Minneapolis Public Library Review

The best selection of books and music I have ever seen in a homeless shelter.

This is a place where you can spend all day long without even realizing that. Very good atmosphere, very interesting books to read, comfortable chairs, friendly staff. Great variety of books. Love to visit here.. Plus, you're surrounded by books and the opportunity for infinite knowledge...all for free!!

Huge collection fo books. Not as safe as I would like it to be.

As far as having everything a library should have, I can safely call this library the most complete that I have ever been to. Four floors of books, cds, computers and special collections. Unfortunately, the place is severely bogged down with masses of homeless people, who seem to wait around outside the building until it opens, take all the computers when it does, and do YouTube all day until it is time to head back to the shelter. And please don't get me started on the bathrooms. The upper levels are chronically occupied and the lower floor restroom, much larger, is to the point that it requires a security camera. Enough said.

I love going to the library and everyone was friendly.

Good place to work on the laptop or phone. Your fine when you keep to yourself. Some people here a little more nosy than usual. Lots of great books to read. Keep an eye out for yourself. Not scary if you know common sense.

This is a beautiful library with a vast collection. Staff seems friendly and knowledgeable from a few separate interactions. The building is very well kept for a city center location. Its best feature is location for those that do not live downtown. It is on, or within a few blocks, of nearly all local transit routes that cut through downtown. The only downside is the less than recently showered people you may encounter from section to section.

I dont go there I dint like waiting on any bus in front I feel very unsafe in that area.

Its a haven for drug dealers and people that won't do right as a citizen

Probably the coolest Library I've ever been to. Watch out for the people on the street if you're walking.

Can't beat the price and it's open to the public. Love the kids section.

I can't say how much I appreciate the staff, the collection, the policies, and the treatment of homeless people. The guards are courteous and efficient so that everyone is safe and free to use the books.
I used a book by John Updike in Special Collections a couple of times and was treated like a queen.
When I told the libarian I was going to return with my copy of "Leaves of Grass" she invited me to call ahead so that I wouldn't have to "wait" to see the Updike book again.
Another librarian brought me his own dictionary when I requested one.
And the homeless with no place to go, everyone, treated kindly and respectfully.
Shelters turn people out at 6 AM. Shelters are not places where people can go to rest or shower. The Downtown Central Library is star on the top of a Christmas Tree.

Cool place with a lot of resources. Just like everywhere else you find many different people with quite different backgrounds and attitudes, but still the Minneapolis central library is the best library I've seen so far. From the staff to security and the whole place is friendly.

A mixed review: I wholeheartedly endorse the underground parking garage. The parking garage is orderly, peaceful, and quiet. I can visit without being hassled or made to feel that I am intruding on someone else's turf.

It's free to drive in and drive past the book return as long as you reach the exit gate within fifteen minutes of your entry time. This grace period is even long enough to park and run up and check out your held items off the hold shelf. Learn the exact location of your hold shelf during some more leisurely visit when you are availing yourself of the matchless collections and have steeled yourself to the unpleasant atmosphere.

As for the upper part of the building, I wish the authorities would enforce a better standard of behavior. If I were homeless and spending the day here to get out of the cold, I would still wish the same thing.

I'm a huge fan of libraries, and this one really stands out! Thanks to the amazing staff for answering my many questions and for making your amazing local history collections so easy to access. I wish more people knew about how many amazing things this place contains... it goes WAY beyond books and internet access!

Beutiful layout and and building structure. The only reason i didnt give it a 5 star review is because of the homeless problem inside and outside the library.

I've been here many times, I work nearby. drug deals, people washing their bodies in the sinks, fights etc. Like the rest of downtown, the city is allowing it to be wrecked by troublemakers, because they are afraid to offend anyone.

Great location for a library. There is lots of historic material here!

