Hennepin County Library – Ridgedale Library

In my experience, this is the library of libraries!
I’d initially chalk it up as being biased due to this being the library of my childhood, HOWEVER, I’ve practically made a career out of hanging out at multiple locations, so I’ve got my finger on the pulse when it comes to objectively evaluating a stellar library.
While this location is a much updated and remodeled library than the one of my youth (I MISS the nostalgia AND the kids viewing/​reading area), I absolutely appreciate the size, the facilities, the expansive collection, and updated technology available at the Ridgedale Library.
This library is located on the 2^nd floor and chances are pretty good that you’re going to be walking behind a mom with a handful of her kids taking over the entire stairway (it’s numbered and a great way to practice counting skills… I like to refresh my memory as a precautionary tool). Expect this to happen 85% of the time. Provided that you’re not running to beat your deadline of returning a book by closing time, just join in on the counting festivities and call it good.
On sunny days, this place is even better. Great design with lots of windows to bring in so much sunshine. If you’ve got children, they will be in heaven as you let them loose in the kids reading area.
Need to study? It’s a no-​brainer — -see what I did there? They’ve got quiet rooms. You’re taken care of.
If you’re a reading addict, I caution you. Your library card will probably stop you from indulging. I swear that this location MUST have the greatest selection of all the libraries. After walking through the Augsburg Park Library (which I also love… but it IS the teeny-​tiniest and has often felt like the leftover selection location), you really have to remind yourself that you can come back as much as you want and you can only read so many books at one time.
The Ridgedale Library ALSO hosts many learning events at their location that are worth checking out for all ages. I’ve seen a number of interesting posts and keep reminding myself to add some to my calendar. This WILL happen.
By far, this is my favorite library and I can’t speak highly enough about all that they have to offer. Please come visit here so you can add balance to how one ought to view the new standard in libraries.

I have been spending a lot of time here lately… it’s my FAVORITE library here in the Twin Cities. well, first of all, it’s really comfortable, clean, spacious with awesome natural lighting with the many windows throughout the library. There are many meeting rooms, computers and many study rooms too! They also have a special computer room too, for those who want concentrated work done on the computer. What I really love is the very nice Dunn Bros Coffee shop inside and nice seating scattered through out the building so you can enjoy your coffee and your reading!!!

This library is wonderful for children-​very nice selection and activities to keep them busy. The workers are very unmotivated and certainly ignore you if you need help. I had one watch me struggle five minutes near the the children’s self check out and finally I went to find another one! They are probably over paid for the little work I see them do… Last time I brought books inside and the woman was very insulted she had to take care of them! I still go because otherwise it’s a great library, just super lazy workers!

This is a great library! We love the baby story time on Saturdays and wish they offered story time options for older kids and families on weekends (dang budget cuts). Many computers here, friendly staff and plentiful parking. The family parking spots are appreciated!

Best overall storytimes in the county! They have 2 fantastic facilitators, and the most organized, comprehensive children’s program I’ve ever seen.
Their storytimes are very popular among a loyal crowd, so they limit the spots available. For each 5 week session (meets once a week) you have to register ahead of time.
This library has the largest children’s area outside of the central Mpls one, and in the back there is even a kitchen play spot.

We drove out here because we thought maybe they’d have a better selection but then realized we can just search the Hennepin County database and request items to be delivered to the nearest library to us. Anyway, I requested a bunch of stuff so hopefully it will be transfered shortly for me to pick up nearby. If it all works, I’d say we have a pretty awesome library system! Oh as a side note, this is a pretty nice building. Seeing this library and the central one on Hennepin makes me think we’re paying way too much in taxes.

One of the best public libraries I’ve seen in the country. The selection is outstanding, with a very large children’s books section (with many audio books) containing books in several languages. They probably have more books than Barnes and Noble and with much better variety as well. Not just picture books and idiot’s guides: this is a real library for real people who like reading. I have learned many things about many topics because I had access to this wonderful bibliotheque.
You can request books online from other libraries. You get an email when your books are at the library and you can go pick them up. All of this at no cost! There are automated checkout lanes, and the staff is friendly. You might want to bring your own bags to take the books to your car, because chances are that you’ll find many many things you like.
The locals know all of this, and that makes parking a little difficult on weekends. I love this library. There’s a coffee shop inside in case you want to get a fix of Java as you browse.

This library is awesome. You can reserve books online and get an email when your books are ready to be picked up in the convenient hold section. There’s self-​checkout and great hours — open until 9 on weeknights! My only complaint is that there isn’t always a parking spot available so sometimes you have to circle.