This library was a life saver for me...I know there are a few reviews that mention homeless issues... however have being homeless myself at one time I could never criticize the homeless at a library. It may be shelter to some and a place to stay warm....but for me it was way more than that. The staff was amazing with helping me get back on my feet...they gave me all the information I needed as well as making me feel welcome and not so alone during a horrible time in my life. People in Minnesota tend to stereotype the homeless way too much...no one knows anyone's story unless you ask. It's a gift to be able to sit in a warm quiet space and read a book or use a computer especially when one day you don't have that gift in a home of your own. As the old saying goes don't know what you got til it's gone. This library helped me get my life back and for that I will be forever grateful. When it's a billion below 0 in MN and you have nowhere to go...the Library was a place you could go no matter who you were and I can only imagine how many lives that library has saved without even knowing it. Yes there were issues with some people but that's in any place or with any people...not just homeless people. I'd like to give a special shout-out to Kate Coleman...an amazing, caring hard working woman who in my mind deserves some kind of award for the job she does at the library...she does what she says she will with a caring heart and a warm smile...she's my personal hero! Absolutely I give Hennepin library 5 stars...anyday!!! Thank you...to all of you who make that library possible!!! ☮️❤️

I would not recommend the Central Library to anyone as a place for studying and working. Even though the building is very well designed with beautiful interiors full of light, it is not a safe place, based on my experience. One time I was verbally threatened by a person sitting at the computer close to mine just because I asked her if she could lower the volume of the radio she was listening. My request was in line with the Library's rules. I also addressed this person as kindly and politely as I can. I must confess that she scared me with her threats. Another time my niece left her smartphone in the bathroom just for a few minutes. It was gone. Last week I locked my bike on a rack outside the main entrance on Nicollet Mall. When I got out of the Library after three hours from arriving, I could not no longer find it. It was stolen. I asked both the Library and the police to review the security footage to no avail. (It seems to me as if the area in front of the Library's entrance has become less secure since the Dunn Brothers coffee has closed). These are just a few examples of my experience with the Central Library. I stopped going there.

I was on a work trip w my daughter staying at Hilton downtown, I too 2-hr break, walked to the library and was blown away. The architecture is amazing, the kids department is very nicely decorated, we read our first vox audio book in English/Chinese and loved it. There was a cute little play area, many artistic ornaments on the tables and shelves, and a very apparent appreciation for the diversity of population that Minneapolis library is serving as apparent in multi-language section and letter/alphabet decorations. The interfaith art circle exhibit on the 3rd floor blew us away; my daughter and I were enchanted in the space, immersed ourselves in stories the artists had share and enjoy their artwork. There was a really nice café on the first floor, very nice elevators, safe stairs, and escalators. In our recent history, we've visited Salt Lake City and Calgary central public libraries, this one was very very nice to visit as well. Take your children to this amazing free attraction if you're in the area.

I love this library. Down town ins convenient for me and I often need a place to work in the mornings. I come right when it opens and usually stay until early afternoon. I am always able to find a quiet bright place to work and enjoy the view from the upper floor windows. I don't use the collections much but this place is huge and I imagine you can find whatever you need! Many people in the reviews seem concerned by some of the people who spend time at the library. I have never encountered anything that makes me feel unsafe and value the library as a public space open to all. If you are afraid of people who seem different then you, go to a coffee shop or a library out in the suburbs. Better yet, interrogate why you are so uncomfortable in situations where people are just living their lives in a different way than you. This library is great and I'm glad I live in a city with such excellent resources available to all!

A mixed review: I wholeheartedly endorse the underground parking garage. The parking garage is orderly, peaceful, and quiet. I can visit without being hassled or made to feel that I am intruding on someone else's turf. It's free to drive in and drive past the book return as long as you reach the exit gate within fifteen minutes of your entry time. This grace period is even long enough to park and run up and check out your held items off the hold shelf. Learn the exact location of your hold shelf during some more leisurely visit when you are availing yourself of the matchless collections and have steeled yourself to the unpleasant atmosphere. As for the upper part of the building, I wish the authorities would enforce a better standard of behavior. If I were homeless and spending the day here to get out of the cold, I would still wish the same thing.

This library is amazing! The only drawback is the masses of homeless people and loiterers. Many times I have been quietly studying in the study areas on the balconies next to the stacks only to have my attention broken by a fight breaking out in the lobby. The security guards usually respond pretty quickly, but it's very distracting. They do have study rooms which are great, unless you get a noisy neighbor (they are not sound proof), but these are on a first come first serve basis. There are many other areas to study as well, but it usually involves sitting next to a homeless person sleeping. Don't get me wrong, this library is amazing, but it serves the public of Minneapolis, which includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's a beautiful place that I feel is somewhat wasted on many of the patrons who visit it, but still worth a visit.

