Saint Paul Library Board Meeting: September 2, 2026 - Budget and Dayton's Bluff Discussion

This meeting of the Saint Paul Library Board focused on the proposed 2027 library budget, including the mayor's recommendation to close the Dayton's Bluff Library. Board members expressed strong opposition to the closure and debated data usage, funding alternatives, and the library fund balance. No formal decisions were made on the budget, but the board signaled its intent to find alternative funding.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 1, RES 26-26): The minutes of the August 5, 2026 Library Board meeting were approved unanimously (7-0).
• Accepting a Gift (Item 2, RES PH 26-243): A resolution accepting a $309,000 gift from The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library for Play Learn Spaces, and amending the 2026 financing and spending plans, was adopted unanimously (7-0) after no public testimony.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on any agenda item.

Discussion Items

• 2027 Library Budget Proposal (Staff Report 26-176): Director Maureen Hartman presented the mayor's proposed budget, which includes the closure of the Dayton's Bluff Library as a cost-saving measure. The closure would save $148,274 from the lease with Metropolitan State University, plus savings from technology, materials, and 1.3 FTE through attrition. No library staff would lose their jobs; 4.1 FTE would be repurposed to fund four library safety specialists. The budget also proposes fee increases for printing (15 to 20 cents per page) and notary services ($1 to $2 per transaction).
• Data and Usage Debate: Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson challenged the usage data presented, arguing that the Dayton's Bluff Library's smaller size (6,600 sq ft, 14 computers, 51 hours/week) and holiday closures under Metro State make comparisons unfair. She noted that usage in 2026 is up 7% year-over-year and that the library's 15 visits per hour is legitimate given the neighborhood's low income (under $50,000 for a family of four). Other board members, including Council Vice President Nelsie Yang and Councilmember Molly Coleman, agreed that the value of the library goes beyond usage metrics and that closing it is not supported.
• Library Safety Specialists: The proposed budget intertwines the closure savings with permanent funding for four of seven library safety specialists (currently using one-time funds). Councilmember Johnson questioned why the library system, which does not budget per branch, would solve for safety specialist funding through a specific branch closure. Director Hartman clarified that without the closure, there is no identified permanent funding for those positions.
• Library Fund Balance: A slide showed a $913,000 budget variance for 2025, which Councilmember Johnson argued could be used to keep Dayton's Bluff open and fund safety specialists. OFS Director Ms. Mitchell later corrected that the net contribution to fund balance in 2025 was only $68,000 after accounting for revenue and adjustments. Council President Rebecca Noecker criticized the presentation as misleading. Chair Saura Jost noted the library fund balance is approximately $9 million but subject to a city policy requiring a 15% fund balance to maintain the AAA bond rating.
• Lease and Metro State: Council Vice President Yang noted that the council signed a three-year lease with Metro State under suspension last month, implying the proposed closure would be a lease breach. Council President Noecker asked about conversations with Metro State regarding the lease terms; no specific discussions were reported.
• Library Collections: Council Vice President Yang noted the absence of a plan for library materials funding, reiterating her opposition to using Cultural STAR one-time money for collections. Director Hartman directed to appendix page 33 showing historical council investments and the required amount to maintain purchasing power.

Key Outcomes

• No vote on the budget: The board did not take any action on the 2027 budget proposal. Chair Jost stated there is no appetite to close Dayton's Bluff Library and committed to exploring alternatives.
• Next steps: A public hearing on Dayton's Bluff will be held September 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Metro State (Eco Lab Room 302). The maximum levy vote is scheduled for September 23, 2026, with final budget adoption in December.
• Ongoing issues: The board will continue discussions on funding for library safety specialists, use of fund balance, and materials budget. Chair Jost suggested considering raising the library's own levy or other creative solutions, including reallocating from the police budget.