Helen Stub was the secretary-treasurer of the Twin City Library Club (TCLC) when the organization dissolved around 1959. Founded in 1906, the Twin City Library Club was an organization intended to help librarians in St. Paul and Minneapolis become acquainted with each other and the library collections of the Twin Cities. Helen reflects in the interview:
"This group of people were active participants in the intellectual, aesthetic, educational, political life of that period between 1906-1959. And, that period included two World Wars, a depression, the recovery, the New Deal, droughts, and, of course, the invention of the automobile."
Helen Stub discusses the founding of the organization by Clara Baldwin (Director, Public Library Commission, 1889-1936), John King (Director, Minnesota State Library), Gratia Countryman (Director, Minneapolis Public Library), W.W. Folwell (President, University of Minnesota, 1869-1884) and relays tales from the Secretary-Treasurer's books that chronicle the events of the library profession in the Twin Cities. These include summaries of lectures, reports on library successes, and descriptions of a 1908 list of periodicals of the libraries in Minneapolis and St. Paul, early interlibrary loan, site visits to libraries, announcement of the first bookmobile, parties at the H.W. Wilson company, boat trips on the Mississippi, road tours by car, and elegant dinners.
Helen began her library career in Fairfax, MN, in 1948, moving to St. Paul Park in 1952, and, then, as a librarian in the Minneapolis School District from 1955-1980. She served as President of Minnesota Educational Media Organization from 1977-1978. This interview also includes an audio recording, recording table of contents, transcript, and photograph of the interviewee.
William Asp served as Minnesota State Librarian from 1975-1996. In the interview he reflects on early 20th century resource sharing among libraries belonging to the Twin Cities Library Club, Regional Public Library System development, early library automation in Minnesota, and the Extension of Access Law (1987 law passed that required the counties to levy a tax for public library service and join a regional public library system). This interview also includes an audio recording, recording table of contents, transcript, and photograph of the interviewee.
Doris Ott served for eight years as North Dakota State Librarian (2002-2010). A native of Carson, ND, Ott graduated from Dickinson State University, and earned her MLS from George Peabody College (now, Vanderbilt University) in Nashville. She started her professional librarian career as an Assistant Professor of Library Science at Dickinson State, was the first librarian at Magic City Campus in Minot, and held positions at a school library and a public library in Indiana before returning to North Dakota in 1986. From 1986-2002 she worked at the North Dakota State Library and held various positions before being named State Librarian in 2002. This interview also includes an audio recording, recording table of contents, transcript, and photograph of the interviewee.
Gene Wicht, Isanti County Commissioner, Marlys Palmer, Cambridge Mayor, Ron Drude and Kathy Ellis, East Central Regional Library Board members cut the ribbon at the Gates Computer Lab Open House on Feb. 11, 2002 in East Central Regional Library Headquarters, Cambridge, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
A computer lab funded with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation opened in a portion of the meeting room at East Central Regional Library's Headquarters, Cambridge, Minnesota, December 2001. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
East Central Regional Library headquarters staff wear their ""Treasure Your Library"" Summer Reading Program theme t-shirts and pose with a pirate figure and decorations, 1999. From left: Anne Malinowski, Katherine Hovland, Kathy Gardner, Barb Nord, Marcia Ledin, and Vickie Sorn. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Director Bob Boese, with a woman from Isanti County near a book display during the 40th anniversary celebration of the East Central Regional Library, 1999. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Minnesota author Jon Hassler signing books after his book talk at East Central Regional Library, Cambridge, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
The Princeton Area Library has been located in its current space downtown since 1990. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Mary Jane Bridge, Branch Librarian in Milaca, and Mary Johnson, Assistant Director, hold giant ""plugs"" to celebrate four new services made possible by Telecommunications Access Grants from the state of Minnesota: the electronic database Infotrac, public internet access at the library, East Central Regional Library's own website and toll-free telephone number. Feb. 1997. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Exterior view of the Hosmer branch of Minneapolis Public Library. Originally known as the Thirty-sixth Street Branch, this building was built in 1916 with funds from the Carnegie Corporation and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Reference Librarian, Mark Ranum. The East Central Regional Library Reference Department handles requests from all the libraries for materials on a wide variety of subjects. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Marcia Ledin, Acquisitions/Registration Aide, and Mark Ranum, Reference Librarian, are testing the new automation system at the circulation desk of East Central Regional Library's headquarters in Cambridge, Minnesota, April 1, 1996. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Phil Meyer (right), hired to implement East Central Regional Library's automation system, and a Dynix system representative in the headquarters computer room in Cambridge, Minnesota on the first day of automation, April 1, 1996. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Mary Johnson served as Assistant Director of East Central Regional Library from 1988-2000. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
