Patrons review early design concepts at Brookdale Library open house

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.