Washburn Library

Washburn Library is a public library branch in southwest Minneapolis with an open floor plan and separate areas for children and teens. The building provides computer access, meeting rooms, and collections in multiple languages to serve the community.

The library opened in 1970 and experienced strong community demand from its first year onward. This rapid adoption showed that residents valued having library services nearby in their neighborhood.

A millstone on the exterior references the city's grain milling tradition, and a ceiling mural by Virginia Bradley decorates the children's area.

The entrance is located on Lyndale Avenue in the southwest part of the city and is easy to find. The space is well organized for visitors with different needs, from computer workstations to quiet reading areas.

The building was designed by an architect influenced by modernist pioneers like Walter Gropius and Eero Saarinen. This design background shapes the timeless look of the facade and interior spaces.

Location: Minneapolis

Official opening: September 1970

Part of: Hennepin County Library

Address: 5244 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419

Website: https://hclib.org/washburn

GPS coordinates: 44.90722,-93.28861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45