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Minnetonka Today
By the People, for the People
Hopkins Men's Shed Builds Community and Little Libraries
Grassroots group in Minnesota brings men together to create and connect.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:14pm
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A vibrant, community-driven effort to build and distribute free libraries brings a colorful, artistic energy to the streets of Hopkins, Minnesota.Minnetonka TodayA group of men in Hopkins, Minnesota have come together to form a Men's Shed, a community-based organization that provides a space for men to work on projects, socialize, and support one another. The group recently gathered in a parking lot to build small free libraries, which they will place around the local community.
Why it matters
Men's Sheds are a growing movement aimed at improving the health and well-being of older men by providing a space for them to stay active, learn new skills, and combat social isolation. The Hopkins group is part of this broader effort to build community and promote positive mental health.
The details
The five men gathered in the parking lot were using saws to cut wood boards, which they will assemble into small free libraries. These libraries will be placed around the Hopkins area, providing residents with access to books and fostering a sense of community. The Men's Shed model encourages participants to work on projects together, which can have therapeutic benefits and help build social connections.
- The group met in late March to build the free libraries.
- The Men's Shed in Hopkins has been operating for several months.
The players
Hopkins Men's Shed
A community-based organization that provides a space for men to work on projects, socialize, and support one another.
The takeaway
The Hopkins Men's Shed is part of a growing movement to improve the health and well-being of older men by providing a space for them to stay active, learn new skills, and combat social isolation. By building free libraries for the community, the group is not only creating useful resources but also fostering a sense of connection and purpose.
