Hosmer Library Records

Collection

Identifier: HCL 051

Staff Only

Description of Contents

This collection contains fact sheets, brochures, building information, contracts, newspaper clippings, correspondence, plans, maps, and other administrative records documenting the history of Hosmer Library from 1914 to 2017.

Dates

1914 - 2017

Creator

Hennepin County Library (Organization)
Minneapolis Public Library (Organization)

Access

The collection is available for use in Special Collections during the department's open hours.

History

Hosmer Library was constructed in 1916 at 347 East 36th Street in Minneapolis, the final of four Carnegie libraries to be constructed in Minneapolis during the tenure of Gratia Countryman. The two-story building is a brick structure, boasting an ornate archway entrance with turrets on either side. First known as the Thirty-sixth Street branch, the library was renamed Hosmer in 1926 in honor of James K. Hosmer, the second director of the Minneapolis Public Library from 1892 to 1904.

Under the leadership of Head Librarian Roy Woodstrom, Hosmer Library expanded its services to its patrons by establishing community programs, such as the annual Hosmer Library Talent Show (1998), the Hosmer World Concert Series (2002), and the Hosmer Library Friends Group.

By 1996, Hosmer Library was in dire need of updates to improve its services to its patrons. It was considered to close the branch altogether, but a community movement successfully raised $157,000 to put towards the library’s renovation and expansion. After its reopening in 1997, circulation increased by three times and visitor numbers increased by ten times. Hosmer Library underwent renovations again in 2017 and reopened in 2019.

In 2008, Hosmer Library and all of Minneapolis Public Library merged with the Hennepin County Library.

Extent

2.52 Linear Feet (6 archival boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Fact sheets, brochures, building information, newspaper clippings, correspondence and other administrative records documenting the history and operations of Hosmer Library in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 1914 to 2017. Hosmer Library was part of the Minneapolis Public Library. The Minneapolis Public Library and Hennepin County Library merged in 2008. Hosmer Library is now part of the Hennepin County Library.

Custodial History

Materials from before 2008 were included in the Minneapolis Public Library archives (accession 2019.25).

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection contains materials transferred to the archives by Hennepin County Library administration in 2017 accession 2019.25.

Related Materials in Hennepin County Library Special Collections

This is one of many collections documenting Minneapolis Public Library and Hennepin County Library locations. For photographs, see HCL 002 Hennepin County Library Photographs.