General Collection 

The Andersen Horticultural Library collection is a rich resource for everyone from the weekend gardener planning a perennial border to the professional horticulturist. Its vast collection of nearly 20,000 books and 300 subscriptions to magazines, newsletters, and scientific journals provides information and inspiration—from the literature of horticulture, botany, landscape architecture, and local natural history to children's books and specialized horticultural research. 

The Library is a non-circulating reading and reference library, meaning users will always have ready access to materials, but will not be able to borrow items. Special collections and archives are also available for public use by appointment only. To further assist you, books and periodicals housed at the Library can be found using the University of Minnesota Libraries catalog.

The Library offers wireless access, a public computer, self-service copying, and a welcoming space for collaboration and research. Library staff is available to assist you during your visit. 

Our special research collections include:

One of North America's largest seed and nursery catalog collections, representing over 6,700 firms, including nearly 60,000 historic seed and nursery catalogs, some dating back to the early 19th century.

Rare books on horticulture, botany, botanical art and illustration, trees, birds, flowers, and other natural history subjects from the 1530s to the present.

Archives such as the Frances R. Williams Hosta Archives. 

In addition to these holdings, the Library also produces unique online and print resouces:

Plant Information Online is an award-winning website of free searchable databases.  Included are databases listing North American nurseries, plant and seed sources, plant illustrations, and more. 

Several horticultural books of interest for northern gardeners, including Dr. Leon Snyder's Tree and Shrubs for Northern Gardens.