East Central Regional Library's Director, Bob Boese, testing one of three public catalog stations on the first day of the automation system, IMPACK, in Cambridge, Minnesota, April 1, 1996. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Exterior view of the main entrance of the Plymouth branch of the Hennepin County Library. Built in 1995 at 15700 36th Avenue North, this was the first free-standing library for the City of Plymouth. Space needs led to an expansion in 2010.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the main entrance of the Plymouth branch of the Hennepin County Library. Built in 1995 at 15700 36th Avenue North, this was the first free-standing library for the City of Plymouth. Space needs led to an expansion in 2010.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the main entrance of the Plymouth branch of the Hennepin County Library. Built in 1995 at 15700 36th Avenue North, this was the first free-standing library for the City of Plymouth. Space needs led to an expansion in 2010.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the main entrance of the Plymouth branch of the Hennepin County Library. Built in 1995 at 15700 36th Avenue North, this was the first free-standing library for the City of Plymouth. Space needs led to an expansion in 2010.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the entrance to the Long Lake branch of the Hennepin County Library. Library service to the Long Lake community in western Hennepin County began in 1913, when the library was housed out of the Long Lake Bank Building. For several decades, the library operated out of various locations in the community, until it settled in this commercial storefront space in the Long Lake Town Center Mall in 1995.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Princeton Area Library opened in a new building overlooking the Rum River on August 24, 1990. East Central Regional Library is a consolidated library system in Minnesota serving Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Seated, from left: Bob Boese, Director, Mary Haug, Mary Johnson, Assistant Director, Rita Best, Bob Anderson. Standing, from left: Sally Young, Betty Thompson, Kathryn Keen, David Christianson, Everett Koecher, Wally Bengtson, Linda Boettcher, Wendy Gorham, Phil Meyer, Automation Librarian. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
A banner says, ""National Library Week. ECRL Automation - a look to the future."" Money jars were introduced in all East Central Regional Library branches during National Library Week in 1994, part of a fund-raising program for $100,000, offering library users the opportunity to contribute to East Central Regional Library's automation project. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
From left: Ardith Kane, Emma Hendrickson, Mary Beth Woodrow, Mary Ellen Moriarty, and Bob Boese are proud of the new library building in Aitkin in 1994. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Microfiche readers, shown at the Aitkin Library, replaced East Central Regional Library's card catalog in the branches in 1988. The fiche cards were updated every six months. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
View of the Hennepin County Library's Children's Readmobile parked in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first Readmobile was purchased in 1991, with a second added in 2003.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
View of the Hennepin County Library's Children's Readmobile parked in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first Readmobile was purchased in 1991, with a second added in 2003.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
View of the Hennepin County Library's Children's Readmobile parked in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first Readmobile was purchased in 1991, with a second added in 2003.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Hinckley Public Library has been located in this building with the village hall since December of 1939, with a substantial building addition shown here in 1991. The expansion added a children's area, expanded reading and study areas, made the circulation desk more efficient, and installed better lighting and a higher ceiling. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
The Children's Readmobile, jointly operated by the Hennepin County Library and the Minneapolis Public Library. The first Readmobile was purchased in 1991, with a second added in 2003.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
St. Anthony Library has been providing service to St. Anthony and northeast Minneapolis residents since 1963, when it opened in a storefront in the east end of the St. Anthony Shopping Center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
This exterior view of the Central Library of Minneapolis Public Library shows the dome of the planetarium and a scupture entitled The Scroll, by John Rood. This facility, at 300 Nicollet Mall, was built in 1961 and housed the library until 2002.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
This exterior view of the Central Library of Minneapolis Public Library shows the dome of the planetarium and a scupture entitled The Scroll, by John Rood. This facility, at 300 Nicollet Mall, was built in 1961 and housed the library until 2002.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
