meeting of the library board to order. Please roll. Call. Tension here. So its present one absent. One being excused. The first item on the agenda is the approval of minutes minutes. 25 dash 43 approving OCTOBER. First 2025 library board minutes. All Do we have any discussion on the library board minutes? With that? I'll take a motion from council PRESIDENT Maker to approve the library minutes. All in favor say aye. I all those opposed. 6 and favors are opposed. The minutes have been adopted. The first item up for discussion is resolution 25 dash, 1, 7, 0, 5, recognizing the service of Beth Burns as the city of Saint Paul's representative to the Metropolitan Library Service agency Nelson's Board of Trustees. All This is really
exciting. I'm gonna resolutions that long. Some just going kind of read through it a little bit and then I'll open it up for discussion and then vet. If you want to come up and say a few words, you can order or not, but we're going to be talking to about this. This celebration today. As as some of you might know, they're the board Metropolitan Library Service Agency as a governing board from Elsa that includes mostly elected officials that are part of the different library agencies. A lot of them are counties and Beth Burns, who is the PRESIDENT Of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library has has been serving on this board and the board of trustees since JANUARY of 2017 ad she served as the treasurer since 222. And this is basically this board is responsible for
setting strategic direction. Golson policies approving the budget, providing oversight to the organization and advocating for public libraries to the recommendations of Elsa Advisory Committee. Investor. Well a treasure se has led in championed new equity focused budget allocation formula for member libraries that reflects the evolving role of libraries. Invest passionate and strategic and vet advocacy for the Saint Paul Public Library all public libraries has made her trusted, experienced voice on else aboard. And whereas her close partnership with the Saint Paul Public Library director shares the unique needs and interests of the city of Saint Paul's libraries are reflected in decisions that affect the broader region. Therefore, be it resolved. The city of Saint Paul recognizes the important service that Beth Burns has
provided Elsa over the past 9 years. And thank Sarah on behalf of the city of Saint Paul City Council and Library board and look forward to her continued leadership as the PRESIDENT Of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. So both anything and then we can. We can also chime in after thank you. live report chair Joseph members of the live report and city council. Thank you for that. Is very nice. I did not know I was going to be on Elsa board when I started as PRESIDENT Of the friends. That was one of by the way, components to the job. But I actually didn't really grateful for that. And I understand you will be
taking on the representation role for Saint Paul Public Library is moving forward and I'm excited for the city for the library for you. Elsa as a regional library system really helped me who had not worked in libraries previously to understand the larger context in which we exist and do our work. And I think one of the things I will just name as I. And my 9 year tenure on that board is. How truly special it is to be a city library system. I have learned a lot from my colleagues who oversee county systems and the challenges they're in and I really love the fact that we get to focus so locally at the neighborhood level and the needs of our branches with the context and challenges of this city at
this time. So it's been a privilege to represent the library at the most support. So thank you for this recognition. Thank you, Beth. Any other comments from my colleagues. Customers on Sunday. Well, I would just simply say the best boards of the ones that you walk into that really realizing that that's gonna be your idea But just want to I saw 70 minute meeting a smile because I definitely appreciate your leadership and the work that you do both. What the friends and even in your capacity of multiple boards. And so I sincerely appreciate the fact that despite it being have been volatile, that you're going to be there. You stayed for 9 years, like we will continue to stay on the board. And, you know, there is no relief coming for you anytime
But besides that, just appreciative that they are representing us on a very important piece. Thank you. Thanks, chair to us Yes, I also did not realize that this is one of your other duties as assigned until this resolution was in front of us. And I I already didn't know how you did everything in for that all in and did so effortlessly beautifully. And now I find out that you've also been representing us the most of time. So just kudos to you. Beth, thank you so much for everything that you do for our city. And I'm sure that now that you're not on the board anymore, this will just up tons more time to even friends as Disney's. I'll have more time to. Bother slash. The in communication with you guys. Anything Wonderful. Just say that that just say that. I don't
think that we could have asked for a better advocate also for the Saint Paul libraries for the past 9 years and especially, I mean, been learning more about Nelson, how it works here, the allocation formula. I mean, that is so important, too, to our city. And and, you know, to our cities like role in the bigger picture of our libraries. And I'm just so so grateful for you and for your work and look forward to learning from you as a transition into the role next Thank you. Thank you so much. And thank again to all your work with the friends of the Simple Public Library. Thank you. I appreciate the recognition. So thank you. Pick. I got we got its resolution. We get vote on I will take a motion from councilmember to approve resolution all in favor say aye.
All those opposed. 6 and favors or oppose. The resolution has been adopted. The final item on the head agenda is staff report for 25 Dash 2.38. Rondo Community Library update. All right. So we And Alex, I'm know who are going to be here to give us an update on the Community Library. So this is about what's going to happen here over the next several months and into next year with the Rhonda Library. Temporally moving to Haleigh que round center. And I just really appreciate both. You coming in to provide, you know, more detail on that and share with us what this process looks like. So welcome to Turn it over to you. Thank you. My Board, Chair good Afternoon Library board and city Council members. My
name is Marlyn okay to ku Animal public services manager at Saint Paul Public Library. And like you alluded to, we're going to give you a community update on the library this afternoon. So I'll just hand it over to Alex because they will start. all right, thank you, Alex Riley and the branch manager there and a library so Rhonda Library at a glance, this location opened up in 2006 for open about 3,000 hurs annually. And last year we had about 250,000 library visits with upwards of 350 programs or homework center alone got 2,791 visit. So it's heavily used some of key partners. We the network for development of children of African descent,
reading program, Senate cad has snkhole Fay here at the Library. And we are a stop on the from town loop. That picks up the youth and drop some ages 10 and up at Parks and rec locations. Youth, Healing Arts Center. And other and our library. We've collaborated with Parks and rec to co-host events such as bringing kids from to me, the rec center over to Fun Lab, which is creative arts program at the library. We've had staff table at urban farm and Garden to lie events that connects patrons and future patrons with the the Sanctuary Garden and children's gardening programs. We have a growing
relationship with the same promise neighborhood, a table and host events inner space connecting kids kids and families. With summer learning opportunities and helping families connect in a meaningful way to their schools. We're also looking at connecting with the project Bold program to Connect Library visitors with family success. Coaches in the coming year. So kind o a spat with saying this hyper-local stuff. We get to work community and so the Community Library is named that way for a reason were intended to be embedded deeply in the cmmunity. We listen to current patrons and potential patrons in the form of daily feedback from visitors as well as planned community engagement events. Recent examples would be we
have community and coffee events where we've asked for feedback on our how how to use our collections funding. So with 2 programs we over 60 individuals and learned that a lot of folks want more biographies. And so able to kind of redirect funding to what people are asking for. We also recently hosted a group of Ramsey County Public Health. There's an engagement event that they did. And the leader of this group brought her with her to the library and sent a lovely e-mail to our staff afterwards. Talking about the community how safe and welcome she was feeling in that space with her kid. So Steph, gather feedback daily from comment cards on what people would like to see in our space is what we're doing well and what we can improve on. Library staff, myself included joined month, a word
one leadership meetings. Those are hosted by Saint Paul Parks and Rec monthly Western District. Saint Paul Police Department mtings and we've attended numerous events attended and hosted numerous events on safety and community in the immediate area. And we're looking to expand and improve our connections with community members business owners by connecting with business is likely Earth's beauty. And and collaborating with some of the ongoing efforts of the Frenchtown Neighborhood Association as well as Racine and a neighborhood Development Corporation. One of the challenges I've experienced as a branch manager at that in this community is communicating effectively with such a broad spectrum of stakeholders. And the state court. It's becoming more
streamlined as we But the stakeholders and community members could change as often as our community needs to. Something I've done lately is prioritizing connecting and being out in community with partners making sure staff are present at community events and sometimes most importantly, connecting with Rondo Elders to learn some of the context history and discuss paths forward this way. We can continue to be what the community needs us to be. Thanks, Alex. gonna talk about the renovation in 3 parts primarily. So some of background history where we're at today and where we hope to be in the future. So Rondo opened in 2006 wth the distinct vision that we've
learned after nearly 20 years of use has an original design. It creates congestion. And it limits library staff members ability to welcome patrons effectively and connect in the library services. The original interest design anticipated to use case that was never realized and it left us in a space that lacks clear purpose and doesn't effectively welcome or serve our patients. So we're hoping to expand the entryways and the bathrooms next to the front door that have created some of these challenges and some of the changes. That we we hope make. Would improve on the limitations that staff have to welcome patrons effectively. So the city is investing in Rondo $793,000 in 2025. Budget funding for renovations.
