Social Service Library Records

Collection

Identifier: HCL 073

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 the Social Service Branch Library from 1927 to 1959. The correspondence folder contains mainly letters protesting a proposed closure of the library in 1932.

Dates

1927 - 1959

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

In 1927, the Social Service Branch opened in the Citizens' Aid Building (404 8th St. S) in downtown Minneapolis. The new library and its collection materials were dedicated to serving social workers, public health workers, and other professionals focused on public welfare. Minneapolis Public Library staff ran the library and selected the books, perioidicals and other materials for the collection, but the library space was provided rent-free by the Citizens' Aid Building.

Budget cuts during the Great Depression threatened the closure of the library, but the library continued until 1960. In fall 1960, the collection was moved to the new Minneapolis Central Library.

Extent

0.1 Linear feet (3 folders)

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 the Social Service Branch Library in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 1927 to 1959. The Social Service Branch Library was part of the Minneapolis Public Library. The Minneapolis Public Library and Hennepin County Library merged in 2008.

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.