Hosmer Library in South Minneapolis is reopening August 15 and new details have emerged about the changes inside the historic 1916 Carnegie building.
One of the most visible changes from the nearly year-long renovation will be evident right when patrons come through the door. While the building retains its two-floor layout, the entryway has been expanded to increase the sense of openness and connectivity between the main and lower levels.
The children’s and teen areas are now located in the front of the building, allowing for a larger, more open space for collaborative work, study space, and hands-on learning and activity areas.
A central corridor with access to computers, library materials, and meeting rooms now runs through to the back of the building, which is furnished with lounge seating and additional computer workstations for quieter work. The five new meeting rooms each have audiovisual capabilities, with space for groups of all sizes.
Also, an urban garden on the northeast side of the library offers seating for patrons to enjoy the outdoors and native plantings.
The building’s historic character has been carefully retained, with contemporary finishes refreshing the traditional library. Preservation work addressed the large skylight and wood windows, and additional infrastructure improvements include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms, site drainage, and paving repairs.
Regular library hours will resume when the library reopens, with details for reopening celebrations to be announced.
For more info, go here.
— Information and photo provided by Hosmer Library.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.