And the proposed 2026 funding for leased space and exterior security during the construction. This investment ensures Rondo can continue to serve our community effectively for years to come. So today, the opportunity is informed by ongoing patrons staff experience and feedback as well as community guide. It community first public safety approach of the city. The opportunity and the need to renovate the Rondo Community Library has been informed by regular and ongoing communication with patrons, community members. And staff who experienced the space and its challenges. The goal of the renovation is to improve the safety and sense of welcome for library users. Both community informed plans mentioned here serve as guides to what safe and welcoming spaces meet in Saint
Paul. We are incorporating a community of form or cooperating. Or community informed Library enhanced safety plan. And best practices from crime prevention through environmental Design, septa it, which we have learned through our city experts from Saint Paul Police Ines and the library itself. The way of space it does. I can contribute to how it's used and experienced colleagues who are trained in crime prevention through environmental design, helped us understand how redesign the space with plan to improve safety for community members and staff. One o the central strategies for Sept had approaches is to build a sense of community and uses of a space to reduce crime and minimize fear of crime. And these are goals that are shared by the library. So our future plans for the
renovation is that first Community Library will close temporarily by the end of 2025 for renovations to improve the entryway and relocate the bathrooms due to budget sources. This project is very narrowly scoped in a specific to the 4 year and the safety improvements. Clear sightlines easier navigation, immediate staff connection and better transitions between outside inside are some of the immediate benefits to the library user experience that we envision with this renovation. These renovations will improve the library user experience by moving the service desk closer to the entrance and bathrooms deeper into the building. Library services will continue at Halle Que Brown community center during the closure. Keeping us in the heart of the Rondo community. Relocating or library services to Haleigh Hugh Brown Community Center maintains access and the
bizarre routes and Rondo and bedding or services within an institution with deep ties and long-standing service to community creates opportunities for synergy, the strength in both organizations to better serve our communities. Sorry. So our services at the heloc, you Brown Community Center, the heloc you Brown Community Center is known as the Lighthouse of the community and provides programming and services ranging from early. You're learning youth and senior programming to their food, shelter and clothing closet. It's located a few block south of the current library location and still in the Rondo community. Founded in 1929. Through the leadership of the Saint Paul Urban League, the haleigh que Brown community center is an African-American founded nonprofit social service agency and it's open to all now located at 2.70, North King Street Halak you Brown
community center share space with the Martin Luther King Recs Center and pin number theater serving close to 50,000 people annually through food, support, cultural activities. The Rondo Historical Archive in programs for an active senior community. This partnership creates a powerful opportunity for collaboration. Elders and community are the Stewarts and ambassadors of its history and culture by placing library services in close proximity to active senior groups. We can expand library programming and literacy services to older adults while strengthening our connection to the community that has sustained this neighborhood for generations. All right. So mentioned, it's extremely important for us to
continue providing library access programs and services to the Rondo and try communities. The highly que Brown community center is well established. It's well It has the space availability and convenience as well as mission. That works well with library and community needs. So what are we bringing with us? Everything that we're bringing collections. That means books, dvd's newspapers and more. We're bringing all of our programming. So that includes for youth, our center reading Together story time, creative programming for school-age youth such as fun lab create tax for teens were also bringing adult services such as our community Resource outreach program. That supports individuals with basic needs assessments, public health, access and
more. And then we're bringing computer open labs, computer classes and entrepreneurial. Engagement opportunities. And some of the opportunities and partnerships pressure. We've got a thank you so much have question regards to just the volume of programming. I know that earlier side said. There's average of 250,000 visitors a year knowing that, you it's going Having to Brown is going to be hosting. That many people on this wondering, has there been consideration around what type of programming said, kind of like right size for that location? Yeah, I have 2 answers for that. One is that I've been able to collaboratively riri under programming schedule. Sista physically fence, which means. Actually offering some more stuff and weekends that we
haven't been able to offer. And then additionally, one of the partnerships that it was going to touch on is that will be co-hosting some of her teen and youth programming with mlk. They have a teen room that will be going to be able to co-host programs with the name and contact with The manager there and we're excited to do some of that cross pollination work. It took a lot of drafts. I would to kind of fit that all in because I'm aware of the space constraints, but we're really committed to bringing if not the full volume of individuals. At the same time. I'm definitely the full volume of programming. In Co located in the how Cuban Community Center, number and mlk Recs Center offers U.S. Opportunities to cllaborate co-host events were already
