13 Hennepin County libraries to get extended hours

Hennepin County library patrons soon will able to enjoy more library time on Sundays.

By MARY JANE SMETANKA, Star Tribune

Last update: March 18, 2008 - 9:08 PM

Beginning in June, 13 more Hennepin County libraries will be open on Sunday, courtesy of money from the countywide sales tax used to help finance the new Twins baseball stadium.

County commissioners made the announcement Tuesday in the atrium of the new Central Library in downtown Minneapolis, which now is open only 48 hours over five days a week -- less than many smaller suburban libraries. The downtown library is one of the 13 that will get new Sunday hours; only five county libraries now are open on Sundays.

"It doesn't do any good to have the greatest collection in the world if the building isn't open," County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said.

Besides the downtown library, libraries that will be open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. starting June 1 are Augsburg Park, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, East Lake, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Hosmer, Oxboro, North Regional, Rockford Road, St. Louis Park and Westonka.

Extending the hours will cost $1.53 million a year, which is coming from the 0.15 percent countywide sales tax used to help pay for the Twins' ballpark. The funding, which covers personnel, technology and utility costs, is expected to last at least nine years.

Libraries chosen for extended hours were those thought to get the most use based on size, number of computers, availability of study space, geographic location, access to public transportation and other factors.

The ballpark agreement called for up to $4 million annually to be dedicated to more library hours, youth athletics and other activities, after debt payments for stadium bonds. Sufficient taxes are coming in to fund those activities.

The county board is expected to formally approve the expanded hours at its meeting next Tuesday.

Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380

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