Minneapolis Public Library, North Branch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Minneapolis Public Library, North Branch
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The former North Branch Library from the west
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1834 Emerson Avenue North Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | Frederick Corser; H.N. Leighton Co. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000743 |
| Added to NRHP | December 7, 1977 |
The Minneapolis Public Library, North Branch building used to be a library in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was built in 1893. The architect who designed it was Frederick Corser. When it first opened, people said it was the first library branch in the country to let people pick out books themselves. Before this, you had to ask a librarian to get books for you. This library helped shape how other libraries were built in the Minneapolis Public Library system.
Discover the Library's Unique Look
This old library building has a special design. It has a tall, thin tower and a front roof that looks like steps. The main entrance is shaped like a basket handle. This style is a bit like Chateauesque architecture. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It often looks like French castles.
The building also has cool decorations made from terra cotta. This is a type of baked clay. There are also carved stone designs. In 1977, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site. It is the oldest public library building still standing in the Twin Cities area.
A New Chapter: When the Library Closed
The North Branch Library was replaced by a new building in 1971. The new one is called the North Regional Community Library. It is located on Lowry Avenue North. The old North Branch Library officially closed its doors in 1977.
On December 15, 1977, the Minneapolis Library Board decided to give the old building and its land away. They gave it to the Minneapolis Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
What the Building Is Now
In October 2014, the old library building started getting a big makeover. A group called EMERGE Community Development worked on it. They made sure to keep the building looking historical. This was important because it is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The building reopened in December 2014. It is now called the EMERGE Career and Technology Center. Since January 2015, it has helped people in North Minneapolis. It has a computer lab where anyone can use computers. There are also classrooms for computer lessons. Students from Hennepin Technical College use a lab space there. The center also has rooms for community events. EMERGE's staff, youth programs, and training classes are also located here. This center helps people learn skills for jobs that are in high demand.