really well connected with the from town loop. And so some of that programming goes hand in hand. There are opportunities for partnership with Penumbra so that we can kind of expand some of those spaces that you're talking about as well. And we're also bringing our friends Fireside reading program with us, which is a super well attended, yet intimate and lovely after talk series. Oh and sorry. Also working to increase the number of residents with library cards in the area through some ongoing outreach there. So continuing to amplify library go program as well as just folks in that neighborhood. So there will still have a
presence at the university and they'll location while we to temporarily relocated at the how Hugh Brown Community Center. But I wanted to note that the history of displacement and the Rondo community and the resulting distrust in some areas, provides critical context for why we're maintaining our visibility at university. Dale construction and renovation of that location by staying throughout the renovation and continuing our collaboration with community. We send a clear message that we're not abandoning that corner. And or this vital intersection. So summit minutes straight of staff will still office out of that location. The mobile or we have made that staff that office on that location now remain there during the renovation. And our mobile
library will still operate from this like location as well. Contracted scurity will support the exterior of the building during closure. We're committed to the University Dale Area answer returning when renovations are complete, the building and the premises will remain active in monitored throughout construction and library. Staff will continue partnering with nearby organizations and businesses. So Alex noted like that we would still be in communication are hosting meetings. Maybe it flavored coffee or at in dc or like some other businesses in the area. This visible presence reinforces our long-term investment in serving the Rondo community where it has always been and where it will continue to be. The library staff will continue its
collaboration outreach through war when leadership meetings and with our city colleagues to ensure that were 6 sharing learning and growing together to serve the world one and Rondo community while relocated at the heloc, You Brown Community Center. So as we have mentioned already, the programming and community space having that available while we're in or temporary location. It's really important to are actually able to maintain all of our current hours will be open the same number of hours for the community that's listed And that ensures equitable access to services and programs because the space that releasing a slightly smaller we don't require all of our current staff, but we were able to bring a majority of them with us to maintain that programming. Staff of
also been included in the programming and staffing considerations and conversations. For timeline in OCTOBER, we finalized leasing facilities. Agreements were executed and then we shared our staffing and service We completed that shared it with staff. We are beginning work at the Halle can Brown community center this month. So some minor renovations painting changes to some of the access points to make it more accessible for users. When we move into the space. In DECEMBER, we anticipate a last day of service at the current location. And in JANUARY, we anticipate our first day of service at the How Cube Round Community Center. So our communication and timing to community members has been our highest priority.
But our priority is also accurate communication. And we recognize that the time line is shorter than we typically provide under 2 primary reasons for this. Developing a timeline for construction and lease. It was a complex process and we wanted to ensure that we had concrete information to share before communicating with the community and sharing details that might change or consistently change. And then we wanted to minimize interruptions to some of our ongoing, highly attended programs like our homework center crop Sankofa in reading together and to time the closure and reopening during the breaks for some of those programs. So interruption to those programs will be minimized. We do plan notify staff of like some specific dates next week. I believe. Yeah, in the next week will be communicating. Those
specific dates. So for communication, we will notify the public and the ways that we typically do when there's a temporary closure of a library. So our Web site will have the most up-to-date information and where we will likely refer folks to the most. We'll use email patrons who have Mark Rondo Community Library is their home library and their counts. And then our newsletter folks can sign up for that on the landing page of the library. So as ppl dot org at the bottom of the page, you can sign up for the newsletter. We use social media and signage and information posted at the library itself. It will seek opportunities to share an update milestones through these channels as well. And then partner and media outreach. And we are hoping to
