A change of scenery is good for the soul, so I’m always trying to find new places to work. After exhausting all the obvious haunts (see our article on Coffee Shops), it was time to refamiliarize myself with our trusty Lake Minnetonka libraries. Although they tend to be older buildings, and you can still checkout a 10-CD audiobook from the 90s, they actually have reliable internet connections.
The obvious caveat is the Shhh principle. If you don’t have any meetings or speaking-roles, they’ll work great. Otherwise, you’ll need to make sure you can reserve one of the private rooms so you can take your calls without disrupting other patrons.
Before heading out, make sure to check online for their operating hours. Each has a peculiar schedule, typically with 1 closed day and 2-3 late opening days each week.
#1 Wayzata Library
620 Rice St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Without a doubt, the Wayzata Library cinches the top spot for its real estate alone. Situated at the top of a hill, the windows across the southern wall overlook Lake Minnetonka from about 3 blocks back. To boot, there are great restaurants and the new “lakewalk” path within easy walking distance if you need to grab a bite or stretch your legs. (The “lakewalk” is a 1,200-foot long wooden path built over the water along the northern shore of Wayzata Bay, completed in 2024.)
The Wayzata Library is a small structure, with only 2-3 private rooms to reserve. But it’s also a relatively quiet location, and you should be able to pick from any number of secluded locations to work in peace.
#2 Excelsior Library
337 Water Street, Excelsior, MN 55331
The undisputed second slot is the Excelsior Library. This is the smallest of the Lake Minnetonka libraries in the area, but it has plenty of charm. The city of Excelsior has taken great care to preserve and renovate their historical buildings, and this library fits perfectly along Water Street, just 4 blocks from the lake.
Right across the street is the 318 Cafe, and one block east is The Lobby coffee shop, in case you need a pick-me-up. This is certainly the sleepiest of the Lake Minnetonka libraries, but don’t expect to have it all to yourself.
If you need a private room, this is not the library for you. There is only one room to reserve, and it’s typically used by groups. If you’re also accessing highly-sensitive material like client financials, you’ll also want to look elsewhere, as most of the seating is along the wall with your back to the passer-bys.
#3 Westonka Library
2079 Commerce Blvd, Mound, MN 55364
Located out in Mound is the Westonka Library. Of these three libraries, this one is the furthest from the lake at about a 5-block distance.
There are a few cute spots nearby to grab a bite to eat, but not within walking distance like the other locations. This is also the furthest west and most rural of the libraries. If getting here is a bit of a trek, you might want to consider some of the other great libraries on the eastern outskirts of the lake.
Technically not Lake Minnetonka Libraries…
Although not part of the community of “lake libraries,” these nearby locations are great resources as well.
- Ridgedale Library – Flagship library of the western suburbs, within a commercial district near Ridgedale Mall.
- Chanhassen Library – Active library with many seating options, about 3-4 miles from the southeastern-edge of Lake Minnetonka.
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