Located on the first floor of the Dakota County Western Service Center, the Dakota County Library…read more(Galaxie branch) on the south side of the county service center. Due to Covid restrictions, there are less activities being offered but I did not inquire about the iLab that is there. There is a "Calming Room" for autistic people, which is very inclusive and needed. I'm glad that the DCL includes this service.

After the renovation, this library has improved tremendously. They have a lot of amenities that…read moreweren't there before like an ilab, scanners, printers, DVD player rentals, phone chargers. And the astrology theme going on is very aesthetically pleasing. They changed the outline of the entire library, like the study rooms are now in the back. There's a return rental/book check out right near the front. Even the lobby area has a big comfy couch and high tables for waiting for a ride. They changed the hours as well, it opens at 9am and closes at 8pm on Monday thru Thursday. Weekends have shorter hours. They close for every major holiday. The back area is great for studying, everyone is very quiet and studious. They have individual rooms to study in as well but the lights in the room are motion sensors and the lights keep shutting off quickly by themselves. Those private rooms are really hard to get since they're all occupied. The other side of the library is built mostly for meetings and homework help. There's a small law library on the far end of the library also. They have an atrium type of study space which is perfect because you sit in a room which has a lot of desks,and watching other people study motivates you as well. It's called the quiet zone and is absolutely quiet, not even a pin drop, perfect for serious studying without any distractions. The people who study here are courteous to not even whisper. The chairs in there can be a bit uncomfortable but that's only if you're there for a long time. There's only one librarian here, a middle aged Russian woman who really knows her stuff when it comes to electronics, she's very well informed and helpful.

Smaller public library. I do like the convenience of this location but the hours a bit more limited…read morecompared to some of the other surrounding locations. I like that they have easy accessible book returns outside and inside. They have a lot to offer in this limited space! I would say generally if you are looking for a library with decent seating/study areas go to Edina or EP.

This is a small and quaint little library. They have open hours daily and many community events…read moreplanned throughout each month. The shape of the building is super unique with low ceilings and multiple wings. I like the kids area inside and outside. They have a Wildflower garden, play kitchen, places to read in the shade, etc. In case you need it, there are also plenty of computers to use for the internet, and a few meeting and study rooms.

I love this library and the fact that it's paired with the Dakota county library systems! I grew up…read morein a small town so I was used to waiting 6+ months for a book to become available. Not the case with this library system. Their online system makes it so easy to get holds transferred from other libraries in the county. They are quick and efficient and it's easy to find where your holds are. The library is clean, welcoming, and overall very quiet. They have Toddler Storytime days and Storytime for 3-5 year olds. I used to love taking my toddler there and she had a great time. They sing songs, read books and have a play time after with the library toys. There is also a small sized selection of kids puzzles, a dollhouse, some magnet walls and magnetic tiles. There are also 4 small computers for kids 5+. Computers are also available for adults in a different section near the entrance. Overall it's not the biggest library, but it's beautiful, clean, renovated, and friendly! I love it and I'm glad to have it around.

This is my local library! There are several good places to sit and read or work, and a selection of…read morerooms for groups or individuals. A big open kids section, an iLab, and a sensory room (with tools for people with autism or sensory processing issues to regulate), and a fireplace in the back got added with the renovations that happened a year or two ago. The only thing I'd improve is they don't have many places for book displays, and some of the displays are hidden. The featured teen books are just on a small rotating book stand and some featured non-fiction books are on a wall that's kind of hidden. The best displays are the children's books and Librarians choice books, which are right up front in an open are. Sometimes there's also a table with a book display by the entrance next to all the new books, which is changed regularly, so that's nice. I just wish the book displays particularly for the teen and nonfiction sections were more visible and inviting.

Nice library, plenty of parking! It does get busy…read more You can reserve your books and pick them up in the front which is nice. They also have self checkout for any other books you want to check out. There's a ton of spots to sit. Might be my personal phone carrier (AT&T) but I found that my phone doesn't work unless I connect to the public wifi which I don't like doing - not secure. I guess go here to disconnect!! They also have private rooms you can rent if needed.

Best library in this area to do work, or just chill, it's huge has a lot of sitting area and is for…read moreall ages. I especially love the teen area the tables go up and down and there's plenty of comfy seats. It's also always silent and not too busy.

Stunning architecture and an impressive edifice. Gorgeous stonework and painted ceilings. Loved…read morevisiting!

