Arvonne Fraser Library Records

Collection

Identifier: HCL 052

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 Arvonne Fraser Library from 1962 to 2018.

Box 1 Folder 5 contains a program from the dedication of the State Capitol Credit Union, 1963.

Dates

Creation: 1962 - 2018

Creator

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

Access

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

History

The Arvonne Fraser Library, formerly known as Southeast Library, opened in the former State Capitol Credit Union Building designed by prolific architect Ralph Rapson. When the library opened in 1967, it replaced the Pillsbury Library (1904-1967). Due to its close proximity to the University of Minnesota, a large portion of the library’s clientele is university students who come to the library to study and check out books. The Hennepin County board decided to change the name of the library from Southeast to Arvonne Fraser in December 2018.

The library was closed in 2006 then reopened in 2008 when all fourteen former Minneapolis Public Library branches merged with the Hennepin County Library system.

Extent

1.26 Linear Feet (3 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 Arvonne Fraser Library (known as Southeast Library until 2020) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 1962 to 2018. Southeast Library was part of the Minneapolis Public Library. The Minneapolis Public Library and Hennepin County Library merged in 2008. Arvonne Fraser 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). Portions of the collection (accession 2018.16) were previously managed by Hennepin County Library Officially Withdrawn, an organization for retired and former staff of Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection contains materials transferred to the archives by Hennepin County Library administration in 2017 as accession 2019.25. Additional materials transferred by Hennepin County Library administration in 2017 as accession 2018.38 and in 2018 as accession 2018.16. Additional materials transferred from Southeast Library in December 2018 as accession 2018.44.

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. For earlier, see Pillsbury Library Records.