East Lake Library

Can a library be more than just books? At East Lake Library, the answer is a resounding yes. East Lake Library isn’t simply a repository of knowledge. It’s a vibrant hub woven into the fabric of the Longfellow and Phillips neighborhoods of Minneapolis. The current building, opened in 2007, is actually the third structure to house East Lake Library. The first library opened its doors back in 1924, earning the nickname “Reading Factory” due to its storefront-like appearance. It served the community faithfully until the mid-1970s. Demand outgrew the space. By 1974, the little library was circulating over 121,000 items and answering countless reference questions. The second East Lake Library, built just two blocks west, boasted a larger space and even a meeting room. However, time took its toll. By the turn of the 21st century, the building was showing its age. The current East Lake Library, inspired by the design of the Minneapolis Central Library, stands as a testament to the community’s enduring love of learning. Its glass and metal exterior hints at the modern resources within. It was the first green branch library in the Minneapolis Public Library system, a symbol of the city’s commitment to sustainability. East Lake Library pulsates with activity. Students gather for after-school homework help, mystery book club members dissect thrilling plots, and artists connect in the weekly art and craft group. Local nonprofits and government agencies offer support and career services, making the library a crucial resource for the community. Look closely and you’ll find art intertwined with the library’s function. Zoran Mojsilov’s “Zoomorphy,” a 26,000-pound sculpture of granite and steel, graces the rain garden outside. Through the library windows, Janet Lofquist’s “Pages” etches literary excerpts onto glass, inviting passersby to engage with the written word. East Lake Library has weathered storms, both literal and figurative. In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, the building suffered damage from arson. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, it continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and community. East Lake Library is more than a building; it’s a story. It’s the story of a community’s unwavering dedication to learning and connection, written page by page, visit by visit.