Saint Paul Library Board Meeting – February 4, 2026

The Saint Paul Library Board met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. Five members were present (Rebecca Noecker, Nelsie Yang, Saura Jost, HwaJeong Kim, Molly Coleman); two were absent (Anika Bowie, Cheniqua Johnson). The main focus was a staff report on the Transforming Libraries initiative, covering construction progress at Hamlin Midway and Hayden Heights, technology and play-and-learn upgrades across all branches, and funding challenges for the Riverview project. The meeting also included approval of minutes and a brief presentation on the 2026 Read Brave book.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 26-6): The minutes from the January 14, 2026 Library Board meeting were approved unanimously (5-0). Council President Rebecca Noecker moved approval; there was brief confusion about whether printed agendas were available, but no substantive issues were raised.

Staff Report

Transforming Libraries Update (SR 26-18) – Presented by Director Hartman, Library Project Manager Marika Stalok, and Deputy Director of Operations Josh Schaefer.

Hamlin Midway Library

• Construction is well underway: the archway sign is installed, windows are in place, and painting has begun. The library is on track to open to the public in late 2026. The project closed in May 2023, was bid in May 2025, and is expected to be open late 2026.

Hayden Heights Library

• Design and construction documents were completed in December 2025. Bidding opened in January 2026, and a general contractor is expected to be awarded this week (early February 2026). The library will close to the public this spring, with construction beginning spring 2026. Anticipated reopening is quarter four of 2027 (late 2027). Renderings show improved visual connection from the street, a new play-and-learn space, study rooms, and outdoor green space.

Technology-Rich Spaces (All Locations)

• Focus is on creating environments where patrons can use both library-provided and personal technology. Upgrades include: improved AV systems, hearing loops, soundproof study rooms, and hybrid-meeting capabilities. Completed in 2025: Merriam Park Library (meeting room expansion with hearing loop), Rice Street Library (soundproofing, AV upgrade), and George Latimer Central Library (GLCL) (two new study rooms). Coming in 2026: Rondo Library (multi-purpose room upgrade, new study spaces, small meeting room), Nicholson Library (new public meeting room), and GLCL (balcony co-working seating space).

Play-and-Learn Spaces (All Locations)

• A system-wide design guide is being developed to standardize child- and family-friendly spaces that accommodate very young children, tweens, and parents needing to work. Demonstration spaces will open in late 2026 at Sunray, Rondo, and Hamlin Midway Libraries.

Challenges

• Staff noted several risks: shifting federal funding landscape, tariffs impacting construction material costs, supply chain disruptions, remaining funding gaps (especially for Riverview), limited city capital funds, and staff capacity constraints.

Riverview Library

• Construction is expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, dependent on closing a significant funding gap. The city will apply for additional CIB capital dollars (likely in 2027 for 2028), seek state bonding, and pursue federal earmarks. A separate roof repair and exterior mortar project, funded by a prior federal earmark, may begin in early 2027.

Board Discussion

• Councilmember Nelsie Yang commended staff, the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, district councils, and the board for their leadership. She highlighted the impact of the Hayden Heights renovation for East Side residents, noting that many did not realize the building was a library due to its windowless, box-like appearance. She expressed gratitude that the long-awaited renovation is finally happening.
• Council President Rebecca Noecker echoed thanks and asked for more detail on Riverview’s timeline and funding. She expressed strong support for filling the funding gap and committed to championing the project, comparing it to the transformative North End Community Center.
• Chair Saura Jost celebrated that a new library will open each year: Hamlin Midway in 2026, Hayden Heights in 2027, and hopefully Riverview in 2028. She thanked staff and the Friends for their commitment.

Read Brave 2026

• Director Hartman briefly presented this year’s Read Brave book: Lobizona by Romina Garber, a young adult fantasy about an immigrant family and ICE. The program launched the previous week (late January 2026). A public event with the author will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5:30–8:00 PM at Arlington Hills Library, featuring a community meal, a youth panel, and a live-stream option. The mayor is expected to attend.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (Item 26-6) – 5-0.
• Staff report received and filed (SR 26-18). No formal vote required.
• Construction continues on Hamlin Midway (open late 2026) and Hayden Heights (open late 2027).
• Staff will continue seeking funding for Riverview, targeting late 2027/early 2028 construction start.
• Technology and play-and-learn upgrades will proceed at all locations throughout 2026.
• The board expressed unanimous support for the Transforming Libraries initiative.

The meeting adjourned following the Read Brave presentation.