North Regional Library Grand Opening
The state-of-the-art North Regional Library welcomes the community to its newly renovated facility at a grand opening celebration on Saturday, January 27, 1-6 p.m. With an expanded collection of books, DVDs, CDs and World Language materials, bright, inviting spaces, and high tech tools, the two-story library is a learning environment for all ages. Library hours are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Technology is a theme of the fully accessible facility with more than 30 computers, wireless access, and high tech self-service check-out and pickup of reserved materials. A business and career center offers programs for teens and adults to gain skills in preparing for jobs, starting a small business and resume writing.
North Regional Library has long been popular with kids and teens. Teens will have expanded space to hang out, read, use Tutor.com online, or get in-person assistance from a Homework Helper tutor. Kids will enjoy the Discovery Room, a space for messy, creative play, an expanded story reading area, dominated by a throne-like blue plush chair, kid-sized computer desks, and a wall filled with items to inspire imagination and play.
Adults will enjoy quiet areas for reading and contemplation as well as expanded and remodeled meeting rooms on the second floor. There are more than 100 seating areas, including table and counter seating, and comfortable chairs throughout the library. An exterior book drop will add to the convenience, while the welcoming front entrance will complement the Lowry Avenue Corridor Project improvements. The 32,600 sq. ft., two-story North Regional Library uses the themes of nature and discovery with natural light and earth-friendly materials.
Prior to starting the renovation, a neighborhood advisory committee met for a year to advise library staff on the needs of the community. North Regional renovation funding was a community affair with McKinley Community, Jordan Area Community Council and Cleveland Neighborhood Association contributing $32,500 to the project. Additional funds were provided by the McKnight Foundation, the City of Minneapolis Capital Improvement Program, the City of Minneapolis Art in Public Places program, a state Department of Education accessibility grant, and library referendum funds. The total cost of the renovation was $4.57 million. KKE Architects was responsible for the design; Lund Martin Construction, Inc. did the construction.