Two Hennepin County libraries in Minneapolis will reopen in April after being closed for more than a year for renovation work.
The Northeast library, 2200 Central Av. NE., will open its doors again on April 2, and the Nokomis library, 5100 34th Av. S., will reopen on April 30, library officials said Thursday.
WHAT'S NEW INSIDE?
Both libraries are bigger and will have more computers, fresher collections, expanded areas for children and teens and other new features.
The libraries also offer the latest in environmental design, including windows that maximize daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting, and storm water management systems. The Nokomis library has a geothermal well for heating and cooling the building.
NO OAK LEFT BEHIND
The Northeast library, built in 1973 to replace the original Carnegie structure, will be 16 percent larger than before. The $5.2 million project was paid for with $3.8 million from the city's 2000 library referendum and $1.45 million from the county.
The building is partly clad in new recycled zinc panels that require little maintenance, and includes occasional tables inside made from the wood of an oak tree on the grounds that had to be taken down.
A CITY-COUNTY FIRST
The $7 million Nokomis project was funded with $5.2 million in city referendum funds and $1.8 million from the county for environmental improvements and other touches. It represents the first such renovation since the Minneapolis library system, running a deficit, merged with Hennepin County's in 2007.
The Nokomis library, which has a stone exterior, will be 32 percent larger than before. Both libraries measure about 17,000 square feet.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
