Minneapolis Central Library

Great place, many out reach resources daily, 4 level of books, easy access to video and books on their apps. If you have a library card, a little café in the build, safe and warm place for the homeless to be, the only downside is the weed smells and dealers, so if you plan on bringing your kids just be aware.

The CHILDREN'S AREA is almost entirely separate from the rest of the library, with its own desk, staff and bathroom. They also have a separate area for TEENS to hang out. This is separate from where the teen books are (which is near the children's books). It has designated staff and a secure door (so only teens & their families can enter I assume). They even had snacks. The security staff of the library were professional, alert and friendly. I saw them observing different sections and doing rounds. I felt safe with my kids at this library.

Overall a very good library. Four floors full of books and lots of tech open to the public. The hours aren’t amazing, and there are a lot of homeless people, but I’ve been there a lot and never had a problem.

It's a critical resource for residents especially those that are the most vulnerable like the homeless and people struggling with mental health and substance abuse. The security staff there seems well trained and have the patience to deal with clients at a very challenging workplace. The librarians have all been friendly and the accompanying coffee shop is great.

Large multistory library. Plenty of security around. Plenty of places to sit and read with nice views including a fireplace seating area. Also a space exclusively for teens. Very accessible location on multiple transit routes.

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!

I was on a work trip w my daughter staying at Hilton downtown, I too 2-hr break, walked to the library and was blown away. The architecture is amazing, the kids department is very nicely decorated, we read our first vox audio book in English/Chinese and loved it. There was a cute little play area, many artistic ornaments on the tables and shelves, and a very apparent appreciation for the diversity of population that Minneapolis library is serving as apparent in multi-language section and letter/alphabet decorations. The interfaith art circle exhibit on the 3rd floor blew us away; my daughter and I were enchanted in the space, immersed ourselves in stories the artists had share and enjoy their artwork. There was a really nice café on the first floor, very nice elevators, safe stairs, and escalators. In our recent history, we've visited Salt Lake City and Calgary central public libraries, this one was very very nice to visit as well. Take your children to this amazing free attraction if you're in the area.