This exterior view of the Central Library of Minneapolis Public Library shows the main entrance and a scupture entitled The Scroll, by John Rood. This facility, at 300 Nicollet Mall, was built in 1961 and housed the library until 2002.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Vernis Anderson, clerk at the Headquarters of East Central Regional Library, files locations cards to indicate where items are located throughout the system, Cambridge, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Exterior view of the Minnetonka Public Library at 17524 Excelsior Boulevard. This building opened in 1989. It sits on land once occupied by the historic Westburg House and Farm in western Minnetonka. Library service to this area of Hennepin County began in the late 1800s, when the library was housed in office space in the Fletcher-Loring Flour Mill at Minnetonka Mills. For over a century, the library operated out of various locations in the community.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The returns desk of the Minnetonka Public Library at 17524 Excelsior Boulevard. This building opened in 1989. It sits on land once occupied by the historic Westburg House and Farm in western Minnetonka. Library service to this area of Hennepin County began in the late 1800s, when the library was housed in office space in the Fletcher-Loring Flour Mill at Minnetonka Mills. For over a century, the library operated out of various locations in the community.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The new McGregor Public Library was completed and opened in September 1989, McGregor, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
The main entrance of the Minnetonka Public Library at 17524 Excelsior Boulevard. This building opened in 1989. It sits on land once occupied by the historic Westburg House and Farm in western Minnetonka. Library service to this area of Hennepin County began in the late 1800s, when the library was housed in office space in the Fletcher-Loring Flour Mill at Minnetonka Mills. For over a century, the library operated out of various locations in the community.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The main entrance of the Minnetonka Public Library at 17524 Excelsior Boulevard. This building opened in 1989. It sits on land once occupied by the historic Westburg House and Farm in western Minnetonka. Library service to this area of Hennepin County began in the late 1800s, when the library was housed in office space in the Fletcher-Loring Flour Mill at Minnetonka Mills. For over a century, the library operated out of various locations in the community.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the Golden Valley Public Library. Located in Golden Valley Village Hall from 1958-1971, Golden Valley Library opened in its current location in 1971.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Barb Nord worked at East Central Regional Library from 1971 until her death in 2003. In addition to managing delivery services, she also worked at the Headquarters circulation desk in Cambridge, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Exterior view of the Little Falls Public Library, housed in a Carnegie building built in 1904, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Librarians Bill Hecht and Cheryl Seelen assist a patron at the circulation desk of the Little Falls Public Library. Housed in a Carnegie building built in 1904 in Little Falls, Minnesota, the library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Exterior view of the Little Falls Public Library, housed in a Carnegie building built in 1904, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Interior of the Little Falls Public Library. Librarian Bill Hecht assists a patron using the card catalog. Housed in a Carnegie building built in 1904 in Little Falls, Minnesota, the library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Patrons checking out materials from the Little Falls Public Library. Housed in a Carnegie building built in 1904 in Little Falls, Minnesota, the library is a branch of the Great River Regional Library headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Public library service in Mound and the surrounding communities began in 1915, when Minneapolis Public Library made a small book collection available to area residents. In 1922, Hennepin County Library assumed responsibility for the library in Mound, and it has since operated out of various community locations. The current Westonka Library opened in 1972. It is located in a scenic setting on a wooded site near Lake Minnetonka.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Wendy Prokosch has been the Mora Public Library Branch Librarian since 1978 in Mora, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Sue Sharp was the Pine City Public Library Branch Librarian from 1979-1983 in Pine City, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Sue Wilson was the Lindstrom Public Library Branch Librarian from 1981-2005 in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Sue Thue was the Sandstone Public Library Branch Librarian from 1981-2005 in Sandstone, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Ruth Lovgren was the Hinckley Public Library Branch Librarian from 1963-1993 in Hinckley, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Seen here stamping children's books for checkout, Robin Suhsen was the Princeton Area Branch Librarian from 1987 to 2015, Princeton, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Penny Olson has been the McGregor Public Library Branch Librarian since 1987 in McGregor, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Oxboro Library was the second free-standing library built in the City of Bloomington. It serves Bloomington- and Richfield-area residents, and is named for the historic neighborhood in which it is located. The library sits on land farmed by the Erasmus Biscof family from 1912 to the early 1970s. It opened in 1975 and was renovated in 2004.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Linda Bergerson was the North Branch Area Library Branch Librarian from 1982-1999 in North Branch, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Jeanette Monthye was the Rush City Public Library Branch Librarian from 1983-2009, Rush City, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Janet Ronnback was the Aitkin Public Library Branch Librarian from 1984-1992 in Aitkin, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Diane Skelnick was the Mille Lacs Lake Community Library Branch Librarian from 1986-2002 in Isle, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
