Learn more about the Brookdale Library project

Hennepin County hosted a casual afternoon engagement event at Brookdale Library this spring as part of a series of events to engage the public in the upcoming building project.

Schematic designs, designs that translate ideas and concepts into preliminary drawings and plans, were shared with patrons at an open-house style event. These initial designs help illustrate the general look and feel the architects have in mind for the renovated space.

Rendering of new meeting rooms

Rendering of teen space

Rendering of the commons

Rendering of the stacks

Open house participants were genuinely glad to learn about the building project and the investment in the building. The warm tones and daylight depicted in the renderings were widely praised.

Below is some of the specific feedback that was provided during the event. Patrons would like to see:

• Improvements to the outdoor book drop
• Comfy seating for caregivers and more play elements in the kid’s space
• More color in the library
• More meeting and study rooms; more rooms with technology (computers and TV monitors)
• Dedicated space for teens
• Space for adults to work without noise
• Seating areas near the windows
• Art that reflects the community

Want to share your thoughts?

Your feedback is important! The project team is accepting feedback on preliminary designs through May 29, 2026. Visit the Brookdale Library renovation feedback page to leave feedback on the initial design renderings.

Comments from the event, and provided online, will be shared with the project team and considered as design plans are finalized.

Project timeline is shifting

Our Capital Improvement Plan is updated annually as part of the countywide budget process. As we plan for the 2027 budget, timelines for projects across the county are being adjusted – including the Brookdale Library project. After the current schematic design phase is complete, we anticipate this project will be paused, with construction likely beginning in 2029. When the project resumes, the building will be closed for approximately 20 months. More information, and an updated project timeline, will be shared when the project resumes.

Future project updates

Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Brookdale Library project email list or visit the Brookdale Library building project page.

Meet project staff and architects at an open house for the Brookdale Library renovation project on Monday, April 6, 2026. The open house will be held from 2-6 p.m. Stop by anytime during the event to learn more about the project, view renderings, and share your feedback on preliminary design ideas. This is an informal gathering, no formal engagement planned.

This event is open to all.

Learn about the project

Hennepin County hosted a casual all-day engagement event at Brookdale Library this fall, as part of a series of events to engage the public in the upcoming building project.

Feedback was requested in the following categories:

• What would you like to do at the library?
• What would you like to see at the library?

Below are some of the themes that emerged:

• Attend programs/events
• Study and use computers
• Check out materials
• Use Children's area
• More study rooms and quiet spaces
• More computers and computer help
• Job help
• Tutoring
• Enhanced children's area
• Reading and study nooks
• Expanded collections

This feedback will be shared with the project team and architects to create preliminary designs that will be shared back to community. Planning for the Brookdale Library project will resume in January 2026. Additional community engagement will happen as the project progresses.

Project updates

Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Brookdale Library project email list or visit the Brookdale Library building project page.

Brookdale Library is scheduled to undergo a remodeling project in the coming years. In January, we shared that the project was expected to begin in 2026. However, after careful consideration, the timeline has been adjusted to start in 2027 to ensure that Brookdale Library remains open while Southdale Library is undergoing construction, avoiding overlapping closures of two heavily utilized libraries.

Highlights of the upcoming project:

• Update the current library space and make it more efficient and patron friendly
• Update the Service Center and change the grounds to make the site more sustainable with native plantings
• Improve the energy efficiency of the entire building through building-wide infrastructure replacements (roof, lighting, mechanical and electrical system upgrades)
• Install EV vehicle chargers, in alignment with Hennepin County’s Climate Action Plan

Project updates

Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to Brookdale Library updates email list or visit the Brookdale Library building project page.

Brookdale Library is scheduled to undergo a remodeling project in 2026. The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners recently approved a contract with Gensler as the architectural firm for the project.

The project is moving into the pre-design phase. During this phase, the basic concepts and costs of the project are established. Included in this phase are identification of the site and space requirements, review of space relationships, and development of design objectives. This phase tests the fit between needs, wants, and budget.

As the project moves forward, community meetings co-hosted by library staff and project architects will be planned.

View more information about this building project.

Brookdale Library is scheduled to undergo a remodeling project in 2026. In preparation for the project, Hennepin County Library is seeking your input. We want to know how you use the library and where we can make improvements.

A survey has been created to gather your feedback. You can complete this survey one of two ways:

• In-person at Brookdale Library using a printed form
• Online using an electronic survey (survey available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong)

View more information about this building project.