Beginning July 19, downloadable eBooks will be available for check out from Hennepin County Library at www.hclib.org.

The Eden Prairie Library will be celebrating Somali Heritage Week from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 3, at the library, 565 Prairie Center Drive.

The event will feature book reading and storytelling by Marian Hassan, children’s activities and songs.

The program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information, visit www.hclib.org or call 952-847-5375.

Eden Prairie first-graders got their own book and library card at an Eden Prairie Noon Rotary event May 7.

Click on the video below to see John Jorgensen recite from “Good Queen Sue,” while students from the Eden Prairie High School improv group acted it out.

Scroll down for a slide show with more photos from the event.

The Friends are raising funds to improve children’s area book shelves

By True Grimes

Of the 41 Hennepin County libraries, the Eden Prairie Library has the highest circulation for children, according to Ali Turner, the senior youth services librarian at Eden Prairie.

Turner said this is why space for the children’s book collection is short. And, because thousands of books are unshelved and stored on rolling carts in the coatroom, there’s an urgent need to double the number of wooden bins. More bins would allow these books to be available to the children.

Hennepin County libraries, including the Eden Prairie Library, will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4.

"Access to Hennepin County Library's catalog, electronic databases and other online resources, the program calendar, information about the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, and other library information is available 24/7 at www.hclib.org," according to a news release.

By Maura Steblay

Friends of the Library are supporters who strengthen community ties by sharing a passion for local books and learning, taking on fundraising efforts, assisting with programs and events, and sponsoring special programs for children, teens, adults and seniors. We invite you!

By Erin Callahan

Each day, over 42,000 people visit Hennepin County Library’s award-winning Web site, www.hclib.org. Ever wonder who does all of its behind-the-scenes work? Our Web site is a hugely collaborative effort coordinated by the Web developers and content specialists in our Web services department.

The next Friends of the Eden Prairie Library used book sale is set for 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 (friends members only); 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 (bag sale from noon to 1 p.m.).

Hundreds of books will be available in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be priced at $2 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library. Book donations are accepted at the library during open hours.

The next Friends of the Eden Prairie Library used book sale is set for 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 (friends members only); 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 (bag sale from noon to 1 p.m.).

Hundreds of books will be available in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be priced at $2 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library. Book donations are accepted at the library during open hours.

By Mary Severson