The Maple Grove Library, part of the Hennepin County Library, serves the cities of Maple Grove and Osseo and the surrounding communities. From 1987-2010, the library was located in this building at 8351 Elm Creek Boulevard.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Maple Grove Library, part of the Hennepin County Library, serves the cities of Maple Grove and Osseo and the surrounding communities. From 1987-2010, the library was located in this building at 8351 Elm Creek Boulevard.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Thos photo shows the Children's Area of the Maple Grove Library, part of the Hennepin County Library, which serves the cities of Maple Grove and Osseo and the surrounding communities. From 1987-2010, the library was located in this building at 8351 Elm Creek Boulevard.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Library service to the Rogers area dates back to the 1950s and a book station in Ahlstrom's Hardware Store. The book station held 400 volumes. The Hennepin County Library bookmobile served area residents in 1970-80. In 1980, the first free-standing library in Rogers opened at 21300 John Milless Drive.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Milaca Community Library's first home was in the village hall when it joined East Central Regional Library in 1959-1968. In 1986, when the city moved its offices to the public works building, the library was offered the entire main floor of its former home. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Library service to the Rogers area dates back to the 1950s and a book station in Ahlstrom's Hardware Store. The book station held 400 volumes. The Hennepin County Library bookmobile served area residents in 1970-80. In 1980, the first free-standing library in Rogers opened at 21300 John Milless Drive.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Library service to the Rogers area dates back to the 1950s and a book station in Ahlstrom's Hardware Store. The book station held 400 volumes. The Hennepin County Library bookmobile served area residents in 1970-80. In 1980, the first free-standing library in Rogers opened at 21300 John Milless Drive.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Rockford Road Library opened in 1972 and was renovated in 2013. It serves the cities of Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale. For several decades prior to 1972, library service was provided to area residents out of various locations in the community. The library is named for an East-West road in Hennepin County.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Rockford Road Library opened in 1972 and was renovated in 2013. It serves the cities of Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale. For several decades prior to 1972, library service was provided to area residents out of various locations in the community. The library is named for an East-West road in Hennepin County.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the Edina Public Library. Edina Library was first housed out of Linden Hills School beginning in 1921. In the following decades, the library operated out of various locations in the community. Its first permanent location opened in 1968 on West 50th Street.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the Eden Prairie Community Library. Library service has been available to the Eden Prairie community since 1924, when the first library in Eden Prairie opened in the new Consolidated School. After it closed in 1950, the community was served by the Hennepin County Library bookmobile until 1973 and then a reading center until 1986, when a community library opened.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the front entrance and flagpole of the Eden Prairie branch of the Hennepin County Library. This building was located at 479 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
View of the information desk and reference area of the Eden Prairie branch of the Hennepin County Library. This building was located at 479 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Interior view of the Eden Prairie Public Library. Library service has been available to the Eden Prairie community since 1924, when the first library in Eden Prairie opened in the new Consolidated School. After it closed in 1950, the community was served by the Hennepin County Library bookmobile until 1973 and then a reading center until 1986, when a community library opened.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Library service has been available to the Eden Prairie community since 1924, when the first library in Eden Prairie opened in the new Consolidated School. After it closed in 1950, the community was served by the Hennepin County Library bookmobile until 1973 and then a reading center until 1986, when a community library opened.�
