As plans develop, community meetings and additional conversations will take place to ensure an outstanding branch system to meet the city's information needs in the next century. Crossroads The Minneapolis Public Library system has successfully served the city for more than a century. The city's demographic profile has undergone a major change, including a significant increase in the proportion of immigrant populations and children. English as a second language, computer literacy, and homework assistance. At the beginning of the new millennium, most community libraries are ill equipped to meet these new demands on staff and facilities.
Service is hampered by cramped, aging facilities.
Only three community libraries have been updated since 1992. Although conditions vary, there are serious concerns about the adequacy of the other eleven libraries to deliver the level of service Minneapolis residents expect and deserve. In short, despite the dedicated efforts of the Library Board, staff, volunteers, and administration, Minneapolis Public Library is losing ground in the face of new demands. The most recent long-range plan for community libraries services and facilities was developed in 1991 and served the library well. Many of its recommendations have been accomplished while some remain to be re-evaluated.