Two librarians smiling
Librarian on computer
Author Steve Grove with two fans
Little girl smiling while doing homework
Mynah smiling at camera
Two adults holding stacks of books

Give back to the library you love! Make your gift today.

 

Learn How Friends Is Helping to Shape Our Library's Future in 2026!

 

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Upcoming Events that Support the Library

Talk of the Stacks

Kathryn Stockett

May 21
Free Event | In-Person + Virtual
Talk of the Stacks

Ocean Vuong

Jul 20
Free Event | In-Person + Virtual
Pen Pals

Lily King

Sep 28-29
Ticketed Event | In-Person + Virtual
Book covers for Heart the Lover, A Guardian and a Thief, Buckeye, London Falling, and Kin

Join Us for the 30th Season of Pen Pals!

Meet the latest slate of award-winning, bestselling voices in our 30th season of Pen Pals! In 2026-2027, Pen Pals returns to the Hopkins Center for the Arts to welcome Lily King, Megha Majumdar, Patrick Ryan, Patrick Radden Keefe, and Tayari Jones!

Learn more & purchase tickets
Diane Moua headshot by Bump Opera

An Evening with Diane Moua
June 23

A Cocktail Fundraiser

Please join us for an evening with Diane Moua, Executive Chef & Founder of Diane's Place, Food & Wine's 2025 Restaurant of the Year. Enjoy an indoor and outdoor experience at the private residence of Tom and Mary Racciatti—a beautiful Mill District penthouse with panoramic views. The evening features an intimate cooking demonstration, an open bar, and hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats from Diane's Place. Proceeds benefit Hennepin County Library.

Event Information
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A girl feeds a llama at Summer Learning

The Library is Magic

Here at Friends, we get to hear about so many instances of library magic, both day-making and life-changing.

Here’s a glimpse of your neighbors who, in ways big and small, found exactly what they were seeking at the library.

Discover Stories of Library Magic
Detail of eleven 22 x 4.5 inch panels illustrated with printed with trees and insect fairies

Discover the Treasures of the Special Collections

The Book Arts and Fine Press Collection includes hundreds of works by local and national book artists and fine press publishers in addition to books about book artistry, which includes printing, papermaking, fine binding, typography, and more. The library acquires dozens of new artists’ books annually and often works directly with artists in the community to build the collection.

Show me the book arts!
Mohammed Lawal reading a book

Get to know Mohammed Lawal

Learn the role the library plays in the life of Mohammed Lawal, the CEO & Principal Architect of Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, Inc. and FHCL board president. 
 

Read the interview
Rosa poses on her bike outside Sumner Library

Tour de Library

Libraries have provided a backdrop for the many chapters of Rosa's life. Now, they have become her destination.

Bike with Rosa
Love our library!

Many Ways to Support Our Library

From tributes donations, IRA rollovers, Donor Advised Funds, matching gifts, and more . . . there are so many ways you can support our library!

learn more!