Champlin Library - Hennepin County Library

Kind of dark in here compared to Maple Grove but not terrible. There is an adequate children's section with a coloring station and chicken stand. Size wise, I think it's in the middle. There are a few computers for people to use and print from. There is a book return outside and inside which is convenient. It doesn't get too busy here so I haven't had a problem with parking.

Small but nice. They have one small meeting room which nice for groups. The kids area is small but quiet. The staff are helpful and it is not usually busy. Easy to stop in quick for picking up items held and for a quiet spot to work.

Nice small and quiet. I only give it a 4 star due to the limited hours. We tend to just visit the Maple Grove library which is more kid oriented HOWEVER that does not mean the Champlin library isn't good. It is just better aimed towards those who do not want to deal with noise or kids. This would be a great location to study or do research. Their parking lot always seems to have space and they have a nice drop off right by the front door for after hours that seems popular. Staff has also been nice the couple of times we've been in there. Very clean and seems well run. To clarify they do have kids section but it is smaller and since it is so quiet it seems disruptive to bring kids there. (I have 3 small kids so in any smaller building it is hard to keep them from being disruptive.)

The Champlin Library has a good selection of children's books and we can always find something we like, however I am a little disappointed in their interactions with children. They have a small area set up with children's activities, but the last two times we have come, someone has told the children they need to be more quiet or asked a parent to take a child to a secluded room when they were crying or being loud. While I understand a library is meant to be a quiet place for reading and studying, I think a little more leniency with children, especially in a mostly empty library, is needed. Both the Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park libraries have provided a much more family friendly experience.

Small, but part of the much larger Hennepin Co. system! It has cozy places to sit, a good children's section, easy to access computers, and helpful staff.