Southdale Library collection move complete
The Southdale Library collection has been moved to an offsite storage facility to prepare for the new-build project. While the collection will be closed to the public, materials will remain accessible through the holds process. When the new library opens in approximately three years, the collection will return for public browsing.
Fun facts about the collection move:
- 179,000 books moved
- Collection weighed 55 tons (equivalent to 28 cars!)
- Books would span 1.56 miles if lined up book-to-book (8,276 linear feet)
Nearby libraries
While Southdale Library is closed, patrons may visit nearby libraries for library services.
- Edina(External link), 5280 Grandview Square, Edina
- Penn Lake(External link), 8800 Penn Avenue South, Bloomington
- Washburn(External link), 5244 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
- Starting spring 2025, Augsburg Park(External link), 7100 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield
Patrons may contact Ask Us online(External link), call 612-543-KNOW (5669), or visit any Hennepin County library for assistance.
What’s next in the project?
Hennepin County has partnered with Better Futures, a local nonprofit organization, to decommission the Southdale Library building. This organization will remove materials such as furniture, lighting, and ceiling tiles from the building that are still in good condition and can be reused elsewhere in the community. This work will happen throughout the spring to prepare the building for demolition in the coming months.
Project updates
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Southdale Library email list(External link) or visit the Southdale Library building project page.
Share your Southdale story
Have any fun stories, favorite events, or memorable moments of your time at Southdale Library? We'd love to hear them. Share with us.
