The Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s support for Little Free Libraries® in Minneapolis Parks helps ensure that all members of the community can connect with their families and friends through a shared love of reading. Park-goers can drop by nearly any Minneapolis recreation center – or any of five other park locations – and discover new stories to captivate their imaginations or expand their horizons.
Little libraries are “take one, leave one” free book exchanges. Park visitors can drop by any Minneapolis recreation or community center and discover new stories to captivate their imagination and expand their horizon. Parks are the perfect location for little libraries because they are free and open to the public all year long. In many cases, libraries are located outside of recreation centers, so community members can access new books even when the park building is closed.
Library Locations & Fun Facts
Free lending libraries are located at all 49 Minneapolis Parks recreation and community centers (some have two or more!), plus three additional locations. Nine recreation centers have mobile libraries that can be rolled out during events and when the building is open and are otherwise located inside. Download the Park Board’s printable recreation center map or find more information online.
While you’re out and about, keep your eye out for these library gems:
- A dog house-style library at Victory Prairie Dog Park
- A library all abloom at Longfellow House in Minnehaha Park, painted by Linda Medved Lufkin on behalf of the Minnesota School of Botanical Art
- A leafy wonderland library at Dr. Martin Luther King Recreation Center, by artists Tyler Green and Mary Schaubschlager, for Highpoint Center for Printmaking
- A Little & Co.-designed library at Perkins Hill Park
- A kayak converted to a library at Lake Nokomis Community Center
Project Partners
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
This program began in 2017 through a Parks Foundation partnership with Minnesota Public Radio, The Minneapolis Foundation, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Love Books as Much as We Do?
We Would Love Your Help!
Book Donations
If you have a small number of books to donate, you may bring them to any recreation center with a library to drop them off. Donors with a large quantity of books are asked to contact the Parks Foundation’s Madeleine Koski at MKoski@MplsParksFoundation.org.
Become a Library Steward
Calling all books clubs, scout troops, local businesses, and block clubs! Library stewards help us keep libraries stocked and in good condition. Download this form for more information and a link to submit an application.