have a welcoming and or the couple of welcoming and engagement event in JANUARY. And I believe that's all we have. So if you all have any questions for us, we are happy to take those. Thank Thank Really none, Alex, for the presentation. Any questions? Ok? Gonna go to Councilmember Colin first and then we'll go to work. Thank you, chair. Thank so much. This has been very helpful to get all this information and I appreciate all the thought that's gone into it. At the time line for the next few months has really cleared, targeted reopening date. That looking at. So it a real team in coming back. Yes, return. You take that a Herman. We don't have a timeline yet. It will be in Twenty-twenty 6, but we need together a few more pieces of information about how long some of the renovation projects will take. We
anticipated in Twenty-twenty Because we're really well. Yeah, I was going to ask question also, can you sare in terms of since there isn't a targeted return Just I guess what is the reason why for the closure are. There's not like a definite time frame and I'm just asking that just because, you know, we live in such a world of uncertainty right and that knowing what you know next year will bring in terms of challenges not only to that area, but also in terms of management staffing. New you know, is. Kind of just kind the reason around like this urgency of closing without having a plan in place in terms of what the how long the renovations take. Thank you, chair. Councilmember. Do Couple
things I want I want to reiterate what Marlena and Alex said. It's really important for us that we make this move during the time that our programs are on beak. And during a time in DECEMBER where the library is, our last visited. That doesn't mean that we don't take all of our Diaz of library service. Seriously. It just means that whenever we make this transition, we want to make it these disruptive Lee as possible. And there are many, many kids and the 10 homers center's. And our other programs DECEMBER is a time that we have a break for that. So I want to name that. The second thing I want to name is the alignment of the funding. We have the funding fr 2025 to make these renovations and
we want to responsible stewards of that. And we also know that in the proposed budget, there's funding for that lease. That I one time funding that is for 2026. To want to maximize that as as most as best we can. And I would I would say we do have plans to return to the building, but I don't have the timeline for you yet. So I don't I wouldn't agree that we don't have a plan. We do, but we don't have that timing deed for you. We will have that in early 26 and we will make sure to communicate that. Yeah, I thank you. Councilmember Billy and calls for calm for the question.
I'll just you know, someone that works and also in the design construction industry where in this phase of design that we're in right now for this project. It is totally normal to that know the exact target date. We do have a sense, you know, for as we're in Israeli faces like, you know, duration of the projects potentially and that we've I think we've shared a somewhat of a range, but you don't want to promise a date without that information. But once we get that information, which will be very soon about what the design process and the steps and the construction looks like we'll know those states and we will hear that from you. It sounds like likely in JANUARY. Thank you. Council Thank you. Council members. And I want I want to appreciate and thank you for asking those questions. And recognize that I know the
community members have those questions, too. And we will make we're not going to forget to announce like when return. Soon as we have that information we'll share. And I want you to have my a guarantee for that. And also you know, it's just sort of an acknowledgment that construction take some time that time. For that time. It's important that we remain closed and provide services that haleigh que brown. And when we're ready to reopen week, you'll be the first to know. Yes, that's where and also I just want now it's just kind of jumped into the conversation. I do want to say, I do appreciate the response of government motto that we have seen. I do appreciate taking the time to actually create this presentation all the time and all the working on the energy
that went into making sure this information is on the website. The very detail new lines, comprehensive qna that went on there and, you know, really being able direct Marines as Israeli like every single question that comes my way. And you have been very responsive and proactive. I also acknowledged chairs, Jones, leadership and you know, of course, like as a councilmember getting concerns and a lot of questions. That's not my expertise. I do not run libraries, but I you know, I were on the same team to make sure that our libraries are acessible are here to stay. So I just want to jst acknowledge that that is not lost on me in terms of the work that has been done s far. To you, councilmember Because prison acre. Did you have a question? Yes,
thanks to Justin. Thanks again. And like to Echo considerably. Thanks to you for bringing this topic in front of us. It's really important for us to get all clear on it. And also for this are millions of viewers to be listening to this presentation. I 2 questions. One, the location, Rondo's location is perfect when it comes to transit, accessibility and I know how is. Accessible by transit, but not I dn't think quite as on it. And I know that there are lots of folks and families in particular because of seeing them just get off of the train are come right around the building where they live and come right into library. I'm curious if there's been any conversation about given that the Circulator already steps of the library if it could maybe not just pick up kids but also others just for that one. John, between librarian
hook you for this period and then I have a second question. Looks like ready to answer I re I've been in conversation with If the manager of the Loop program and we've talked a lot about the families that live upstairs and how to connect folks with the new and temporary location. And there are conversations. We have nothing decided at the moment about potentially tweaking some of the age requirements because we develop those as well as engaging specific family rides of that sort to make sure that people have. They can kind of truck that path and figure it out and be comfortable with it as well. And so that we are going to be really connected. This the
