New budget details and community reaction emerge in Hennepin County’s plan to shorten library hours

Hennepin County is sharing new details about its proposal to shorten public library hours next year — and patrons who rely on those spaces said the changes could have a real impact.

RELATED: Hennepin County libraries weighing shorter hours due to rising costs

The plan would reduce systemwide hours by about 7%, or roughly 140 hours per week, beginning January 2027. Most branches would shift to consistent eight‑hour service days, and some would gain Sunday hours. No locations would close.

County officials said the proposal is driven by rising operational costs and a tight 2027 budget target. Departments were instructed to submit budgets at 102% of current spending, forcing agencies to find efficiencies while maintaining essential services.

To meet that target, the library estimates it...