Northeast residents must feel particularly blessed these days by the number and quality of public libraries within their reach: the Hennepin County Northeast Library (fully renovated in 2011), Hennepin County Pierre Bottineau on Marshall Street, the Columbia Heights Library (completed in 2016), the downtown Hennepin County Minneapolis Central Library (2006). Add the newest Hennepin County jewel, the Webber Park Library. It’s just a few blocks west of the Camden Bridge, and is as close to many Northeasters as the Northeast library itself.
Webber Park’s Patron Experience Supervisor Roshonda Royston said, “Personally, I think it’s amazing here! When I first walked in, I was in awe.” She added that patrons who come in agree that there is a “big ‘wow’ factor” in the building’s design and layout. “Parents are also really excited about the kids’ spaces, that the library is open longer, and that we have a lot of summer activities.”
Hennepin County Commissioner for North and Northeast, Linda Higgins, speaking at the ribbon cutting, pointed out the various ways the building connects to its surroundings, and that the community wanted “a big front porch.” Indeed there is a lot of protected outdoor space at the entry that faces Victory Memorial Parkway.
In the new library’s first three weeks, it has had group visits from at least four local charter schools and the six full-time staff members have been kept busy by the large number of patrons. Royston said “Since the opening, books and CDs have been flying out the door!” The County’s Collection Management department has had to restock the shelves to keep up with increased demand for items.
The far Northside had been without a real library since 2013, when the previous (and not very old) library near the creek was demolished after the discovery of major structural problems. Since then local readers had to make do with a temporary book location in the Camden Center strip mall. But on May 18, the new facility at 4440 Humboldt Avenue North opened for business.
The 8,300 square feet of floor space is double that of the old building. There are twice the number of computer stations, three meeting rooms, expanded Wi-Fi access, and an “early literacy” space for very young patrons. The library will be open six days a week, with double the number of open hours.
Royston has worked for Hennepin County for ten years. Asked how she was doing in her new position, she beamed, “I love it.”
Below: The “front porch” faces Victory Memorial Parkway. The parking lot entrance is equally striking. There is also an outside reading area and an inside area for children’s reading (Photos by Mark Peterson)
