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- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Hennepin County Moves to Replace Franklin Library
The Hennepin County Library system has initiated plans to move out of the historic Franklin Library in south Minneapolis, opening the way for a new branch dedicated to serving patrons in the area, including the urban Indian community. The original building, which dates back to 1914 and was built as a Carnegie library, is set to be decommissioned due to persistent space limitations and ongoing security incidents.
Background and History of Franklin Library
Franklin Library is one of over 1,600 libraries built nationwide with funds from steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie and is Minneapolis’ oldest surviving example. Located in the heart of the American Indian Cultural Corridor, the branch is among Hennepin County’s smallest and busiest libraries, drawing high usage from families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and other community members. Its ornate details, including decorative molding and a grand staircase, mark its historic significance.
Overcrowding and Security Challenges
Despite recent $1 million interior modifications in 2019, the library still faces issues with limited space and sparse seating. Staff routinely rotate materials to accommodate the small collection area, and there is daily competition for seating between families and unhoused patrons, some of whom use the library as shelter. The branch also employs armed security guards, who regularly address substance use and other security concerns within the premises.
Security tensions came to the forefront last spring after private contractors handcuffed a patron and pepper-sprayed witnesses, leading to protests. In light of these and other incidents, county officials accelerated efforts to relocate the library to a more suitable facility. County Commissioner Angela Conley, whose district includes Franklin Library, noted community concerns and stated, “We want it to be a space that’s welcoming to all, and I think the community deserves that too.”
Decision to Decommission and Community Response
The decision to move out of the current Franklin Library building follows recommendations in Hennepin County’s 10-year master plan, which underlined the branch’s inability to meet the needs of its diverse, high-need patron base. The plan calls for the library to be replaced and relocated, ideally within the same corridor, providing a larger space to address both library and social service needs for the community.
Some local patrons expressed surprise and concern upon learning of the impending decommissioning. Frequent visitor Tony Gatz said, “I hope it’s not because of homeless people … coming here and giving them a hard time.” Other community members, like Myron Thingvold, noted the vital role the library plays for those seeking a warm, safe space during the day.
Future Plans and Challenges
Hennepin County is working with architectural and public engagement firms to determine the new library’s services and location. According to Scott Duimstra, County Library Director, the current building cannot adequately meet the volume or needs of its users. Efforts to expand Franklin Library are constrained by its location, surrounded by nearby residential and organizational neighbors, including apartment buildings and tribal offices.
Once a preferred new site and design have been determined, the project will move into budget planning as part of the county’s capital improvement program. For context, a recent library replacement in Edina is estimated at $107 million. If decommissioned, the future of the Franklin Library building remains uncertain, with Commissioner Conley expressing interest in transferring it to the American Indian community, though significant maintenance needs may complicate such a transfer.
Historic Significance in Context
Franklin Library is one of three Carnegie libraries remaining in Minneapolis. Its potential closure and replacement raise questions about the fate of other historic structures in a city where preservation is not mandated and redevelopment is common. Architect Paul Mellblom emphasized the importance of the building’s character along Franklin Avenue, stating it significantly contributes to the “life of the street.”
The path forward will involve balancing the need for modern, accessible library services with considerations of the building’s historic and community value, as Hennepin County moves ahead with efforts to serve a growing and diverse population.
Source: startribune.com.