I can't say how much I appreciate the staff, the collection, the policies, and the treatment of homeless people. The guards are courteous and efficient so that everyone is safe and free to use the books. I used a book by John Updike in Special Collections a couple of times and was treated like a queen. When I told the libarian I was going to return with my copy of "Leaves of Grass" she invited me to call ahead so that I wouldn't have to "wait" to see the Updike book again. Another librarian brought me his own dictionary when I requested one. And the homeless with no place to go, everyone, treated kindly and respectfully. Shelters turn people out at 6 AM. Shelters are not places where people can go to rest or shower. The Downtown Central Library is star on the top of a Christmas Tree.

This has got to be the biggest library that I have visited this side of the Mississippi. The Librarians are very helpful; there are a wide variety of books on different subjects; I could spend the whole day here. However, some of the people hanging out here are pretty "shady", "ghetto", and "ratchet". Some people talk loudly and watch inappropriate videos in front of, dare I say not, kids!! The bathrooms are nasty and the aforementioned people loiter in them, doing "who knows what" in them. I also saw some guy attempt to steal a cell phone from a desk; he looked at me quickly, put the phone down, and scurried off. This library has the potential to be 5 stars, if the above issues were taken care of.

It does have books and computers. However, this library is so nasty. The bathroom stalls don't close well, so constantly open even when you lock it. The framing of the stalls are so flimsy. There's even a camera in the bathroom that can apparently see you while you're in the stall. There's a lot of homeless people that come in and sleep or have distracting behaviors. The staff don't sanitize the areas as often as they should which is so gross. I brought the issue to a staff and they didn't even have anything to wipe the computer area with, other than hand sanitizer. The third floor is probably the best place to go to avoid some distractions.

As far as having everything a library should have, I can safely call this library the most complete that I have ever been to. Four floors of books, cds, computers and special collections. Unfortunately, the place is severely bogged down with masses of homeless people, who seem to wait around outside the building until it opens, take all the computers when it does, and do YouTube all day until it is time to head back to the shelter. And please don't get me started on the bathrooms. The upper levels are chronically occupied and the lower floor restroom, much larger, is to the point that it requires a security camera. Enough said.

I am saddened by what goes on in this library. There are people here who obviously have no respect for the space or their fellow patrons, the staff seems weary and nearly terrorized by the thugs who are squatting here. I have empathy for the truly unfortunate among their number, but their is a very nearly criminal element that has staked major claim on this territory and they create havoc. It's literally impossible to find a quiet place to study. You have to be on high alert at every turn, do not leave anything you value unattended for a split second. It's not an exaggeration to say the place, in many ways, is dangerous.

This is a great library! There are some parts where it is loud but if you know where to go you can find a quiet area to read or do your homework. The View is also very beautiful, looking out from the second floor or up is very nice. I really recommend this place. Though there are sometimes people who just stand around outside the actual library, some people are also loud (but there is almost always someone like that at any library) and if you go there early enough, you'll see homeless people around the front of the library. I am okay with it but some others might not be, still in general everything is pretty good.

This place was awesome. Until a woman walks in as if she just came directly from a strip club. While a class of students no bigger than 5'5 are in the library... I asked the first floor information desk how this was acceptable and they were like "uh-uh-uh" because they had been talking the whole time. And then I asked what could be done about it and guess what they said? Starts with a U and ends in a "uh-uh-uh." Maybe I should talk about the transgender mutilation pictures on the Second Floor. Where I can men who cut off their.... Get the picture? If not take a picture they are on the second floor wall.

Peaceful, clean, and quiet on the top floor. There's a charging station on the 4th floor as well with multiple chargers of every type that are long enough that you can use your phone while sitting at the table charging. Bathrooms are unlocked up here, but be kind and courteous. Plus security comes through for wellness checks in them so there won't be any illicit use in them. Plentiful seating and good lighting. Appreciate you being open late on Thursdays. Wish there was a bit more of a security presence up here more often though as I've been catcalled twice now.

There are only two numbers I know by heart: my Social Security and my HCL card numbers. The staff at Central are amazing. A query is never declined. They are eager to help, and offer explanations. The collection is vast and as the cliché goes, there is something for everyone. I was bringing my grandchildren to the children's collection when they were very young; now 18 and 22. Through the pandemic reading was my saving grace and Central was here. Almost every MTC bus stops here. I couldn't ask for more of a gift than Hennepin County Library.

