By Lindsey Fenner
All Hennepin County Libraries closed on March 17 and are tentatively scheduled to reopen to the public on April 6.
Please check the library website at www.hclib.org for updates, as the
reopening date may change. Availability of listed services below may change.
Starting March 20, ALL library staff are working from home. Hennepin County library workers fought hard to close library buildings down and keep library workers at home. This was a heartbreaking action to take; we all know how important public libraries are to the community. But frontline workers knew that it was impossible to keep libraries open or have workers in the buildings, and still keep workers and vulnerable community members safe. It was also heartbreaking because Franklin Library was scheduled to reopen on March 17 after a long renovation. Thank you to all of the community members who have advocated on behalf of library workers and patrons! We are still here (just working from home)
Have a reference or library account question?
Chat with, text or email a library worker
https://www.hclib.org/contact
Text ”˜hclib”™ to 612-400-7722
As of 3/20/2020, you are unable to reach library staff at 612-543-KNOW (5669) or library building phone numbers.
We are working to have staff available to answer phones, if possible.
Physical Materials:
All Due Dates Have Been Extended
All Holds Have Been Extended
Book Returns:
All library book returns were closed on March 19. There are no workers in the buildings to process them. Check the library website when they will reopen.
The Library could not ensure that workers could check in and process materials safely or without using up limited sanitation and Personal Protective Equipment resources that other County Departments urgently need. Thank you for holding on to your library books for us!
Library Card Information:
If you need to register for a library card or access your PIN number, contact the Library through AskUs: https://www.hclib.org/contact
At this time, you will need a library card and PIN to access Online Resources.
Online Resources:
Hennepin County Library has a smorgasboard of online resources including: Newspapers, Practice Tests, Interactives for Kids, Journals, Encyclopedias, Directories, Local History Digital Archives, Free Downloadable Music, Streamable Movies, Government Documents, Biographies, Computer Tutorials, and last but not least, E-Books. Visit the website to browse all online resources: https://www.hclib.org/browse/online-resources
E-Books and Audiobooks:
Libby: The Libby app is available for iOS and Android devices and is a streamlined way to access downloadable ebooks and audiobooks from OverDrive. You can check out and audiobooks right in the app. You can also read eBooks in the app or send them to your Kindle.
Cloud Library:
Find downloadable eBooks for readers of all ages. A reader app is also available for Apple, Android and other devices.
Library Events:
All Library events have been canceled through April 30
Meeting Rooms:
All Library Meeting Room reservations have been canceled through April 30
Community Resources:
Internet Access: Free Wireless Access
in Minneapolis
USI:
USI opened their WiFi network in Minneapolis for those that may need temporary internet access
”¢ Look for the “City of Minneapolis Public WiFi” or “USI Wireless” networks on your mobile device and you will be connected. The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport.
Ӣ No password or credit card is required to sign in.
Ӣ You need to be within 50 feet of the hotspots. Signal strength varies indoors. Contact:
Call: (24/7) 1-800-US-INTERNET Email: info@usinternet.com
Text: 952-253-3277
Comcast opened their Xfinity WiFi network and is offering unlimited data for free.
”¢ For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name open your Internet browser.
Hennepin County Human, Health, and Emergency Assistance:
As of March 17, all Human Service Hubs are Closed to face-to-face contact.
Call: 612-596-1300 for Assistance with SNAP, Emergency CASH Assistance
(GA, MSA, DWP, MFIP), Health Care
To Order an EBT Card:
1-888-997-2227
To submit documentation:
Dropboxes are available outside of all Human Service Hubs
Documents can be mailed to:
HCHSD PO BOX 107
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-0107
Census 2020:
Visit www.2020census.gov or call 884-330-2020 if you need assistance in filling out the 2020 Census
Meals for Children:
Minneapolis Public Schools are providing two cold meals per child Mondays through Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 virus. MPS is working to add meal service during weekends.
Meals are available to any child 18 years and younger; the child does not have to be an MPS student. Due to federal regulations, children must be present to receive a meal.
Meals are available in or near Phillips at:
Andersen United Community School
1098 Andersen Ln, Minneapolis, MN 55407
South High School
3131 S 19th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Green Central Park Elementary School
3416 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Food Shelves open as of 3/17/20
Waite House
2323 11th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN, 55404
612-721-1681
Mondays: 1-5 pm
Tuesdays: 10 am-12 pm & 2-5 pm
Thursdays: 10 am-12 pm & 2-5 pm
Community Emergency Service
1900 11th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-1125
Monday through Thursdays
Doors open at 10:30am to receive a number for each day
Registration begins at 12:30pm
Food shelf operates from 1:00pm ”“ 4:00pm
Division of Indian Work
1001 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays from 12pm-3pm
Food will be distributed through the garage near the main entrance.
As always elders 60+ are our priority and will be served first and foremost
BRING YOUR OWN BAGS!! This is important as we may not have any available.
Day Shelter
Catholic Charities”™ Opportunity Center
612-204-8300
740 E 17th St
Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Mary F Frey Opportunity Center will operate from 7am – 1pm Monday – Saturday.
The Opportunity Center is staying open for meals, mail, lockers and showers.
United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 provides free and
confidential health and human services information for people in Minnesota.
We”™re here 24 hours a day,
7 days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. Whether you are in crisis, or need a little support, we”™re here to help.
Call: 651-291-0211
Online: https://www.211unitedway.org/
Subject to MN State Mandates after March 22nd
