. I love that they put catalog kiosks in the stacks, so you can immediately look for something else if the book you want is not there. I also love how thorough and easy to use their database is. Sometimes, there are three editorial reviews and even some book club notes attached. So smart! In this weather, I especially appreciate the easy online reservation and renewal system.
The reading lounge by the fireplace is so welcoming. Add Dunn Bros and free wi-fi and you can make an afternoon of it. The art is lovely as well. I find myself just popping in, just because I am in the area. I have also never been to a library that has so many of the museum passes available. Most times, they have at least one on-hand for each venue. Usually, it is several. -
Review from Mon P.
Minneapolis, MN
My mom is a librarian, so I took her here when she came for a visit last year. We went to every floor, and checked in every room. My mom loved it here. It's very nice, and very well organized.
Listed in: My 5-star list!, Down Town Mpls
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Review from Linda T.
Oakland, CA
3/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've seen beautiful libraries before and the best thing I can say about this one is that it deserves to be in a calendar. The floor to ceiling glass windows enveloping the stacks of literature make the Hennepin Library stand out among the rest. The open space and design keep me from feeling claustrophobic or tired after working for hours at the same space. I like to go to the top floor where people watching won't be too distracting. When I really need a break, I just look out the window and let the natural lighting give me that extra energy boost. Dunn Bros is just downstairs if you choose to go the caffeinated route too. If you put a lid on the drink you can take it inside with you. How convenient is that!
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Review from Sarah J.
Minneapolis, MN
10/30/2007
Upfront - the Central libe loses a star because it's closed on Sunday and Monday, as are the rest of the libraries in Minneapolis. Get your act together, Twin Cities West.
When it is open, the Central library is the coolest. I love walking up to it because it makes me proud to live here - such a neat building. And always full of people. I am one (of the few?) who still checks out books from the library, and I usually come here, even though I have a branch a few blocks from home. Just because Central is bigger though, doesn't mean the books I want are here. In fact they're usually checked out if they're recent. The secret, people, is HOLDS. Then you get an email when your books arrive. It's like Christmas!
My most frequent reason for being at the library is to do work. I sit on the third floor by the windows and watch the traffic and bikers avoid each other on Hennepin. It's been a productive spot for me. I appreciate how well spaced the work tables are. Even if people take a phone call, we're far enough apart that it's not intrusive.
Another plus are the computers. There are hundreds of public stations. Which is a good thing since they are at nearly full occupancy most of the day. If you're trying to do work, bring a laptop, since it's not nearly so peaceful "in the pit" as I call the computer areas(in my head).
The one small complaint I have is that it takes me a while to find books. I guess they have maps but they don't all show where to find the call numbers - maybe I'm just used to instant information online, but maps are a pretty basic requirement.
For the vehicularly enabled: parking is hard and/or expensive. Take the bus, ride your bike or walk unless you have patience and money to burn. -
Review from Rachael T.
Austin, TX
7/4/2009
First, the building in dt Minneapolis is GORGEOUS. Being there and enjoying the architecture is an inspiring experience in itself. Also, I love the online reserve system. I can find books, reserve them and they are waiting for me in the holds area when they are available. I've clocked it, I can return books, and pick up new ones in under five minutes using the hold system. I usually ride my bike or take the bus so parking/traffic is not an issue. And while I do wish they were open on Mondays, it's more of a government/tax/budget reason than them needing to close their doors for a day.
Also have to mention the staff. They are helpful, available and knowledgeable. And the book selection is top-notch.
And it's all for FREE.
I am a super-fan of the library. -
Review from Midori G.
Palo Alto, CA
8/27/2007 ROTD 5/27/2008
I was visiting the MN metropolis that is Minneapolis and walking past "the mall" when I ended up at this gorgeous building, wondering what symphony, opera, or other cultural affair resided there. To my delight, this phenomenal piece of architecture houses over a million books and periodicals and plenty of computers, which I promptly took advantage of. Hands down the best library I have ever seen, with tons of windows and sleek "outer" elevators - the ones you can see into from the ground floor as people ride up and down and are often used injudiciously in suspense films. Anyway, I wandered around to secure a favorite book and a favorite periodical, sat myself down for an hour, completely undisturbed and then went to check my e-mail and some yelp reviews for places to eat nearby. Unfortunately, you need a password to log on, but upon approaching the elderly (not very old, by twice my junior at least) gentleman (EG) at the desk the following transpired:
Me: "I am visiting from out of town and would like to check my e-mail; is there anyway for me to log on?"
EG: "Could I see a license?"
I hand him my CA driver's license.
EG: "Oh, are you moving here?"
Me: "Unfortunately, just visiting."
EG: "Good choice."
He then leads me over to an empty computer, opening up a small black (leather?) pocketbook and picks out a log on ID and password for me.
Me: "Thank you very much".
EG: "Enjoy".
And that I did; leaving a few minutes later, hoping that SF catches up on the architectural binge the Midwest cities have been on for a while. -
Review from Nathan L.
Park City, UT
11/25/2007
I have to agree with Sarah that it loses one star for sure because of the days they are opened. In Denver Sundays were a pretty good day for me to go clean out my holds and return some books since I don't have much time during the week. However, the library itself is beautiful inside and all very new. The layout seems to be pretty functional but I have one other random little thing I didn't like. And that was the books in the "new" section are down basically on the floor and you have to bend way down to see them and then there is really only room from one person in the aisle. But that is kinda a silly thing so I didn't take anything away from it. But I plan to spend some good time here and I do really like it.
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Review from Jennifer H.
Minneapolis, MN
7/2/2008
The library itself is spectacular. The librarians are kind of surly. Hate the fact that they're closed Sunday and Monday. Maybe one day Minneapolis will pump some more funds into the library system so we can get some decent hours.
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Review from Emily S.
Minneapolis, MN
3/23/2009
I wish there were personal tour guides here to show me where everthing was since this place is F-ing HUGE!
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Review from Ian S.
4/10/2007
I've never had cause to enter the building as it's almost impossible to park nearby when I have had some time, but I've always admired the building in passing.
