Learn more about the Brookdale Library 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.