SAINT PAUL, MN—This week, Saint Paul Public Library increases open hours and in-person services available at its 13 locations across Saint Paul and the Bookmobile. The Library, which provided increased virtual and limited in-person services throughout the pandemic, now shifts its resources and resumes most of its in-person offerings and hours open to the public, including Saturdays.
"We are thrilled to welcome Saint Paul residents to visit their libraries as part of summer fun and learning” said Catherine Penkert, library director. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries are here for people
to reconnect, learn, and find joy in being together in community with neighbors after a year in which distance has been the norm."
Along with the increase in open hours, most library services will resume, including in-person events and programs, which will be held outdoors. Current services include:
Outdoor events, storytimes, and kids summer reading program: Library locations across Saint Paul will resume free in-person events and programs for all ages, including storytimes. Summer Spark, the Library’s summer reading and learning program runs June 1 through August 31 and offers events and activities, reading logs and prizes, and a free book to keep for Saint Paul youth ages 0-18. The Library will continue to offer some virtual events. For current events and programs, including Summer Spark, visit www.sppl.org.
Outdoor Wi-Fi: New outdoor Wi-Fi access has been installed at all Library locations. Visitors can connect to Wi-Fi for free in areas adjacent to library buildings. Staff at each library location can provide Wi-Fi access details.
Browse and borrow materials: Library visitors are able to browse without time limits and check out books, DVDs, music, and more. Community members can apply for a library card in-person or online.
Space to study, work, and hold meetings: Space and furniture for visitors to read, study, work, and meet is now available, including public computers and indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi. A limited number of meeting rooms are available for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve online.
Masks are welcome in library buildings and encouraged for staff and visitors who are not fully vaccinated. Social distancing is encouraged.
###
About Saint Paul Public Library
At Saint Paul Public Library, we welcome all people to connect, learn, discover, and grow. We are at 12 neighborhood libraries, George Latimer Central Library, the Bookmobile, and online at sppl.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
