Step into the enchanted world of Brookdale Library, where kids discover enchantment amidst a wonderland of books and magic!
The Brookdale Library in Brooklyn Center, MN has such imaginative fun for kids. It has a castle, a play kitchen, and plenty of tables, chairs and books.
It’s a spacious, modern library with plenty for all ages, and of course is free.
The castle is more for show – the only area kids can go in is what you see in the picture. It would be cool if you could do more with it, but it’s fun to see.
There’s certainly enough here for kids to do here on a cold or rainy day!
I love the artwork here! This one is called “Jungle Animals Climbing” by Christopher Tully (2004). It’s near the children’s area.
Brookdale Library is located at 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center. It was actually the first structure in Hennepin County to be built in compliance with Minnesota’s Sustainable Design Guide (now known as B3 Guidelines), and it is one of three Hennepin County structures with a library, county courthouse, licensing and records services office, and social service and community corrections offices, all in one building! It’s a one-stop shop.
It also includes and supports native plants, and uses trees, shrubs and plants that thrive in Minnesota’s weather and support native animals and insects. And it’s a bright library with daylight coming in from large windows.
Be sure to look up at this beautiful artwork called “Northern Cascade” by Ray King.
The library is 53,155 square feet, and includes 144 public access computers, a cyber café-styled teen zone, and a collection of about 150,000 books. It’s actually a really cool design – the library is organized around “information neighborhoods” so collections and technology are intertwined and supported by worktables and chairs. It’s all modern and inviting!
It’s also going to be renovated in 2026. Be sure to stop by and check it out!
Address:
6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Map: