Burnsville Library Guide: Temporary Mall Location, MVTA Connect Rideshare

The Temporary Chapter: Navigating Burnsville's Library Services During Renovation

For decades, the standard routine for book lovers, students, and remote workers in Dakota County was simple: head over to the familiar brick building on Burnhaven Drive. However, with the main building undergoing a massive $7.2 million structural transformation, local residents looking for a quiet place to read, study, or pick up their holds have had to adjust their routes.

Fortunately, public library services have not stopped; they have simply moved to a highly unconventional new setting. If you need a book, a computer, or a printer this week, here is exactly where you need to go.

The Shopping Mall Sub-Branch

The primary replacement hub for local library services is located directly inside the Burnsville Center mall. Reversing the decade-long national trend of bookstores leaving malls, the Dakota County Library system has set up a fully functioning temporary branch on the second floor of the retail center.

Finding the Space: The temporary site is located on the upper level right between JCPenney and the former Macy's store. Visitors find it easiest to park near Entry 3, which places you closest to the facility.

Available Services: Despite the smaller retail footprint, the mall location handles the most vital public resources, including:

• Public internet computers and document printing
• Copiers and scanning equipment
• A curated physical collection of new books and popular movies
• A streamlined service desk for picking up holds ordered from the wider county network

Drop-Off Logistics: You do not need to carry your returns through the mall corridors. A dedicated, 24/7 exterior material drop-off bin is set up directly underneath the Entry 3 awning at the southwest corner of the mall building.

Hours of Operation: The temporary mall branch operates under modified weekly hours to align with local visitor patterns:

• Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

What is Happening to the Main Branch and Neighboring Standalone Alternatives

The main Burnhaven Library building is currently entirely closed to the public as construction crews execute a top-to-bottom modernization project. The building is scheduled to remain offline until its grand reopening in late spring 2027.

The $7.2 million investment is completely reorganizing the interior layout to prioritize technology access and modern community spaces. When the facility reopens, visitors will find:

• Improved Natural Light: Lowered book shelving to maximize windows and sightlines.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Fully modernized heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
• A Dedicated Quiet Zone: A separate, peaceful space for deep focus and reading.
• Sensory Calming Room: A specialized space designed specifically for neurodivergent children and adults.

For residents requiring full-scale standalone library amenities, two nearby regional branches remain fully accessible to Dakota and Scott County cardholders

Temporary Burnhaven Library, 1178 Burnsville, Center, Unit 2063, Burnsville, MN 55306

Galaxie Library: 14955 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124 (Offering extensive study rooms, a large computer lab, and children's areas).

Heritage Library: 20085 Heritage Dr, Lakeville, MN 55044 (Featuring individual study carrels, quiet reading lounges, and a physical media selection).

Ride on MVTA Connect to and from Temporary Burnhaven Library, Galaxie Library or Heritage Library

• The Flat Cost: A budget-friendly $3.00 per person each way.
• Payment Methods: Payable via cash, Go-To Card.
• Service Hours: Operates daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (plan ahead for late-night game conclusions).

How to Book Your Ride

• Order via Smartphone: Use the RideMVTA App (iOS and Android). Input your pickup location, track your driver's real-time ETA, and purchase tickets directly in the app.
• Order via Phone Call: Call MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500 to place a live ride request with a representative.