Summer at Hennepin County Library a huge success

  • September 19, 2024
a llama outside on a sunny day surrounded by people

As summer winds down and the school year begins, we’re looking back at all the fun we had this summer at Hennepin County Library. It was one for the books! We welcomed 1,338,447 patrons into our 41 branches from June 1 through Labor Day, and libraries across the system hosted programs for patrons of all ages.

  • Total summer library programs (youth): 1,278
  • Total summer library programs (adults): 820

In addition to hosting events in the library, staff also brought programming and resources out into the community. Library staff planned and hosted 135 community events. These events were attended by 14,158 people.

Summer learning

The Library continued to offer learning opportunities and resources throughout the summer months.

  • Total Let's Read sessions (June and July): 379
  • Total books giveaways: 11,133 (2,259 of these were in languages other than English, 31% of our world language giveaway spending went to companies that are either women or BIPOC owned) 

Lloveable Llamas

Back by popular demand, Hennepin County Library welcomed Carlson’s Lloveable Llamas again this summer. Patrons at 17 different libraries were able to learn about and lounge with these curious, sociable creatures, listen to stories, and participate in other related activities.

Support services for students expanding

Free in-person and online tutoring and writing help for K-12 students is available through the Library’s Homework Help program. These sessions are starting back up for the school year and will be offered at more locations this year. No advance sign-up is needed.

Free in-person reading support for K-5 students is available through the Library’s Let’s Read program. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet weekly one-on-one to work on grade level reading skills.

Continue exploring your library

Looking for ways to engage with the library during the school year? Explore all that your library system has to offer by visiting hclib.org or stopping by one of our 41 library locations.