Out of all of libraries I've been to from here to Texas this is my favorite. Now you may ask why I give four stars..The restrictions for 2 hrs. are unreasonable and unwarranted.that they impose put on the study rooms. Especially the video conferencing. My most productive days come in those. Don't punish those who don't abuse them. Brooklyn Park library let's you use it all day. I was complaining at first but when the lady using the room properly what could I say. Plus who can get stuff done in 2 hrs. anyway

This used to be one of my favorite spots in the city. Now you come here and see security going around intimidating people who are obviously homeless. How is a sleeping person bothering anyone? Yet they have no issue with children screaming in a library. How "brave" security is going around while having weapons, side eyeing everyone. This city has a killer cop problem, I will always feel less safe with them, especially around people who clearly need help. They are always target number one.

the best library I have ever been to!! they have a nice coffee shop and book store inside too! also they have TONS of computers but also tons of people using them also so many books and they have some nice spots where you can over look a nice part of the city and sit and think or read WOW! a really great experience renting books although the late fee's are annoying and add up but you can renew online very easyly by bookmarking the website! best library in the state!!!

This is a beautiful library with a vast collection. Staff seems friendly and knowledgeable from a few separate interactions. The building is very well kept for a city center location. Its best feature is location for those that do not live downtown. It is on, or within a few blocks, of nearly all local transit routes that cut through downtown. The only downside is the less than recently showered people you may encounter from section to section.

Nice library 4 floors with a large collection of reference material. Staff also have lots of experience at finding books inside and outside of the reference section. I would recommend this library to anybody researching issues that concern this area. The downside is that there is lots of theft here. I lost my backpack and security was not able to find it. They have lots of cameras in the building I wonder what these cameras are for?

The library itself doesn't have anything to do with the homeless or drug situations. It is a public space for free resources. The reading loft is nice, the books are very diverse, the computers are available, you can print papers, and staff is nice. My only complaint is the movie section, but I understand why it might be lacking. Please do not leave a review for the people, other than staff, as it doesn't help anyone at all.

It would be nice if people used the library to study and read books. with all the chaos down here it would be nice if security just asked them not to come back to the library at all. The bathrooms are nasty as every homeless person is washing up in them. it is a beautiful library but they need to regulate the issues there. to have a library card to use rooms would be great! and the security is lazy and rude to peole.

I love this library it’s humongous I just wish they added a little more for the kids. They currently do have a space dedicated for the kids but it should be more interactive and colorful my son actually enjoyed the space but said he wished they had more things to do for the kids. We will find something to enjoy either way. Lots going on at this location though so keep everything in a safe comfortable distance.

Skip this if you are a tourist. Not much to see. Parking is $5. The place is surrounded by homeless people. The Poor citizens of Minneapolis do not have free access. Just to park, the city has to gauge funds from the locals. I came from LA, with the most ridiculous budget/political red tape, and they provide free parking to access free books. Hello Minnesota, please please help your underprivileged people out!

I love Hennepin County Library Central location. It is my favorite of all Hennepin County Libraries. Not only is it 4 stories tall it has everything you could possibly want. Even a kid's and Teen's section. The service here is second to none. The staff are courteous and helpful. I am always made to feel welcome here. Thank you so much Hennepin County Library Central location you guys are the best!

I love the location - accessible to everyone in the city. There are places that I am happy to have my taxes go - and THIS is one of them!! The building is beautiful and the sunlight is wonderful throughout the space. I have requested meeting rooms (Doty Room) and the staff there have been helpful and courteous. There is also an on-site coffee shop (Dunn Bros) which is great for any time of day.

The view of the city from the fourth floor never fails to put me in a good mood, and it's located only a block from Nicollet Mall Station, which makes riding the Metro convenient. I've always found the environment to be quiet, comfortable, and conducive to reading. I have been unexpectedly approached by other library patrons on multiple occasions, but I have never feared for my safety.

They have a great childrens section and the staff were so helpful. My daugheter asked for a Medusa book and the librarian had one in a special section. The librarian was very courteous to make sure it was ok that she go with her and that I knew where she was. There was some interesting people-watching but overall the library is very clean and was a great experience and worth a visit

Closed on Friday Saturday but open Sunday? Strange, different, but besides bad hours and only having 2 area open currently were other libraries are open completely but limited time for guests.. I feel this location could more but chiding bit to but that’s okay. Has every book and thrones other libraries are missing! Easy access with public transportation, car or you name it !

