MinneMama Adventures is happy to introduce Kelly Sullivan Noah as a new guest poster. She has offered to share her experiences in a fun series called “Go and Stop: The Library Series” where she breaks down the numerous kid-friendly libraries our city has to offer. I’m excited for her series and hope you enjoy it!
We’re pleasantly spoiled by the number of libraries in the Twin Cities available to just hang out with our kids. I don’t write much about, well, books, because visiting different systems each week complicates returning on time. And we’re there mostly to play together. However, you can register your ‘home’ library cards in most other systems very easily (just ask a librarian) and gain access to not only checked out materials, but the great free online resources for the different systems as well.
We’ve also found that libraries are great for a pit stop on a busy day. They’re usually a safe place to get out of the car, use a clean bathroom, and either have some time together or some time apart…whatever our needs…without the obligation to make a purchase.
We’re featuring two libraries today: A Place to Go (a destination-worthy library) and A Place to Stop (a smaller library to know if you’re in the area).
A Place to Go
MINNEAPOLIS CENTRAL LIBRARY | VISIT WEBSITE
Get directions
We visited one of our favorite libraries – the Minneapolis Central Library – for their Childish Films series in March. It’s a worthwhile free event (activities, healthy snacks courtesy of Whole Foods, live entertainment, and then kid-friendly short films) but we often drive into the city just to hang at this library during the week. The last Childish Films until fall will be April 18 – check it out!
What is it?
The Minneapolis Central’s children’s section is bigger than some other entire libraries. A hallway with interactive elements on the walls (press your hand to the fish panels and watch them change color from the heat) leads to an open room with windows on three sides letting in tons of natural light. To the right are two play areas for little ones. To the far left is space for the older kids to go off and do their own thing, computers in the middle, and low bookshelves placed throughout (hello, good sight lines!). I can only say they did this library right. There are engaging touches everywhere, like a clear plastic floor section with rotating panels of a pond scene, and learning opportunities invitingly arranged. They also hold an impressive collection of books and other media, especially if you’re looking for other languages.
Fit for what ages?
This library is truly awesome for all ages. The children’s section welcomes crawlers up to older kids wanting some distance. The only downsides of a 500,000 square foot building are that teens are on a different floor, and it’s a bit of a haul to browse sections for yourself.
How much are we talkin?
Already paid for by your tax dollars and donations, but this is one of the few libraries where you will need to pay a few bucks for parking.
Want some tips?
Don’t let downtown parking deter you – there’s a clean, quiet ramp right under the building for around $4. On days I just can’t face dragging the kids across a rainy or icy parking lot, it’s my first choice. Take an elevator up to the four-story atrium, and get ready to explore.
There are individual family bathrooms in the children’s area that require a librarian’s key, but there are plenty of other bathrooms throughout building. Note that the adult area and teen area are completely separate from the children’s section.
There’s no need for an actual destination here – you can find entertainment just poking around the building! Ride the glass elevators to different floors and explore the open areas and artwork. I know we’ve barely scratched the surface of this modern and airy campus. You’ll come back down to the children’s section eventually. On your way out, poke around the Friends of the Hennepin County Library bookstore for used books, music, movies, and games, then pick up a treat at the Dunn Bros Coffee.
I have heard concerns about the wide range of patrons that this particular library hosts. I’ll say that we have seen what the critics have mentioned, but the librarians and security staff are pros at keeping the atmosphere feeling safe and pleasant. Go and enjoy!
A Place to Stop
ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: RUM RIVER | VISIT WEBSITE
Get directions
What is it?
The Rum River library is one of my “easy” libraries when I’m in a north-north-metro kind of mood. Built in 1999, it’s old enough to be comfortable, but new enough to be designed for contemporary families with a separate children’s area. They’ve got a little play kitchen and the common fire truck bookshelf/bench, small tables and chairs, and the like. There’s also an empty-ish glass-walled room inside the section, where kids can get a little bit of wiggles out if needed. The librarians are consistently very friendly, and my boys never leave without getting their hands stamped with something fun.
Fit for what ages?
Seems to scale towards the preschool crowd, but there’s room for everyone.
How much are we talkin’?
Already paid for by your tax dollars and donations.
Want some tips?
Anoka County libraries tend to have shorter hours, so be sure to check the website before planning to stop in. There is an individual family bathroom in children’s area and other bathrooms located in the lobby.
The adult area is completely separate with just one access point to the children’s section. The kid’s area is pretty good-sized, with a glass-walled room inside as well. The teen area is the in the main library.
Thank you to our guest poster, Kelly!
Kelly Sullivan Noah lives in Maple Grove with her husband Sam and their two sons Adam (4) and Thomas (2). They have full-time jobs as a financial advisor and credit manager and are jumping into the world of homeschooling.
She is a frequent visitor of Twin Cities libraries and nature centers, finding them to be an inexpensive way to explore different neighborhoods and play with toys they don’t have at home!
