Nothing beats a cozy cup of tea and a good book on a cold day. Since February is National Library Lovers Month, why not head to the beautiful Eden Prairie branch of the Hennepin County Library and choose your next read?
Did you know Eden Prairie had library service starting in 1924? Eden Prairie Consolidated School housed the library until the collection outgrew the space. In 1950, the Hennepin County Bookmobile served Eden Prairie until the Eden Prairie Reading Center opened in 1972. Eden Prairie experienced exponential growth between 1980 and 2000, which drove their need for library space. In 2002, the Hennepin County Library System acquired the current location at 565 Prairie Center Drive in Eden Prairie, MN. Minneapolis-based architects Bentz/Thompson/Rietow lead the renovation and the present Eden Prairie Library opened its doors in 2004.
Fun Fact: The Eden Prairie Library has the highest circulation among all Hennepin County Libraries.
The current library houses a collection of 150,000 items, 82 public computers, two meeting rooms, a Reading Lounge with a fireplace, an area for teens, and a Family Reading Lounge in the children’s area. The library also houses an art collection, including works by David Culver, Craig David, Shari Cornish and Melissa Carden Bean.
Fun Fact: The Library also does science. To provide information and educate the public about fuel cell technology and applications, the library launched a hydrogen fuel cell demonstration project in 2004. Funded by the Minnesota State Office of Environmental Assistance, CenterPoint Energy and 3M as part of the county’s “Green Building and Energy Conservation Initiative,” the fuel cell could produce 5 kilowatts of energy, which is enough to power a typical home.
Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear. The year is still young. Even if it wasn’t, you can start good habits and stop bad habits at any time. Clear’s methods are based on psychology and science and make it easy to overcome the challenge of self-improvement – one tiny habit at a time. His writing style is straightforward, to the point and entertaining. Make an “atomic habit” of reading a chapter of his book each morning.
Current Library Hours
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Monday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
Thursday: 12pm – 8pm
Friday & Saturday: Closed
Library Phone Number: 612-543-6275
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