Cool place! It's beautiful just to see, and of course the selection is fantastic. I've never been to a library big enough to have "stacks" so we were enraptured by the moving shelves. The bathrooms were nice and clean when we visited here. It's really cool that they have so many computers for people to use. If you have kids, the children's area is awesome!

Today is my first day at this library. As I was feeling lazy n bored at home and wanted to change the environment, I came here. Good to see ports for laptop charging at the extreme end of the library. Person can have individual table to keep books and one/more laptops. Sometimes little noisy as people sitting here keep talking. But overall experience was good.

Awful, awful experience. Library security guard (s) watching with scrutiny eyes with terrible communication skills towards patrons. Librarians gave me the same attitude vibe that the security guards were expressing... this was my observance as I finished my task near by. Probably the worst library to go to in the city of Minneapolis... awful!

Great looking library, incredible repository of resources, great maps and music. But, absolutely garbage for getting anything done. Between the headphones, the loud phone calls on speakerphone, the scary coughing, your concentration is in constant peril. Forget about productivity. Either book a private study room or get in and get out.

It's an excellent facility with accommodations for children with a section of their own. Complete with a large selection of books and a lounge area for browsing. Computers for research and leisure as well as outlets in case U hav Ur own computer U would like to bring as well as charging Ur own mobile device. If Ur bored check it out

Tears because of everything I went through for six years. Because I am in a better place. Much more needs to be done. Thank God it is in the past. But people matter and need to be heard. In my case they need to believe. I was angry and hurt by many! Get those pianos back. I may need to reserve the piano room at the library …

Wonderful, large, well lit library that has great programming in addition to a terrific collection. Book clubs, vinyl you can listen to, art gallery... You name it! The building is beautiful, as well, designed by Cesar Pelli. The downtown location means parking can be a challenge, consider taking light rail and walking a block.

Nice location ,love the childrens section,so the kiddos aren't a distraction to the adults that are possibly doing something important for school,work,etc,etc.!! Also I was wondering now that school is in session does the security let school age kids stay there? Was curious in case that they are possibly ditching school?

Such a neat building! A little confused about their COVID protocol that only has the first floor open. You'd think they'd want to spread out instead of sticking everyone on the same floor. However, I was impressed with their other measures and restrictions. Hand sanitizer readily available! I love the children's section!

I'm a huge fan of libraries, and this one really stands out! Thanks to the amazing staff for answering my many questions and for making your amazing local history collections so easy to access. I wish more people knew about how many amazing things this place contains... it goes WAY beyond books and internet access!

It's a great place but needs more police and security. By the way, from my recent visit on 5/10/19 to the Central Library. I noticed that there are no longer cameras in the men's restrooms. In the past, this was an ineffective measure to deter crime and was an invasion of privacy for men in the public bathroom.

This library has a beautiful design! It feels like a nice place to hang out. There are comfy chairs and tables with nice views from giant windows hidden all over the library. Apparently you can also rent (for free) out rooms to have meetings in. The librarians seem really nice and helpful too. I love it!

As others have said, this is a great building, an amazing collection, wonderful staff, but it is not a welcoming environment. I cut through the atrium every morning, weaving around the groups of thugs and seeing if i can get through without hearing several obscene words. why would i want to be here?

Two white female library attendees were trying to deny me access to the Minneapolis History section on the 4th floor. Told me I couldn't just look around with my son but allowed a white man to openly walk in walk around and browse. I have the interaction recorded and will upload to YouTube.

Cool place with a lot of resources. Just like everywhere else you find many different people with quite different backgrounds and attitudes, but still the Minneapolis central library is the best library I've seen so far. From the staff to security and the whole place is friendly.

The most incredible place to read, write, research, and relax. I made this my psuedo-home while homeless and now it's my second office! Did you know that this location boasts the first ever Children's Section on earth in a library?! Stellar selection and gorgeous building!

Huge place. Use the study rooms if you want isolated spaces.. need to get the librarian to open it every time since it automatically locks if you step out. Dvd holds are available at the ground floor behind librarian desk. No area to eat lunch if you bring your own.

I live just a few blocks away and can say this is probably the coolest library I've ever been to. One special feature they have is the hall and meeting rooms on the 2nd floor. I've been to quite a few Saturday conferences there and everything worked just slick.

It has good resources, including occasional workshops for computer help. Staff are approachable and helpful. There's a large kid's section that is a great place for growing minds. With that said, stay safe and vigilant like you would anywhere else in the city.

