
Library FAQ
We are a lending library of arts and education resources, free to all Minnesota residents and targeted to the needs of artists and educators. The more than 13,000 items include a diverse representation of arts and education areas.
The library is one component of Perpich Center for Arts Education, a state agency that houses the Perpich Arts High School and provides professional development and outreach services in arts education to all K-12 students, teachers, schools and districts in Minnesota. The arts high school is a public school open to Minnesota residents in grades 11 and 12, offering a rigorous academic program with intensive coursework in six art areas.
Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in our collection or services to contact us or visit.
Check the library hours here.
Be sure to check the Library Calendar for changes in hours, including during breaks and the summer. There is also a 24-hour book drop located outside the building’s main entrance.
Any resident of Minnesota over 18 can borrow materials after registering (by filling out and submitting a membership form).
We have over 13,000 arts and education resources, including books, DVDs, CDs, and teaching kits. There are several special collections including: diversity materials, professional development and research, dance education, and National Gallery of Art teacher resources.
Library membership and services (including borrowing materials) are free. The only costs associated with using the library are return postage on items mailed out to patrons and replacement costs for lost or damaged items; and fines for overdue items.
- All items can be checked out for three weeks.
- You can check out a maximum of ten books.
- You can check out a maximum of five nonprint (DVD, CD) items.
- Renewal of items is allowed once for three additional weeks unless the item is on hold for another patron.
- Items can be renewed in person or by calling or e-mailing library staff.
We provide reference services, including helping to locate print and electronic resources to meet patron needs. Bibliographies for arts education, professional resources, arts in cultural context, or those customized for specific needs are also available.
The library is at 6125 Olson Memorial Highway (Highway 55) in Golden Valley. It is located slightly west of the intersection of Highways 100 and 55. There is parking available in the main lot
Yes! We welcome individual and group visits, and can provide custom tours and presentations with advance notice.
Yes, we will hold library items up to one week for you to pick up. Free shipping is available upon request to your home or school address. Return postage will be at the patron’s expense.
Contact staff via email at library@pcae.k12.mn.us or by phone at 763-279-4170 or 1-800-657-3515.
The catalog is available online through the library website.
Funding comes from the Minnesota state legislature.
Absolutely! Simply email your recommendations to: library@pcae.k12.mn.us. Include the title, author, type of material and a short rationale for adding the item to the library collection.
Yes, the library has many resources for students at the high school, including research instruction and support from librarians, as well as research tools available via the website; space for academic and social events at the school; books, DVDs, music and other media for personal and academic use; and a place for study and relaxation.
Yes, but we cannot accept all donations. Please contact the librarian first by phone or email to explain what kind of items you are donating and how many you have so we can determine whether they will be useful. The items will either be added to the collection, put to use by teachers, or offered for free to the arts high school students.