They have a great childrens section and the staff were so helpful. My daugheter asked for a Medusa book and the librarian had one in a special section. The librarian was very courteous to make sure it was ok that she go with her and that I knew where she was. There was some interesting people-watching but overall the library is very clean and was a great experience and worth a visit

This library is very profitable and learning place. There is "evil" here but it's everywhere. Choose wisely how to handle being around it and being confronted by it. Cameras are everywhere now, even bathrooms. It's obvious there is a problem. FOR A LONFTIME. Lot of people selling MIDS and saying it's loud so fighting might break out in the library(PROCEED WITH CAUTION IN THE LOBBY). BUT THE LIBRARY DOES A DECENT JOB HIRING SOME EDUCATED STAFF AND VERY ATTRACTIVE OLDER WOMEN.

So noisy, and poorly designed. I couldn't focus while sitting in the atrium seating because the elevators make loud noises at the end of every ride. The flooring is already showing wear.

Absolutely gorgeous interior and a fantastic place to study. There are study pod s along each story of the building starting at level two. They are perfect for seclusion and gives access to a lot of natural light.

tl;dr: Expansive library open seven days a week, with five floors, ample study space, public computers, free wi-fi, and friendly staff.

The Minneapolis Central Library is a fantastic space for study, reading, or casual browsing of the internet. The majority of the library is under an open floor plan, providing lots of natural light. With numerous comfortable study areas tucked away on each level of the atrium. The library also has tables and fairly comfortable chairs for reading along the large windowed northeast side of the building, offering views of the Mississippi river and beyond.

There is one minor issues, which isn't necessarily an issue at all. The computers experience extremely heavy usage. If you bring your own laptop, you probably won't ever find yourself on the public computers -- this public library broadcasts free, speedy wireless internet. A major plus.

The library itself doesn't have anything to do with the homeless or drug situations. It is a public space for free resources. The reading loft is nice, the books are very diverse, the computers are available, you can print papers, and staff is nice. My only complaint is the movie section, but I understand why it might be lacking. Please do not leave a review for the people, other than staff, as it doesn't help anyone at all.

This library attracts the hoodlums the kind that sit on the computer all day on their facebook, and listening to music on youtube.

It's a great place but needs more police and security. By the way, from my recent visit on 5/10/19 to the Central Library. I noticed that there are no longer cameras in the men's restrooms. In the past, this was an ineffective measure to deter crime and was an invasion of privacy for men in the public bathroom.

I'm new to Minneapolis and try to make it a point to try new locations to familiarize myself with my new city. I found the location ok with the help of my car's GPS but wasn't able to go inside because there wasn't adequate parking. Only parking garages that charge an outrageous fee. Very disappointed.

Nice library 4 floors with a large collection of reference material. Staff also have lots of experience at finding books inside and outside of the reference section. I would recommend this library to anybody researching issues that concern this area. The downside is that there is lots of theft here. I lost my backpack and security was not able to find it. They have lots of cameras in the building I wonder what these cameras are for?

It's great if you only take the bus. They even have a Dunn Bros on the first floor. Wish more libraries did this. Sometimes you need coffee while you read. It's a beautiful building too, architecturally very nice.

Love the proximity to light rail, the abundance of natural light, kids' section, and various quiet areas to read or work. Oh, and great selection of books.

I love this library. The design is perfect. Different floors for each subject is lovely. This is a fun place to explore or relax with a good book.

Open to the public, importantly to those without financial resources to spend their time indoors elsewhere; perfectly useful resource to anyone who doesn't have an anti-homeless stick up their asa

I am saddened by what goes on in this library. There are people here who obviously have no respect for the space or their fellow patrons, the staff seems weary and nearly terrorized by the thugs who are squatting here. I have empathy for the truly unfortunate among their number, but their is a very nearly criminal element that has staked major claim on this territory and they create havoc. It's literally impossible to find a quiet place to study. You have to be on high alert at every turn, do not leave anything you value unattended for a split second. It's not an exaggeration to say the place, in many ways, is dangerous.

Hennepin County Library System is the best! That being said this beautiful building has some scary clientele. It's pretty much been surrendered to the downtrodden masses.

Fantastic place, massive collection, great staff. Only downside is there's a lot of through traffic and it kill the atmosphere in some parts of the library. Still a great place and if the noise is that bad you can get a private room.

the best library I have ever been to!! they have a nice coffee shop and book store inside too! also they have TONS of computers but also tons of people using them also so many books and they have some nice spots where you can over look a nice part of the city and sit and think or read WOW! a really great experience renting books although the late fee's are annoying and add up but you can renew online very easyly by bookmarking the website! best library in the state!!!

