Easy to get to and to park near downtown Shakopee. It is a smaller library with the first floor…read moremainly dedicated to children while the second floor has tables and chairs for working. This space is bright, clean and modern . On a Tuesday at noon, it was easy to grab a spot but there are limited tables and seating areas. The atmosphere was quiet and calm. I will definitely be returning on a weekday but I'm not sure if I would want to take my chances getting a spot on a busy weekend. But you never know until you try.

The library is good, the staff is good, but the environment (the people ) who come there are too…read morenoisy. than any other library i have been to. This Library is not good to sit and study but good to borrow books and go study somewhere. People talk too loudly, laugh louder like in a restaurant! We run away from our homes to find a comfortable place to study but this library makes it even worse.

Another nice library in the Hennepin County system! Lots of materials to access, attractively…read moredecorated and appointed! Another "must stop"!

Fun little library in downtown Excelsior. Worth a stop if you are here with young kids who like to…read moreplay in libraries like mine does.

I'm not sure I believe this place is actually closed as their website seems to still be going…read morestrong. Nevertheless, for a mere $5 admission I was happy to explore the Brown County Historical Society and Museum when in New Ulm last year. There is not much to see in the way of exhibits (the building also houses a research library) but I'm always curious about local history when I visit a new place. Here I learned about the local farms and how the area was settled. There was also a wonderful exhibit on the US-Dakota War, something I was either never taught in history class or something that was brushed over so quickly that I forgot. A special exhibit of illustrations from Wanda Gag (local author and illustrator) was also on display at the time I was there. I also saw postings for many community events held at or sponsored by the Brown County Historical Society. While inside the museum offers a brief but informative history of New Ulm, one of the stars here is the building itself. Originally home to the US Post Office, it is described as a German Renaissance style brick building. Even if the museum and building are closed, it's worth at least stopping by to see this stunning architectural achievement.

Another nice Hennepin County library! Tucked in just off 101S, nice selection of materials, books,…read moreand resources. Friendly help makes finding just what you need very easy!

I utilize various county libraries when need a quiet space with connectivity for work projects,…read moretypically early in the morning or later afternoon. Most of the Hennepin County Libraries in the western 'burbs fit my needs perfectly, but the Minnetonka Branch isn't one of them, being better suited to small children and perhaps picking up a loaner book. This is a very, very small library. The only table space supports big computer monitors, and as I needed access to power I was forced to sit in a somewhat comfy chair along the window. Now, there is a nice view of the wetlands outside the window, but as the chair faces the front door I didn't get to enjoy it. As this was late afternoon, a steady stream of toddlers and elementary kids paraded through the front door, with most of them headed to a small room reserved for kids where they weren't quite as noisy. To top it off, the library closed at 5 pm on a Friday (which was just as well as I wanted to hit happy hour at a local brewery!).

Excelsior Bay Books is a nice stop for a day by the lake!…read more There was a good selection of new books, many of which were geared towards younger readers. The space was small but light and open. It was wonderful looking out onto the lake at the end of the street. The best part was the adorable bookshop poodle! Stop by for a lakeside view, some books, and a cute pup!

Really pleased with this independent bookstore right off the lake. I was visiting family from LA,…read morewhere hip bookstores abound. I was surprised by the wonderful selection, although there is more of an emphasis on YA and children's novels than what I'm used to. Ended up grabbing "So Much For That Winter," a book of novellas by Dorthe Nors. What struck me more than the book was the friendliness of the shop owners, a husband and wife duo. As more people stopped by, it was clear that there were many regulars. Both owners gave recommendations and welcomed people by name. Even as I was checking out, I was charmed that they wrote purchased books down on pen and paper. A true mom and pop bookstore. I hope to return the next time I'm in town - please support small businesses so gems like this can continue to make communities better!

4.5/5 Yay I've…read morealways loved stopping in here and poking around and now they've moved even closer to me so I can walk for incense if needed! Staff are very friendly and helpful, so much to look at.

They have a great selection of books and herbs. The staff are kind and knowledgeable in their craft…read morebut also eager to help! Found some essentials I was low on, like affordable candles, and also a couple surprises like a second hand tarot deck! Highly recommend the store for any path you might be on :)