Does anyone know?

Does anyone know if it is legal to carry into a public library in the state of Minnesota?
Thanks guys!

Are libraries considered government buildings? If yes, federal, county, or city?

Knowing that designation will probably dictate the answer. Good question and I’ll do some digging.

Hey thanks! thats what I have been trying to find out is if they are considered federal buildings or not. Still have not found a clear answer.

I am sure it will be less trouble to pay for your overdue books.
Most building that do not allow it have it posted.

We go to the local library every week with our kids, can I ask why the need to carry into a library?

I think they are city entities since not every town has a public library. A quick call could answer this.

It depends is the accurate answer.

Who owns the library? Private, public university, city, county, independent organization?

What else is in the building? Government center, any courts, etc?

Here’s where this heads:

Private library is governed by the same as businesses. If there’s a sign you are supposed to follow that. If you know the rules behind the signs then you make the decision whether to carry.

Public university will be the same rules as carrying on campus. I believe this is the same as private business. Private schools are the same as businesses

Hennepin county stand alone library buildings: rumor is that their signs have fine print on the bottom that say no carry unless you are a lawful permit holder.

Now, here’s where it gets more tricky. What else is in the building? What constitutes a Gov’t building?
If there is a court in the same facility, don’t carry.
If there is a government center like a drivers license renewals, don’t carry.

There may be some grey area here when it comes to gov’t buildings but there’s no way I’m going to test that in court.

Hey thanks so much PatK! Its pretty thick stuff to have to try to comprehend sometimes

PeteS I was only asking about the legality of it. Not trying to turn this political or anything of the sort. I just needed a little help getting through the laws is all

Pete S wrote:

We go to the local library every week with our kids, can I ask why the need to carry into a library?

Is because I value my life an alright answer for you? Things can happen anywhere. But this was not the question the OP asked.

Looks like PatK nailed it. Depends on what is in the library.

Thank you for asking! It is a good move to ask before doing it and potentially find yourself in the back of a squad car. Also, thank you for exercising your Second Amendment rights.

In my opinion , the best rule is if you are wondering if you can carry you probably shouldn’t. Not saying I’m trying to stop you from caring, because I would carry everywhere every day if possible, but I would hate to find a person in legal trouble Because of a wishy-washy answer on a thread. It may sound silly but I would ask the library if they have any issues with you caring inside of it? Don’t tell them your name just ask as a concerned citizen.

404 ERROR wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Pete S wrote:</div>
We go to the local library every week with our kids, can I ask why the need to carry into a library?

Is because I value my life an alright answer for you? Things can happen anywhere. But this was not the question the OP asked.

well if you’re scared to go the library then I would suggest going to the Hudson branch, there is a cop shop next door. Good luck in your survival

PeteS I was only asking about the legality of it. Not trying to turn this political or anything of the sort. I just needed a little help getting through the laws is all
[/quote]

I get it, it just struck me as kind of an odd place to be concerned about carrying.

In MN Do not carry or have loaded in government buildings or schools, nor their parking lots. Signs on doors of businesses alone mean you better leave if asked to as it is not allowed on the premises, and you can be in trouble if you dont leave immediately if asked. Be sure you re-up your CCW permit in advance of its expiration date. Stay safe.

Pete S wrote:

I get it, it just struck me as kind of an odd place to be concerned about carrying.

A few years back, when the FW were prepping for baby #1, I saw a dad with a toddler open-carrying in Babies R Us. That struck me as odd.

I cant find that Washington County buildings are automatically off limits. I see that state building are. And schools, post office and secure area of airport along with prisons of course.
I just spoke with the Library in Woodbury and they are researching since they dint know the answer. They took my email and said they would get back to me. I will post when they do.

Email? Now, you’re on a list!

Ralph Wiggum wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Pete S wrote:</div>
I get it, it just struck me as kind of an odd place to be concerned about carrying.

A few years back, when the FW were prepping for baby #1, I saw a dad with a toddler open-carrying in Babies R Us. That struck me as odd.

Babies r us??? Holy smokes, I’m right there with you.

My theory is two part – 1. If you’re going to a library where you feel your life is in danger, pick a new library.

2. If you’re worried about an ISIS attack…..sadly then they have won.

My guess is driving to the library has killed more people than attacks in a library.

If it’s a “because I can” argument, you got me.

O’Meara Outdoors wrote:

In my opinion , the best rule is if you are wondering if you can carry you probably shouldn’t. Not saying I’m trying to stop you from caring, because I would carry everywhere every day if possible, but I would hate to find a person in legal trouble Because of a wishy-washy answer on a thread

X2 – my post doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong, just my best thought at the time. Kudos to Carter for asking good questions and wanting to learn how to do this in the best legal way

Legitimate answer below. Case closed.

Good Morning,
The purpose of this e-mail is to answer the question if people can carry a handgun in a library. Per MN state statutes if a person has a valid permit to carry they are authorized to carry it in public spaces. There are some restrictions to that including federal buildings and courthouses. A permit holder would be able to carry in the county libraries as well as any of the other county buildings not including the courthouse. The city walk, given its public ownership, would also be an area that carrying would be authorized. The private businesses would not apply as long as they follow statutes in proper signage. I hope this was able to answer the question. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Thank you, Tim

Tim Harris
Sergeant of Security Operations
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
15015 62nd St N. PO Box 3801
Stillwater MN 55082-3801

PS (from Suzuki)-Personally when in doubt, I CARRY. When a private business has a sign against it and I MUST go in, I carry. If done correctly nobody knows anyways and the more good people carrying the better. If a person has doubts as to whether they’re a good person or about carrying then maybe they shouldn’t. It’s not for everyone.

@suzuki – are you saying if a restaurant or store has the “Guns are not allowed on this premises” sign on the door you carry in anyway? What are the repercussions if you get caught? I’d hate to see small business owners feel the need to install metal detectors for people who don’t comply.

Hey I value knowing the laws honestly it helps a bunch with knowing when and where it is not legal to carry

Pete S in the state of minnesota if a person sees you carrying in a private place that has legal signage they may ask said person to leave. If they do not leave and the police get involved I believe it is a $25 fee and a petty misdemeanor? correct me if I am wrong!

Youbetcha wrote:

Hey I value knowing the laws honestly it helps a bunch with knowing when and where it is not legal to carry

Pete S in the state of minnesota if a person sees you carrying in a private place that has legal signage they may ask said person to leave. If they do not leave and the police get involved I believe it is a $25 fee and a petty misdemeanor? correct me if I am wrong!

This is correct. You must be asked to leave first. If you refuse THEN they can call the cops and you could get a misdemeanor ticket. I doubt one has ever been issued.

Pete S wrote:

@suzuki – are you saying if a restaurant or store has the “Guns are not allowed on this premises” sign on the door you carry in anyway? What are the repercussions if you get caught? I’d hate to see small business owners feel the need to install metal detectors for people who don’t comply.

Generally speaking I turn around and walk away. But if I must go in for whatever reason, I do. They never know. Why should I support their self defense prohibited zones? Its so rare to see this its not worth worrying about.

For those interested heres the email I received from the local police department.

Good Morning Carter,

I can’t speak for all libraries in Minnesota, and am only responding regarding the Duluth Public Library. Duluth currently does not have a policy that bans guns from public property for people who have a valid permit to carry.

Thank you,