Stay away from the restrooms. Used a computer and the lady next to me was taking calls from johns and didn't mind advertising it to everyone around.

Been here many times and don t feel safe most of the time. This 1 star represents my personal experience here at the central library, not the overall rating of this place. Tried to like this place and I can t. Won't be back again

I love libraries. Unfortunately main branches tend to have large homeless populations with drug and alcohol abuse , mental illness issues and a strange feeling of entitlement. I recommend other branches if you are wanting a peaceful visit.

I love the library! Both the adult s library and the kid s! Great selections, beautiful architecture and friendly staff! If Dun Brothers was still there I would be happier :)

Well organized and cleaned , with warm smiling welcoming by employees offering masks , and handsanitizers.

Best catalog of books in Minnesota! They also have a piano room you can reserve!

This has got to be the biggest library that I have visited this side of the Mississippi. The Librarians are very helpful; there are a wide variety of books on different subjects; I could spend the whole day here. However, some of the people hanging out here are pretty "shady", "ghetto", and "ratchet". Some people talk loudly and watch inappropriate videos in front of, dare I say not, kids!! The bathrooms are nasty and the aforementioned people loiter in them, doing "who knows what" in them. I also saw some guy attempt to steal a cell phone from a desk; he looked at me quickly, put the phone down, and scurried off. This library has the potential to be 5 stars, if the above issues were taken care of.

This library all ghetto has more security guards than books

This has to be one of the best libraries in the United States!

This is a great library. The children section is well designed. I can see my kid spending a long time here. Library is well stocked and often has the book I m looking for but be aware that there are waiting lists for popular books.

An amazing library with everything you could ever want. I can't think of a bettter library in the world.

I got all I needed. It would be great if you had a way to order books from the onternet

I live just a few blocks away and can say this is probably the coolest library I've ever been to. One special feature they have is the hall and meeting rooms on the 2nd floor. I've been to quite a few Saturday conferences there and everything worked just slick.

I love this library. Down town ins convenient for me and I often need a place to work in the mornings. I come right when it opens and usually stay until early afternoon. I am always able to find a quiet bright place to work and enjoy the view from the upper floor windows. I don't use the collections much but this place is huge and I imagine you can find whatever you need!

Many people in the reviews seem concerned by some of the people who spend time at the library. I have never encountered anything that makes me feel unsafe and value the library as a public space open to all. If you are afraid of people who seem different then you, go to a coffee shop or a library out in the suburbs. Better yet, interrogate why you are so uncomfortable in situations where people are just living their lives in a different way than you. This library is great and I'm glad I live in a city with such excellent resources available to all!

Huge place. Use the study rooms if you want isolated spaces.. need to get the librarian to open it every time since it automatically locks if you step out. Dvd holds are available at the ground floor behind librarian desk. No area to eat lunch if you bring your own.

Beautiful building, with lots of varied places to read/work!

Beautiful, cozy and convenient library. The children's library did a great job. Went almost every day while in Minnesota. I want to go again.

Minneapolis elections polling location - ward 3 precinct 12

This library is amazing! The only drawback is the masses of homeless people and loiterers. Many times I have been quietly studying in the study areas on the balconies next to the stacks only to have my attention broken by a fight breaking out in the lobby. The security guards usually respond pretty quickly, but it's very distracting.

They do have study rooms which are great, unless you get a noisy neighbor (they are not sound proof), but these are on a first come first serve basis. There are many other areas to study as well, but it usually involves sitting next to a homeless person sleeping.

Don't get me wrong, this library is amazing, but it serves the public of Minneapolis, which includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's a beautiful place that I feel is somewhat wasted on many of the patrons who visit it, but still worth a visit.

It would be nice if people used the library to study and read books. with all the chaos down here it would be nice if security just asked them not to come back to the library at all.
The bathrooms are nasty as every homeless person is washing up in them. it is a beautiful library but they need to regulate the issues there. to have a library card to use rooms would be great!
and the security is lazy and rude to peole.