The St. Paul Public Library is absolutely gorgeous. I came here on a Sunday and it was my first…read moretime visiting. From the outside it looks massive, so when you walk in it can feel a bit more compact than expected, but that is because there are so many different rooms and dedicated spaces instead of one large open area. Each section feels purposeful, which I really liked. The staff were all very kind, and there is a lot more here than just books. There are separate areas for magazines, media, and reading spaces, along with a makerspace that includes things like a 3D printer, a laser engraver, and other equipment that would normally be very expensive to access. Having that available for free is a huge plus. The building itself is beautiful, with a lot of marble and multiple floors that make it feel historic and well maintained. It is a great place to study or just spend some time, and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are ever in St. Paul.

Love this little library more and more each time I go there…read more For one, the first trip I took, I made friends with one of the librarians there (Matt), who helped get me signed up for a library card and explain all the services I could get through the library. Matt always recognizes me (and/or my husband) and will go out of his way to say hi. It's really so sweet. Further, I love the selection available here. Especially of LGBTQ+ books. I anticipate this will be a great boon during the winter months when I end up holed up devouring books for entertainment. I was super happy when I saw the kiosk they created for Pride Month (June) to showcase a number of their books available. I also appreciated seeing menstrual products available for free in the men's restroom. The kids area is super duper cute, with lots of painted murals and such. In the back, there's a large table to work on jigsaw puzzles. They have some books available for purchase books at very affordable prices too towards the front. You can rent DVDs/blurays too. And there are computers you can use. They do occasional classes or events/activities. The library is clean and cozy in good condition. I wouldn't mind spending an extended time there. The checkout process is really simple/easy-to-use and highly automated. So glad this library exists near me!

I'm just starting to experience all the many services Libraries currently offer (beyond book…read morelending). I attended a training class for 3D printing. The instructor, Matt, was very knowledgeable and helpful. In class, we used a modeling software package to make a design. Matt is going to look at our designs and make adjustments and suggestions prior to printing. You can reserve a 3D printer for up to 4 hours. I can't wait to print my design. I'm looking to create some custom earrings. I also attended a Fix-it-Clinic. It was packed! I didn't have time to wait for suggestions on the repair of a speaker but I hope to attend the next clinic or check out another library. Lots of people getting sewing repairs, lamps, appliances, etc repaired by many knowledgeable repairers. Libraries offer so many free services. It's worth applying to their newsletters and checking out a future event.

I am becoming a connoisseur of Hennepin County libraries. This one is a strange one, but still does…read morethe job. First, it seems to sit on stilts. You park next to or maybe under the building. Then, you have to climb stairs to get to the library action. However, once up there, it is a pretty big library and we like their kids section, too. There are just enough books to choose from and there is a pretty good play space for the kids to burn calories while you hunt for books. We find the staff to be helpful as well. Note - I just saw something that this location may be closing soon for a major construction/rebuild project, so if true, you may have to head to the Grandview location.

Pretty good selection of poetry, could be updated with newer collections though. Pretty good for…read moreolder collections & classics though.

It's been awhile since I last came by this library. It now has even more wonderful updates, and…read moreFREE parking in their garage. The parking spaces are limited however, but it's a nice perk for the patrons. LOVE!

I really like the place and am glad they got rid of the cold war bunker they had previously. It is…read morelight and airy and has a good selection of seating. The Wi-Fi works well and they seem to have plenty of computers. In addition, you can often obtain free copying and faxing. You will only find out what services are available if you ask. You will only find out what access to materials you have until you ask. It is not up to to the staff to provide you with all your solutions, sometimes you just have to dig. Tips: If the south wall is too bright, ask staff to lower the blinds--easy enough for them to do. Use the reserve system--you can get any book in the system. If you find something unacceptable, say something. I once found a homeless individual washing up in our male latrine and alerted security forthwith. It was delt with immediately. All in all--a great library. Anyone in our community should not hesitate to visit this spectacular resource.

This is the cutest library in the Twin Cities and it's not even close. The circular children's room…read moreis an absolute delight and my granddaughters spend hours there. They also offer puppet shows and other community events. The librarians are so kind!

Very cool old Carnegie library. Lots of activities and books to read for children. Nice atmosphere…read moregood people at the desk. Remind me how libraries were when I was a kid. Well-maintained grounds. Just a pleasant visit.