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Library service to the Rogers area dates back to the 1950s and a book station in Ahlstrom's Hardware Store. The book station held 400 volumes. The Hennepin County Library bookmobile served area residents in 1970-80. In 1980, the first free-standing library in Rogers opened at 21300 John Milless Drive.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Rockford Road Library opened in 1972 and was renovated in 2013. It serves the cities of Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale. For several decades prior to 1972, library service was provided to area residents out of various locations in the community. The library is named for an East-West road in Hennepin County.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
St. Anthony Library has been providing service to St. Anthony and northeast Minneapolis residents since 1963, when it opened in a storefront in the east end of the St. Anthony Shopping Center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Library service to this area of Hennepin County began in the late 1800s, when the library was housed in office space in the Fletcher-Loring Flour Mill at Minnetonka Mills. For over a century, the library operated out of various locations in the community. The first permanent location opened on Excelsior Boulevard in 1989.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Public library service in Mound and the surrounding communities began in 1915, when Minneapolis Public Library made a small book collection available to area residents. In 1922, Hennepin County Library assumed responsibility for the library in Mound, and it has since operated out of various community locations. The current Westonka Library opened in 1972. It is located in a scenic setting on a wooded site near Lake Minnetonka.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
In 1913, the Village of St. Louis Park voted to establish a public library and reading rooms in a location on Walker Street. The next year, the library moved to Central Junior High School, where it remained for more than 40 years. In 1960, it moved again to Paul Revere Masonic Temple. The library opened in its first free-standing location in 1968 in a residential neighborhood near St. Louis Park High School.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the Hopkins Branch Library. Library service to the Hopkins community was established more than 100 years ago, when the library was housed in City Hall. The library moved to the historic Dow House in 1948 and then temporarily to a vacant restaurant in 1963. The library opened in its current location in 1968 and was renovated in 2002. The Hopkins Library merged with the Hennepin County Library system in 1973
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the Hopkins Branch Library. Library service to the Hopkins community was established more than 100 years ago, when the library was housed in City Hall. The library moved to the historic Dow House in 1948 and then temporarily to a vacant restaurant in 1963. The library opened in its current location in 1968 and was renovated in 2002. The Hopkins Library merged with the Hennepin County Library system in 1973
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Mille Lacs Lake Community Library became East Central Regional Library's 13th branch in 1985, and moved to the Isle City Center building in 1991. The library is in the left side of this building, and the city hall and police are located on the right, with a meeting room in the back, Isle, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
The North Branch Area Library was located in the Main Mall, a new retail building on Main Street from 1985-1989, with 1,166 square feet, North Branch, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
Southdale Library opened in 1973 and was the second library built in the City of Edina. When it opened, the library offered a new level of library service in suburban Hennepin County because of its large collection of reference and popular materials. Located at 7001 York Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota, the library is part of a larger complex that houses district courts and a Hennepin County service center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Southdale Library opened in 1973 and was the second library built in the City of Edina. When it opened, the library offered a new level of library service in suburban Hennepin County because of its large collection of reference and popular materials. Located at 7001 York Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota, the library is part of a larger complex that houses district courts and a Hennepin County service center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Southdale Library opened in 1973 and was the second library built in the City of Edina. When it opened, the library offered a new level of library service in suburban Hennepin County because of its large collection of reference and popular materials. Located at 7001 York Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota, the library is part of a larger complex that houses district courts and a Hennepin County service center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Southdale Library opened in 1973 and was the second library built in the City of Edina. When it opened, the library offered a new level of library service in suburban Hennepin County because of its large collection of reference and popular materials. Located at 7001 York Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota, the library is part of a larger complex that houses district courts and a Hennepin County service center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Southdale Library opened in 1973 and was the second library built in the City of Edina. When it opened, the library offered a new level of library service in suburban Hennepin County because of its large collection of reference and popular materials. Located at 7001 York Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota, the library is part of a larger complex that houses district courts and a Hennepin County service center.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library