MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Crooked Lake Library Closes for Renovations, Sending Coon Rapids Patrons to Other Branches

The longtime neighborhood library closes beginning September 13, with services, programs and book returns affected while construction is underway

COON RAPIDS, MN (September 13, 2026). Crooked Lake Library begins an extended closure Sunday as Anoka County starts renovations at the longtime Coon Rapids neighborhood branch.

The library at 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW is closing beginning September 13.

The closure means regular library services at the building, including public computers, Wi-Fi access, meeting-room use, children's programming and other in-person services, will be unavailable during construction.

For residents who regularly use Crooked Lake, the closure affects more than borrowing books.

The 10,500-square-foot branch provides free internet access, wireless printing, office applications, regular storytimes, community programming, a meeting room and a Play and Learn space. It also houses a Crafters Pantry where visitors can use arts and crafts materials.

Anoka County's library system is directing patrons to other branches while the work is underway.

The interruption is particularly significant because Crooked Lake has served Coon Rapids in one form or another for nearly seven decades.

A library history dating to 1958

Coon Rapids' first branch library opened in 1958 in a rented building on Coon Rapids Boulevard, then U.S. Highway 10.

Anoka County purchased the former Gethsemane Baptist Church building in 1973 and converted it into what became Crooked Lake Library.

The building was expanded and remodeled in 1986, reaching its current approximately 10,500 square feet.

That history means generations of Coon Rapids residents have used the branch for everything from children's books and homework to public computers, community meetings and adult programming.

The renovation temporarily interrupts that role.

Where patrons can go

Anoka County operates multiple libraries that remain available to Crooked Lake users, including nearby branches in Blaine, Anoka and other communities.

Patrons should check the Anoka County Library system before traveling because branch schedules vary and Sunday hours are particularly limited.

Library materials can generally be managed through the county system rather than through one individual branch, allowing users to choose another pickup location while Crooked Lake is unavailable.

Residents with holds already associated with Crooked Lake should verify their pickup arrangements through their library accounts or with Anoka County Library staff.

The Crooked Lake branch's regular telephone number is 763-324-1530, and the library system can also be reached at aclref@anokacountymn.gov.

The closure also arrives as Anoka County undertakes renovation work elsewhere in its library system, meaning residents should check the current status of a branch rather than assuming their usual alternative location is operating normally.

For Coon Rapids residents accustomed to treating Crooked Lake as their neighborhood library, that is the practical message beginning Sunday:

The library system remains available.

Their familiar building does not.

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