Uptown spent the past few years library-less, but that has finally changed.

Hennepin county completed the renovation of the uptown Walker library at the beginning of May. The new library was built to have more open space and to serve as a community meeting place, according to Lois Lenroot-Ernt, the library project manager.

“The important thing is the gathering place concept,” Lenroot-Ernt said. “We have meeting rooms at Walker, and added study rooms as well. There are more technology and computer workstations.”

The new technology additions are a major development in the new library. In addition to the standard computer desks, Walker has a tablet checkout service, where you can rent an ipad with your library card.

The library is intended to serve as a place where people from the community can do things. Lenroot-Ernt described what she felt the community was looking for.

“They are looking for a civic space. Uptown doesn’t have a space for gathering without having to pay for something. This is a public space anyone can come; the library is a welcoming place.” Lenroot-Ernt said.