St. Paul Public Library Board Meeting: January 14, 2026

The St. Paul Public Library Board met on January 14, 2026, with five members present (Chair Jones, Councilmembers Fuy, Coleman, Kim, Yang), two absent (one excused). The board approved minutes, two resolutions, and received a detailed update on the Rondo Community Library temporary relocation and planned renovation.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes 25-51 (Library Board minutes 12/3) were approved unanimously (5-0).
• Resolution 25-1933, approving library debt write-off for certain debts incurred prior to 2024, was approved as amended (Version 3) unanimously (5-0). The exact amount is to be calculated.
• Resolution 25-2003, authorizing activities to support a cooperative relationship with the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, was approved unanimously (5-0). Director Hill noted that annual renewal is now standard practice; no significant changes from previous years.

Discussion Items

• Staff Report 25-276: Rondo Community Library Update – Director Hartman presented an update on the temporary location at Halle Q Brown Community Center (open since the January 9 grand opening) and the planned renovation of the permanent location at 1200 University Avenue. Key points:
  • The temporary location is open 59 hours per week, seven days a week, with 16 library staff assigned (down from 20 at the permanent location; the remaining four accepted temporary reassignments). Services include collections, programs (Storytime, Fun Lab, Createch, Homework Center, Reading Together), social services (CROP, public health partnerships), and meeting rooms (two study rooms for up to 4 people each, program space for 35). Parking is available with at least 80 spots.
  • Library safety specialists are present during all open hours. Social service providers (Radius Health, Minnesota Community Care) are available weekly. Staff coordinate with Halle Q Brown and MLK Rec for safety and crisis support.
  • Renovation of the permanent location is informed by patron/staff feedback, community safety plans, and best practices. The timeline targets reopening by the end of 2026; Director Hartman committed to exploring opportunities to shorten that. Technology and play-and-learn improvements will be completed during the closure without extending the timeline, funded by a state grant (to be approved by city council later in January) and private funds from Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
  • Community engagement will include surveys, focus groups, and tabling at neighborhood events (e.g., IFTAR).
  • Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the relocation effort. Councilmember Bowie noted that the temporary location’s success was due to the existing infrastructure at Halle Q Brown (an early childhood learning center) and the strong partnership with Benny Roberts. Councilmember More requested greater transparency about tensions and challenges in future renovation plans, and suggested using the Rondo model for other library closures (e.g., Hayden Heights). Council President Naker echoed that the model could be applied to future closures, though timing and funding constraints may limit its replicability. Chair Jones emphasized the importance of community partnerships and the significant cost of temporary relocations.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes and both resolutions approved unanimously (5-0).
• The board received the Rondo Community Library update without a formal vote; the update was informational.
• Director Hartman will return next month with an update on the Transforming Libraries initiative, including progress on renovations.
• The board discussed the need for proactive planning for temporary library services during future renovations, with Councilmember More and Council President Naker advocating for a model similar to Rondo’s.

No other business was brought before the board, and the meeting adjourned.