Loop rd stops at mlk. And so we have that. And so there's definitely between the to rec centers, Jimmy Lee and mlk. There's a lot of crossover of those families and neighborhoods. So where we haven't eye on that and we were talking about solutions to include our neighborhood folks, right? Eye. encourage you to keep doing that. And I think that you put it. We made those rules about it. Seemingly the bus can carry people who older than Great. And then the other question I had is I know the reasoning for moving the restrooms to the back and having the the greening desk in the front makes all the sense in world to me, I'm curious about the in addition to the construction is going to going on during this time. Will there also be planning operational planning going on at this time, too. Respond to
what will happen when we reopen. Folks come in, expecting to be able to use facilities that MAY not be able to use the same way that they were before. If there's another location that folks are going to be sent to. I noticed on your side, you said it ws designed with these services in the front originally probably for some sort of community need. I'm wondering for any use this time to find another location for maybe some of those needs to be met. one of the things that is not going to change is that the library is still open to the public. And so if we're talking about bathroom access for public and community members that still exists, access to Internet. All of those things still exist. I think in general one of the
things that will make it easier for staff is that people don't know. It's a library when they're coming in. Which can set a different tone. It doesn't exclude anyone. It just sets a different tone as they're coming And so I'm excited for that. But we're not the the idea is not to shut anyone out It's a more safe and welcoming space. Anything to add. That's where at Really do appreciate you asked that question because I know. And chair chills and I had a meeting with Director Marina was that yesterday believe right around what is the real purpose of that space? Because that still is a space and it sounds like there's going to be the services and everything's going to be
brought forth closer to that door. You kow, another thing that came about this as we are just like thinking about, what happened in terms of like when it was created? Initially it was a coffee shop, a cafe JUNE at a cafe in it, you know, brought a lot of nostalgia of like I remember, you know, that space being purpose for, you know, community-based retail. And, you know, I think right now that, you know, obviously is not wanted things that we want to put on a table until we have to like really rectify some of the behavior in that area. But I do appreciate you asked that question because I think we can think. And it invaded Leanne that design team can also think in a very innovative One of the
things also didn't mention you know, understanding the scope is very narrow, but we do have the opportunity. Maybe that looks like funding and other areas or maybe from that dollars are partnerships to have a community organization really helping with the cold design and branding and the the creative expression, the artwork. And I know Rhonda libraries. This is a stellar example of just like all of the I-5 per see that exists in that space. Thanks so yes, I think it's hard to sometimes define or explain why it doesn't feel like a library when you're coming in. But the number of times I've had to explain to people that they're in a library when they come in to use the restroom is pretty high. And so I'm looking forward to that being the forefront of our space. Thank you so much. Any other questions or comments
from library board members? Great. Alexan Molina and Director Herman, I just want to thank you so much for bringing forth all of this information about what is going to be a big transition for library. The most used library in the city and in the community and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness near attention to detail on this whole process. And I also also want to recognize of a share, but we like we've been working all of us together very closely and on what is going to be, you know, I think I think I'm looking forward to what we're going to see and what moving to Halak you. Brown center and that what this will mean for for our library and I just appreciate
all of our partners in this. To be able to make sure that we're moving this forward in a way that everyone everyone understands what's going on, why we're doing it. Still, yu know, all of the important values we care about with the library, about being safe and being well coming in, continuing to provide the services that our residents dependent care so much about. So I just really, really appreciate everyone's work on this team and that we would have this discussion to today. And I look forward to sme of the upcoming community events around this. And, you know, further further discussions and updates on this. Sowed no one else have anything else to Ed. That is last item on our agenda. And they are yes or a date set yet. And in terms of the opening community. Vince, know, for the oening of the head Ohio charges
Councilmember Boyd, thank you. We'll be communicating a specific date as early as next week but will do that with our staff first and then community. And we're looking that very for will be on lookout for that and keeping all of that on our on our calendars. Really looking forward to it. All right. Well, nothing else to come before us. We are injured.