Libraries
Free and open to everyone, libraries offer a wealth of resources. With a library card, you can
borrow books, music, videos, and more. These are available in many different languages.
Read current news from many newspapers and magazines. Find your way around the city and
the world with street maps and atlases. You can use the internet for up to an hour a day.
Libraries also have machines that make low cost copies. The libraries has spaces for you to sit
and read as well.
Borrowing Books, Music, and Movies
If you want to read a book or see a movie that your local library does
not have, you can request that material from another library and it will
be delivered to a library of your choosing, where it will be held for you
for one week to pick up. Borrow books or music CDs free for three
weeks. Borrow movies on video or DVD free for one week. You can
call, go in person, or go online to renew these materials and keep them
for longer, provided that no one else has requested them. If you are late in returning materials
to the library, you will have to pay a small fee, which at the time of this printing was 30 cents per
day for each overdue book or CD and $1 per day for each overdue video.
Learning Opportunities
If you are learning English, you can practice and build vocabulary with the library’s books,
audiocassettes, and videos. Many libraries offer ESL classes and conversation circles for people
who want to practice English. For children, there are bilingual storytimes and tutors to help with
homework after school. The library has guides on how to get your U.S. Citizenship, TOEFL
certificate, or high school GED. Many libraries offer classes to learn how to use the computer or
how to search for work. Research librarians are available to help you with any research you
want to do or answer any questions you have, and there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Library Cards
To apply for a free library card, go to any library with proof of your address (a piece of mail
addressed to you, a driver’s license, or a check). You can also fill out a card at the library, and
your library card will be sent to you in the mail. Anyone of any age can have a library card.
Outreach to Immigrant Communities
Some libraries have outreach liaisons who are bilingual and who work in the community to tell
new immigrants about libraries. They can visit schools, attend community events, give
presentations, and teach people in their own language how to use the library. Ask for details at
your local library.
Contact a Library
There are more than 60 libraries in Hennepin and Ramsey counties combined. Every library has
different things to offer. To search the card catalog for specific materials or for information on
library locations, hours, events, etc., visit a library, call, or visit their websites:
