The Minneapolis Public Library

I was very impressed by the functionality and beauty of the library. Although I have not seen very many large public libraries, I assume that the Minneapolis one is unique in how its purpose of serving the entire community is so engrained into the architecture, technology, and design of the building.

While the building was bustling with people, it seemed like the most popular services had nothing to do with the traditional library. It was somewhat disconcerting to me how books were not the primary focus of the space. The computers were in constant use. This is a departure from the typical use of libraries as centers of scholarship and reading.

This made sense since college libraries provide for the needs of most scholarship and the price of buying books is low enough to be affordable to a large number of Americans.

I found Teen Central to be very intriguing. At first it seemed very corny but I could not deny that it was in heavy use. I looked at the screens of the teenagers on the computers in Teen Central and noticed that most were playing computer games. I interpreted Teen Central as an introduction to the Library as well as an important public space for anyone to use.

Basically, the library made me reconsider what the purpose of a modern public library should be. The library in my hometown, which I have always held as the typical library is heavy on books but not on utility. I think in the era of digitalization of knowledge, the Minneapolis Library does an appropriate job of providing digital access to information to everyone who cannot get it anywhere else as well as those who want an attractive, well-lit, expansive public space.

I noticed that the people who were using the library looked poor. The public service of providing the poor with a means for the betterment of their lives is a necessary duty of a public building. The Minneapolis Public Library really seemed devoted to this ideal. The computers were being used by the majority of people in order to find jobs. I thought of how difficult it must be today to find a job without access to the internet and I was relieved that the library was providing this service.

The public art was also striking. One percent of the building's cost was devoted to public art and that really adds up for a building of such an enormous cost. The building is beautiful and everyone should visit the Minneapolis Public Library to borrow a book or just to enjoy a well constructed public space.