by Carz Nelson
All information listed here is accurate as of January 15, 2021. For the most recent information, check out the library website at www.hclib.org.
FRANKLIN LIBRARY HOURS
Monday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
LIBRARY SERVICE AND COVID PRECAUTIONS
Everyone must wear a mask in the library and in all county buildings; children under 5 years old are exempt. People who tested positive for COVID 19, or who are experiencing symptoms, should not enter the library.
DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS – CLYDE BELLECOURT AND MORE
There are several new exhibits at Franklin Library, including one featuring Clyde Bellecourt. Other presentations include a display highlighting Minnesota Black authors, and an exhibit of archival photographs in the upstairs display case. Salvage for Victory documents supply shortages during World War II.
MORE MAGAZINES COMING
The selection of periodicals available at Franklin Library continues to grow. The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is now available. Other titles that are due to arrive soon include American Indian Quarterly, Essence, First American Art, and J-14.
FAIR AT FRANKLIN- GET HELP MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Have trouble opening and keeping a banking account? FAIR is a program that can help you with banking services. Their goal is to help people cash their paychecks, build credit and increase their financial literacy. FAIR offers accounts with predictable fees and no overdraft penalties.
In partnership with Build Wealth Minnesota, FAIR is hosting a series of pop-ups this winter. All accounts opened at these events will receive a $25 opening deposit or a gift card.
FAIR ambassadors will be in the community room at Franklin Library on February 25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., to answer questions and help people who are interested to sign up for the program.
Register in advance for either of these events at fairfinancial.org/events. For more information, you can call Build Wealth Minnesota at 651-262-2173.
HELP FINDING RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
The Bridge for Youth visits Franklin Library on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 2 – 5 p.m. They connect people with resources and provide hygiene items and other supplies. Look for them in their outreach van on the corner of 14th and Franklin Avenue.
FREE FOOD
Franklin Library is collaborating with Every Meal to distribute free meal bags. Bags are located inside the library entrance, and while supplies last, they are free for anyone to take.
HOMEWORK HELP
Both Franklin and Hosmer Libraries provide free one-on-one tutoring for K-12 students.
Franklin: Wednesdays 3:30-7:30 p.m. and Thursdays 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Hosmer: Mondays 4 -7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 1 – 4 p.m.
CONNECT AND PLAY AT HOSMER LIBRARY
For young children and their caregivers. Connect with your child during this drop-in program that explores early literacy activities. Wednesdays 4 – 6 p.m.; this month on January 19 and 26.
READING SUGGESTIONS
Looking for a good book to read? You could ask a librarian. At hclib.org, towards the bottom of the page, you’ll find the link, “Ask us for reading suggestions.” This leads to a form to fill out about what kind of books you like, and don’t like. Fill in the form and you will get an email with reading recommendations. If you don’t want to fill out a form, you can always ask librarians for recommendations in person, over the phone, or via chat.
AT HOME SERVICE
At Home service is provided free of charge to Hennepin County residents who can’t get to a library due to illness, disability, or visual impairment. To apply for At Home service, submit an online application or apply by phone at 612-543-8850 Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ASK THE LIBRARY
Have a reference or library account question? Call, text, chat with, or email a library worker.
www.hclib.org/contact
Call 612-543-KNOW (5669) to reach library staff by phone.
Monday & Thursday 9 a.m – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.
Español/Spanish: Llame o envíe un texto al 651-503-8013 para recibir ayuda en español.
Hmoob/Hmong: Hu losis text rau lub tsev nyeem ntawv ntawm 612-385-0886 txais kev pab hais lus Hmoob.
Soomaali/Somali: Caawimaad Soomaali ah, soo wac ama qoraal (text) usoo dir maktabada 612-235-1339.
Carz is a Phillips resident and an enthusiastic patron of Hennepin County Library.
