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Minneapolis Public Library - Pierre Bottineau Branch
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
55 Broadway St NEMinneapolis, MN 55413
Neighbourhood: Northeast
(612) 630-6890
- Hours:
Tue, Thu 12 pm - 8 pm
Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
4 reviews for Minneapolis Public Library - Pierre Bottineau Branch
4 reviews in English
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Review from Josh M.
Minneapolis, MN
7/9/2011 1 photo
This library is located in what has always been one of my favorite buildings in Minneapolis, the Historic Grain Belt Brewhouse. I even liked this building when it was abandoned, there was a irresistable mysteriousness about it, especially to me which back then was not yet even 11 years old, and loved to explore.
It took all the way up to when I was about 18 for the building to be restored, talk about waiting a lifetime. One of the things I was really looking forward to was this library coming in to what was the brewery's Gasthaus (guesthouse). I was anxious to see the famous fountain be restored to it's former glory as in the vintage postcard I had found in an antique shop (see my scan).
Well they tore off the Bavarian decor and reexposed the old horse stable building that was covered over when it was turned into the Gasthaus, I really miss that place, it was rotting so I guess I understand, but the ultimate sin in landscape design happened here when they tore out the original fountain pond. I couldn't believe my eyes. They recreated a fountain there but its not nearly as interesting, and lacks the gorgeous pond, I hope they recreate it, that would be awesome.
The library has the nicest nooks and crannies for studying and reading. It's amazing just what a space can do to your ability to retain information, and learn. The park, even without the old pond is still a really nice place to enjoy the outdoors and maybe have a cup of coffee. I wish there was more things to do right in the immediate area, but with the exception of a coffee house that is hardly ever open there isn't.
What a spot this would be if the old Grain Belt Office across Marshall Street from the park was restored and had a dining establishment in it. There is one of the coolest barrel vaulted spaces in that place, how cool would that be? Until then bring your own coffee (they allow drinks with covers inside), and if you need a great place to study, or just to read and really take in what your reading I would absolutely recommend coming here, it's a 5 minute drive from Downtown, and a 15 minute max bike ride, there is even a Nice Ride station across the street. -
Review from Mara J.
Minneapolis, MN
12/28/2011
As other reviewers have said, the setting and ambiance are lovely. I just wanted to update Sarah J.'s review from 2007. I believe they have several computers now (8-10?) for adults' use and a couple that are dedicated for children in that area of the library.
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Review from John C.
3/21/2011
Been to 2 family story times here. One time we were the only family there, but the children's librarian was nice enough to do a story time just for us. And afterward, while I browsed children's books and she was at her desk, she spent a lot of time talking with my curious 1 year old and showing her books.
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Review from Sarah J.
Minneapolis, MN
10/31/2007
Really cute neighborhood library branch. It just opened in 2003 and the building is lovely and looks new. It's on the old Grain Belt brewery campus, so you're in a old-new spot. And that huge, amazing castle of a brewery towers over you if you sit on a bench in the little park out front (check out the fountain).
They have a pretty decent DVD collection for a small library, but only a few computers. There's a small, cozy reading room, lots of magazines, and a children's area that's probably as big as the adult side.
Not open on Sunday or Monday (hopefully that will change with the merge with Hennepin County libraries...) but the librarians are cheerful and pleasant and it's a really inviting place the rest of the week.
