About

Celebrating the past while embracing the future, the Northfield Public Library’s historic Carnegie building with modern addition provides a  welcoming public gathering space with current technologies and resources. Whether you’re looking for a book or print magazine in the library, downloading an e-book or e-magazine, using our free WiFi in one of the library’s comfortable reading rooms or searching for family history on our databases,  you will find that the Northfield Public Library is buzzing with activity and opportunity. 

The Northfield Public Library is an independent member of Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), which provides automation services and many of our electronic resources, as well as traditional ground delivery of materials shared among libraries. SELCO is also Northfield’s link to libraries all over the state of Minnesota. A Northfield Public Library card can be used at all other SELCO locations and many public libraries throughout the state of Minnesota.

To learn about the history of the library, click here.

Mission Statement

Inviting exploration, empowering people, engaging community.

Values

Hospitality

• Create an inviting environment, inside and out
• Nurture a welcoming staff culture
• Uplift and celebrate diversity

Trust

• Listen and respond to feedback from the community
  
• Be a reliable community partner
• Be a responsible custodian of resources

Access

• Guarantee equitable access to resources
• Develop staff leadership and expertise at all levels
• Provide free access to all expressions of ideas without restrictions

Innovation

• Encourage creative problem solving
• Embrace playful learning and inquiry
• Anticipate and respond to community needs

Connection

• Engage with the community where they are
• Reach out to the underserved
• Foster conversation across differences

Adopted by the Northfield Public Library Board 7/12/2023