Library Board Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Saint Paul Library Board met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. All seven board members were present. The meeting focused on approving grant and gift funding for library projects, receiving an update on the Rondo Community Library renovation, and discussing equity and anti-racism coordination. All items passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Min 26-17): The minutes from the May 6, 2026 Library Board meeting were approved on a motion by Chair Jost. The vote was 7-0.
• RES PH 26-93 – Hayden Heights Library Reconstruction: The board authorized acceptance of $3,150,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Hayden Heights Library reconstruction and amended the 2026 SPPL budget. A public hearing was held; no one testified. The motion carried 7-0.
• RES PH 26-129 – Gift from Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library: The board accepted a gift of $580,461 from The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and amended the Library’s 2026 Financing and Spending Plans. A public hearing was held; no one testified. The motion carried 7-0.
• RES 26-918 – Riverview Library Grant: The board authorized acceptance of $250,000 from the Minnesota Department of Education for Riverview Library reconstruction and recorded a related property declaration. No public hearing was required. The motion carried 7-0.

Staff Reports and Discussion

Rondo Community Library Update (SR 26-98)

Deputy Director for Public Services Rebecca Ryan and Public Services Manager Marlena Okechuku presented an update on the Rondo Community Library renovation project, which is being executed while the library is closed (temporarily relocated to Hallie Q. Brown Community Center). Key points included:

• Funding and Scope: The project bundles $793,000 in city state public safety aid (for a safety-focused entryway renovation), $500,000 from a Minnesota Department of Education grant for meeting/study room upgrades, and transforming libraries improvements (tech-rich spaces and a play-and-learn area).
• Construction: The safety and meeting room improvement bid has been awarded and contract is being finalized. The play-and-learn construction bid will be released later in June 2026.
• Community Engagement: Over 250 long-form survey responses were collected; five focus groups (including elders and homework center families); three staff input sessions; and four coffee-and-community sessions. Dot-voting boards were used in the library.
• Design Changes from Feedback: The service desk will be moved closer to the entrance; restrooms relocated nearer the children’s area; an outer restroom door added; a storage closet added in one meeting room; operable walls removed for better privacy/soundproofing; easy-to-use monitors and flexible furniture in meeting rooms; quiet/prayer/lactation spaces added; and greater visual separation between children and adult areas.
• Timeline: The library is on track to reopen in late 2026. A public art project (likely a lobby mural) will be commissioned through a call for artists later in summer 2026.
• Upcoming Programs: A community update session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 5:00–6:30 PM at Club Room C (Hallie Q. Brown). An artist-in-residence program with Springboard for the Arts (Brianna Williams) starts June 13, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM. A “Rondo Legacy Through Generations” series begins June 23, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM with Frank White, facilitated by Benny Roberts.

Discussion and Questions from Board Members:

• Council President Noecker asked about the separate bidding process for the play-and-learn space and whether the same contractor would be used for all transforming libraries projects. Staff indicated the plan is to use the same contractor for Rondo and Sunray, but will confirm later.
• Council Vice Chair Bowie expressed appreciation for the comprehensive engagement but raised concerns about safety, trauma-informed design, and how the library will support unsheltered individuals and those in crisis. She asked if engagement specifically addressed safety questions and involved teens and impacted communities. Staff confirmed safety was included in surveys and that youth and unsheltered individuals participated through dot voting and general sessions. Staff noted the design includes visible meeting rooms with clear sightlines to the street, and that mental health professionals may use visible meeting spaces. The board discussed balancing low-barrier access with clear boundaries and the need for ongoing partnerships with county and city resources.
• Councilmember Kim inquired about the placement of the safety specialist/service desk relative to the entrance. Staff said the desk will be about 15–20 feet from the door (closer than in the current floor plan), and that meeting rooms are default locked (requiring reservation) to prevent bypassing staff. Councilmember Kim suggested monitoring to ensure adults cannot walk directly past the desk into the children’s area. Staff acknowledged the concern and said a scaled drawing or actual space will help evaluate the need for adjustments.

Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Coordination (SR 26-106)

This staff report was presented and referred to the Library Board for further discussion, with a due date of July 8, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• All four funding resolutions (items 2–4) were adopted unanimously (7-0).
• The Rondo Community Library staff report (SR 26-98) was received and filed.
• The Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Coordination report (SR 26-106) was referred to the full Library Board for follow-up at the July 8, 2026 meeting.
• Next steps for Rondo: Community update session on June 9, artist residency launch on June 13, and legacy series kick-off on June 23. Construction is underway with reopening targeted for late 2026.
• The safety specialist/service desk placement will be monitored, and a scaled floor plan may be shared to assess distance from entrance.