A monumental waste of taxpayer money. Scary place at times. You can't enter or leave without running a gauntlet of bums and racist ghetto trash who loiter there all day, sleep on the floor of the lobby, and/or harass you as you pass. Beware of whoever is lurking in the bathrooms, too. Worst part is, the library (and the county behind them) seem to not only ignore the problem, but encourage it with "homeless outreach" programs.

The place is great place to spend time with your friends

Whoever the person is that is in charge of the music selection area does an amazing job!!

Nice building and nice people, and just to warn you in the morning the homeless people get dressed and bath in the restrooms. As long as you don't mess with them you should be fine.

it's big. 4 floors. and i love how you can pretty much stay on computers.

Great place to study and lots of books. There's an entire foreign language book section too!

Cool place! It's beautiful just to see, and of course the selection is fantastic. I've never been to a library big enough to have "stacks" so we were enraptured by the moving shelves. The bathrooms were nice and clean when we visited here. It's really cool that they have so many computers for people to use. If you have kids, the children's area is awesome!

Having been there several times, I would not recommend the Central Library to anyone as a place for studying and working. Even though the building is very well designed with beautiful interiors full of light, based on my experience the place is not safe. One time I was verbally threatened by a person sitting close to me just because I asked this person if she could lower the volume of her loud radio. My request, which was in line with the Library's rules, was done politely. I got scared by her threats. Some time ago my niece left her smartphone in the bathroom for just a few minutes. It was immediately gone. Last week I locked my bike on a rack outside the main entrance on Nicollet Mall. It was stolen without possibility to review the Library's security footage. It seems to me that the area in front of the Library's entrance has become less secure since the Dunn Brothers coffee has closed. These are just a few examples of my unpleasant experience with the Central Library.

A beautiful library, the most extensive I have seen. Amazing amounts of resources and an environment of acceptance and attitude of inclusion.

The view of the city from the fourth floor never fails to put me in a good mood, and it's located only a block from Nicollet Mall Station, which makes riding the Metro convenient. I've always found the environment to be quiet, comfortable, and conducive to reading. I have been unexpectedly approached by other library patrons on multiple occasions, but I have never feared for my safety.

Lots of chess books;excellent selections.I like being there but,I don't like all the loud attention seekers hanging around.

This library is permanently open and is an enclosed heated space. This fact makes Minneapolis homeless people use it as a day center. I must also acknowledge that its utility function was very useful to me. In addition, it can be read and its architecture is remarkable. A true social space. Good for Minneapolis!

I love Hennepin County Library Central location. It is my favorite of all Hennepin County Libraries. Not only is it 4 stories tall it has everything you could possibly want. Even a kid's and Teen's section. The service here is second to none. The staff are courteous and helpful. I am always made to feel welcome here. Thank you so much Hennepin County Library Central location you guys are the best!

The people there are very helpful and nice. Never been to a better library

Nice location ,love the childrens section,so the kiddos aren't a distraction to the adults that are possibly doing something important for school,work,etc,etc.!!
Also I was wondering now that school is in session does the security let school age kids stay there? Was curious in case that they are possibly ditching school?

Great looking library, incredible repository of resources, great maps and music.

But, absolutely garbage for getting anything done. Between the headphones, the loud phone calls on speakerphone, the scary coughing, your concentration is in constant peril. Forget about productivity. Either book a private study room or get in and get out.

Cleanliness it always clean and welcomes everyone to enjoy its resources.

This library has a beautiful design! It feels like a nice place to hang out. There are comfy chairs and tables with nice views from giant windows hidden all over the library. Apparently you can also rent (for free) out rooms to have meetings in. The librarians seem really nice and helpful too. I love it!

This place was awesome. Until a woman walks in as if she just came directly from a strip club. While a class of students no bigger than 5'5 are in the library... I asked the first floor information desk how this was acceptable and they were like "uh-uh-uh" because they had been talking the whole time. And then I asked what could be done about it and guess what they said? Starts with a U and ends in a "uh-uh-uh." Maybe I should talk about the transgender mutilation pictures on the Second Floor. Where I can men who cut off their.... Get the picture? If not take a picture they are on the second floor wall.