Saint Paul Library Board Meeting - April 1, 2026

The Saint Paul Library Board met on April 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. Chair Saura Jost presided with five members present (Noecker, Yang, Jost, Kim, Coleman) and two absent (Bowie, Johnson). The board approved the previous meeting minutes, authorized an extension of the memorandum of understanding with Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and received a comprehensive Library Needs Assessment from Director Hartman. The discussion focused on 2025 statistics, successes, challenges, and projected funding needs for 2027 and beyond.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Min 26-12) – Minutes from the March 4, 2026 library board meeting were adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Resolution 26-513 – Authorizing an extension to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Saint Paul Public Library and The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library was adopted unanimously (5-0).

Discussion Items

• Library Needs Assessment (SR 26-52) – Director Hartman presented the annual needs assessment, summarizing 2025 performance and outlining priorities for 2026 and 2027.
  • 2025 Statistics: Approximately 23,000 weekly visitors (down 6% due to a digital security incident in July/September that disrupted internet, printing, and phones for six weeks); 55,000 materials circulated weekly (down <1%); e-book circulation growing faster than physical, which still accounts for >60% of circulation; meeting/study room usage continuing to rise post-pandemic; program attendance down 25% in 2024 (attributed to staffing and a shift to more intentional programs); over 3,000 weekly computer sessions and 1,800 weekly Wi-Fi sessions (Wi-Fi down slightly due to the incident).
  • 2025 Successes: Two standing-room-only “Reed Brave Talk Brave” events (150+ attendees each); over 1,000 students engaged with author Romina Garber; transformative library improvements at Merriam and Rice Street meeting rooms; opening of Hamlin Midway Library later in 2026; temporary closure of Hayden Heights Library (reopening 2027); Rondo Library reopening by end of 2026; launch of library safety team with six safety specialists; special edition library card for 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian immigration – resulting in a 24% increase in active library card holders; establishment of a labor management committee with all five bargaining units.
  • Challenges: Digital security incident impact on staff and patrons; effects of Operation Metro Surge (fewer library users in January/February 2026, now recovering); hiring freeze in late 2025 and early 2026 creating staffing gaps; ongoing public safety concerns (spring hotspots) managed with partners SPPD, ONS, Metro Transit.
  • 2026 Priorities: Reopen Hamlin Midway and Rondo libraries; continue Hayden Heights construction; manage staffing within a reduced budget (lower substitute budget, higher vacancy rate); move library safety strategy into restorative practices phase (funded by grant); implement staff well-being recommendations; roll out anti-bias training for all staff; continue safety infrastructure investments.
  • 2027 and Beyond: Director Hartman identified a $650,000 annual funding gap to sustain the library safety specialist positions (currently funded with expiring ARPA dollars). She stated she cannot operate libraries without those positions. Additionally, using existing FTE to open Hamlin Midway and Hayden Heights will create staffing shortages; reopening Riverview Library will require at least four additional staff (estimated). Board members discussed the need for transparent staffing numbers, cross-departmental safety funding, and including key needs (materials, technology) in the base budget.
  • Board Questions & Comments: Councilmember Coleman asked about program attendance data and desired staffing levels. Councilmember Johnson requested ward-level statistics and urged incorporating the $650,000 safety funding into the base budget. Councilmember Kim sought clarity on required staffing numbers (approx. 4 for Riverview). Council President Noecker emphasized consistent purchasing power for library materials and integration of safety specialists into overall staffing model. Councilmember Bowie advocated for a citywide safety funding strategy involving multiple departments. Council Vice President Yang noted libraries often receive less funding despite savings from other departments and called for systemic changes. Director Hartman agreed that libraries across the country have nothing left to cut but staff and stressed the need for early budget conversations.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of March 4, 2026 were approved (5-0).
• Resolution 26-513 extending the MOU with Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library was adopted (5-0).
• The Library Needs Assessment (SR 26-52) was received and filed.
• Board members directed Director Hartman to provide additional data (program attendance trends, ward-level usage, desired staffing numbers) for future budget discussions.
• The board expressed strong support for sustaining library safety specialists via a permanent funding source and for including library needs in the mayor's proposed budget.

Note: The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour, with no public testimony.