Commercial and residential properties are nearby. Bill Asp, Dakota County library director, said more than 300 preschool children have enrolled in programs at the library. He said new libraries are larger, more functional and wired to new technologies. Minneapolis-based Leonard Parker Associates designed the building. Asp said more than 800 visitors checked out 2,100 items on the first day.
People returning items can use an automated drive-through return that saves labor.
Inver Glen Library, between Inver Hills Community College and Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, was recently completed on land that was owned by the college and housed a hockey rink. The college, city of Inver Grove Heights, school and Dakota County began talking about building a library on the 6-acre site about five years ago, said Asp. He said Inver Glen patrons can access the college and high school library collections. In addition to public computers, Inver Glen also has a 12-station computer lab that is available for community groups and classes. Asp said the computer lab is the first of its kind in the county.