June 30, 2011, Thursday - "For Use: 125 Years of Library Service" Exhibit Opening at Central Library

Exhibit Opening Program and Reception
6:30pm: Exhibit opening in Cargill Gallery
7:00pm: "Past, Present and Future of Libraries" in Pohlad Hall
7:40pm: Reception and more gallery viewing

Location: Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

In 1886, the citizens of Hennepin County broke ground to build the first free public library for our community. Throughout its history, our Library has strived to meet the needs of its changing and growing population and to stay on the forefront of technological advances.

Come celebrate 125 years of library service in Hennepin County and learn about the history and future of public libraries through a new exhibition opening this summer at the Minneapolis Central Library's Cargill Gallery. Examining the changing ways libraries have served our community from 1886 to today, this exhibit explores the unique ways readers, children, families, multicultural groups, and the business community have used the Library's services. The opening program will feature a Minnesota Historical Society's History Player (portraying Gratia Countryman, the first woman to head the Library in our community), as well as a presentation from the Library's current director, Lois Langer Thompson. Exhibit opens June 30 and runs through September.

This project was funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.