Once known as the Thirty-Sixth Street Branch Library, the Hosmer Library stands as a testament to community and accessible knowledge. It is a branch of the Hennepin County Library system. It serves the Central neighborhood of Minneapolis. This library earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. But its story goes much deeper than that.
Let’s step back to 1916. Imagine Minneapolis during a surge of immigration, especially from Scandinavia. Hosmer Library rose in a still sparsely populated area. The now gone Central High School was just a block away. Gratia Countryman, a visionary librarian, spearheaded this project. She secured funds from the Carnegie Corporation. The Hosmer Library became the fourth and final Carnegie branch in Minneapolis.
Henry D. Whitefield, Andrew Carnegie’s brother-in-law, designed the building. The total cost was $27,700. The library opened its doors on March 8, 1916. A decade later, in 1926, the library honored James Kendall Hosmer. He was Minneapolis’ second city librarian. His name replaced the original one. Look closely at the entrance. Do you see the two granite lion-dogs? These were a gift from Mrs. Lewis Gillette’s family.
Hosmer Library’s location was strategic. It was near streetcar lines. This made it easily accessible to all. It is one of nine Minneapolis libraries that owes its existence to Gratia Countryman’s vision. Initially, the neighborhood was mostly Scandinavian. In 1969, Hosmer adapted to its evolving community. An African American reading room opened.
Roy Woodstrom was a key figure here. He was the head librarian for many years. He championed innovation. In 2004, budget cuts threatened the library’s hours. Neighbors rallied. The Bancroft Neighborhood Association donated $7,000. This allowed Hosmer to stay open five days a week. Woodstrom also launched the Hosmer World Music Concert Series in 2002. The Hosmer Library Talent Show debuted in 1998. He also started the Hosmer Library Friends Group.
The library has seen several updates. In 1951, an enclosure was added to the east side stairway. In 1980, a ground-level entry and elevator improved accessibility. By 1996, a major overhaul was needed. When closure was a possibility, the community stepped up. They contributed over $157,000 to ensure the upgrades happened. Circulation rates tripled after the remodeling. Daily visitors increased tenfold. In August 2019, Hosmer Library was remodeled again. Dedicated teen and children’s sections were added.
Hosmer Library offers many programs. K-12 Homework Help is popular. James Hosmer’s birthday is celebrated annually. Teen Tech Squad is a STEAM-based program.
The Hosmer Library stands as a testament to community spirit. It is a place of continuous learning and adaptation. Its historic walls echo stories of change. They also tell of unwavering support. As you leave, remember the Hosmer Library. It is more than just a building. It is a living, breathing part of Minneapolis history.