SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) today announced the Hamline Midway Library is on track to open by the end of summer 2026. The new, state-of-the-art neighborhood library will serve as an accessible and welcoming space to meet community member needs — all while fostering belonging and connection through thoughtful, community-informed amenities, design, and features.
“Libraries are vital assets to our community,” said Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. “The new Hamline Midway Library opening later this summer will serve our community now and for generations to come, providing residents a space to discover stories, exchange ideas, and build relationships, power, and community.”
“The Hamline Midway library opening this summer could not be more welcome news,” said Saint Paul Councilmember Molly Coleman. “This library will be an essential community anchor—a place for community members to come together, discover a love of reading, access digital tools that are essential for stability, participate in community-centered programming, and so much more. This beautiful, accessible new building is a long-awaited and much-needed addition to our neighborhood, and we cannot wait to see it open this summer."
“We are beyond excited to welcome community members into their beautiful, new library space later this summer,” said Saint Paul Public Library Director Maureen Hartman. “Libraries are vitally important community spaces, which is why the Hamline Midway Library has been co-created with the community. Through accessible building features, diverse program offerings, and public art reflecting the many cultures of the neighborhood, the new building will embody what it means to be a truly inclusive and modern library.”
As the 11-month construction period comes to a close, the project will enter its final phase of commissioning. Staff will begin moving all books and materials out of storage while stocking the fresh space with new furniture, fixtures, and equipment, creating a warm and inviting space that will welcome library patrons back. This final phase is expected to take several months. An exact grand opening date will be communicated by the end of June 2026.
Alternative services update
When the Hamline Midway Library closed for construction in 2023, library users were invited to visit other SPPL locations, including nearby branches in Merriam Park, Saint Anthony Park, Rondo Community, and Rice Street. To accommodate increased patron traffic at the Merriam Park location, operating hours were temporarily expanded. Beginning Monday, May 4, Merriam Park will return to its previous schedule of Mondays and Wednesdays noon – 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Sundays 1 – 5 p.m.
The additional temporary Mobile Library stop at Hancock Rec Center will end after May 14.
If residents checked out Hamline Midway Library books or materials for the duration of construction, they can return them to Hamline Midway Library once it opens. The Library thanks residents for caring for library books and materials while we were under construction.
The Hamline Midway Library is one of three Saint Paul libraries undergoing transformation through SPPL’s Transforming Libraries initiative. Visit sppl.org/transform to learn more about the Hamline Midway Library project and to stay updated on grand opening news.
About Transforming Libraries
SPPL is co-creating, with the community, a vision to transform library spaces to meet the wants and needs of community members, both now and for the next generation. In 2019, the SPPL rewrote its mission, vision, values, and goals through community input. One of the key goals resulting from this process was to invest in spaces that are safe, inviting, affirming, and comfortable for people of all cultures, abilities, and communities. Community input also helped develop the Facilities Direction, a document that presents a vision and recommendations for investments in library facilities, including the Hamline Midway, Riverview, and Hayden Heights libraries.
###
About Saint Paul Public Library
At Saint Paul Public Library, we welcome all people to connect, learn, participate, and grow. We are at 14 library locations across Saint Paul, online at sppl.org, and on our app. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.