Clean, well staffed, and huge. I’ve seen reviews of people being frightened here. As a former San Francian I’m fairly use to homeless people being in libraries. They don’t frighten me or my child. I’ve never seen drugs in use or being sold at this library.

I love libraries. Unfortunately main branches tend to have large homeless populations with drug and alcohol abuse , mental illness issues and a strange feeling of entitlement. I recommend other branches if you are wanting a peaceful visit.

Fantastic place, massive collection, great staff. Only downside is there's a lot of through traffic and it kill the atmosphere in some parts of the library. Still a great place and if the noise is that bad you can get a private room.

This is a great library. The children section is well designed. I can see my kid spending a long time here. Library is well stocked and often has the book I’m looking for but be aware that there are waiting lists for popular books.

Great, great place. Free, aside from some specific art events they'll host. Free-will offering is, of course, accepted for many of those. Friendly staff willing to assist. Easy access via transit. Good computer access, as well.

Good place to work on the laptop or phone. Your fine when you keep to yourself. Some people here a little more nosy than usual. Lots of great books to read. Keep an eye out for yourself. Not scary if you know common sense.

Such a lovely atmosphere :) The folks at each of the desks are friendly, and there’s a great selection of books. It’s also super easy to check out books, place them on hold:) The view from the fourth floor is really nice!

Absolutely gorgeous interior and a fantastic place to study. There are study pod’s along each story of the building starting at level two. They are perfect for seclusion and gives access to a lot of natural light.

It's great if you only take the bus. They even have a Dunn Bros on the first floor. Wish more libraries did this. Sometimes you need coffee while you read. It's a beautiful building too, architecturally very nice.

In the library workers shout very loudly while talking and gossiping among themselves at the workplace every day. It is impossible to work because of the noise they make at the computer.

What a fantastic public library. The people and services are terrific. Thank You, Hennepin County for giving us all such a great place to work, read, reflect and relax. ️➕️➕️➕️ …

the staff was incredibly friendly and supportive of the film screening on Indigenous Peoples Day. grateful for such a lovely venue and team of people focused on building community.

What a lovely place to be when it's cold outside! Love the reading areas, the kid section, the Teen Central, the thematic book displays, the exhibitions, and the view to the city.

Great place for think, study, and planning time... When you're not disturbed by a random cra-cray. A lot of resources and activities for business in terms of personal development.

Awesome public library! I was able to work here all day in a private room. The staff were so kind and helpful. I hope the city continues to fully fund this great public resource.

The Minneapolis central library is a great place to get educational material and resources not to mention it's also a safe place to be if you might be experiencing hoelrssness

I love the library! Both the adult’s library and the kid’s! Great selections, beautiful architecture and friendly staff! If Dun Brothers was still there I would be happier :)

Prettiest library I did ever saw. I was looking at the selection of Japanese books and there were a good number but there weren’t any Korean books so that was interesting.

Was able to make copies for my job for free, surprisingly, I was informed they were free all day today.. super awesome, especially on professional Printer/Copier/Scanner.

There are a lot of less fortunate people hanging around the area However; security does a good job of making sure everybody is safe.. and staff are helpful and friendly..

they allow people to target others and disturb their peace for a reaction..... South Park made an episode about this form of bullying and human rights violation

I attended a talk/question session with Patrick Reusse. He has a new book. It was a free event. I loved it! Parking in the library's ramp is $5 in the evening.

Huge selection. Three packed floors. Decent manga section. Clean, with lots of space to chill and study/read a book.

Love all libraries because they do their best and people are still rude and ungrateful to these awesome librarians

Beautiful building with a professional, helpful staff. Great programming. Urban vibe might concern suburbanites.

Great resource for downtown Minneapolis. Beautiful architecture. Many helpful staff, services and programs.

Idk I feel like perfect scores are impossible but let's go crazy and go 5/5 just to see what happens next.

Super great library. Kind of making it my main office because of the comfort and utilities it has to offer

Light and airy. Very welcoming. It has a great kids and teens section. It's one of my favorite libraries.

Books for days and huge. So many places to work and read or draw. Tons of natural light.

People in the kids section were very helpful. Guy at the idesk was also very nice.

Great children's section with friendly librarians and lots for the kiddos to do

Listening to music in the Vinyl Revival Listening Room.

Good staff Good library got phone charging station's

There's somehomeless but it's reasonable pleasnt

One of the best Hennepin County Libraries

Fantastic resources in a great space.

Good place for a few hours to relax

Great location, beautiful library

Beautiful library. Helpful staff

Love my public library …

Its a lovely library!!