Hosmer Library

Read about the history and designation of the Hosmer Library historic landmark.

Overview

The Hosmer Library is one of the first libraries in the city, built to serve the Central neighborhood. 

  • Location: 347 36th Street East 
  • Neighborhood: Central

Guidelines

See design guidelines

1920 2006
Hosmer Library Historic Landmark at 347 36th Street East in 1920

 
Hosmer Library Historic Landmark at 347 36th Street East in 2006

 

Architecture

  • Architectural Style: Tudor Revival
  • Architects: Henry D. Whitefield

Use

  • Historic use: Institutional
  • Current use: Institutional

Construction

  • Construction date: 1916
  • Contractor: James H. Brown and Co.

Significance

  • Area(s) of Significance: Social History, Education, Architecture, Significant Individual
  • Period of significance: 1916–1996
  • Date of local designation: 1997
  • Designation: Exterior
  • Date of National Register designation: 2000

Historic profile

The Hosmer Library is one of the first libraries in the city, built to serve the Central neighborhood.

The Hosmer Library was built in 1916 with funds from the Carnegie Corporation. The lot is just one block away from Central High School. It is named after former head librarian James Hosmer. Architect Henry D. Whitfield designed the library in the Tudor Revival style. It is one and one-half stories with a symmetrical brick and terra cotta façade. Two castle-like towers frame the arched main entrance. Two granite lions that were donated in 1943 still greet visitors at the front doorway. The building retains much of the original interior and exterior character. The front staircase was replaced with a ramp in 1980 to improve accessibility.

Gratia Alta Countryman was head librarian when the Hosmer Library was built. She developed 13 neighborhood branch libraries during her tenure from 1904 to 1936. Her ability to secure funding more than quadrupled the budget. She increased access to library resources through book delivery programs. Countryman is one of the founding members of the American Library Association.

The Hosmer Branch Library is still open today.

Credits

Photo credits

  • 1920 photo: Courtesy of Minneapolis Public Libraries 
  • 2006 photo: Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development

Work cited

  • Garneth O. Peterson, "Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Registration Form: Hosmer Branch Library,” December 1996
  • Susan Granger and Kay Grossman, "National Register of Historic Places – Registration Form: Thirty-sixth Street Branch Library," December 1998

Contact us

Historic Preservation

Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)

Phone

612-673-3000

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415