Excelsior Library - Hennepin County Library

This is my new favorite HC library - even worth the drive from Plymouth. The children’s area is spacious and really conducive to quiet play. I love the wide selection of books for my kids’ multiple ages (3, 5, 7) and reading abilities. Big windows all over let in lots of natural light, which makes this the ideal place to spend a couple hours on a cold, snowy day! And despite a wonderful place to bring toddlers, the atmosphere was really calm and quiet. One of those best kept secrets I guess!

The library has improved immensely since it’s prior location near the old City Hall. Housed in a new, clean and charming brick building, it is relatively small but perfect for our historic town. We love being able to order books online for pickup! Be sure to have lunch at the 318 after a visit. Great for kids, and also has a delightful selection of books & magazines. Thankful that Hennepin County kept the new library in our town.

It's an OK library if you're coming only for books. If you are coming for a quiet place to go on your personal laptop, maybe using their Wi-Fi, to get some work done it's the wrong place. First of all, there is an employee who must not have ever heard that libraries are traditionally a QUIET place. This particular individual seems to think it's necessary to use their "outside voice" INside! They are very helpful to the patrons who are in need, but they seem to think they need to raise their voice to a level as if they are talking OVER something. Think of the example it sets for the other library-goers. I was quite disappointed. More frustrating was the slower than molasses Wi-Fi. I have come back to this library multiple times now as it's in my community, and the public network is as slo

This little library has so much to offer and is in such a terrific location! I love coming here to browse and check out books. It is really lovely when weather permits, to sit outside on the benches they have on campus and read; very peaceful. Staff is kind, too!

I didn't realize they have an after hours book return slot until I saw it today. It is on the back of the building near the parking lot. The library has been in various locations over the years. This location opened in 2014. They did a nice job with the building design so that it fits in well with the places along Water Street.