The Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) invites community members to complete a second community survey to provide input on the interior and exterior design elements of the three libraries it seeks to transform: Hamline Midway, Hayden Heights, and Riverview. Community members are also invited to visit one of the libraries to participate in an interactive art installation and share their dreams for their library.
“We are excited to continue to design our future library spaces together with the community,” said Catherine Penkert, SPPL director. “We have an opportunity to create shared spaces that include and reflect the cultures of our neighborhoods today and we invite all community members to join us.”
Community survey #2 is now open
In May, final design direction decisions were determined for the three library transformation projects. While SPPL and LSE Architects continue to refine the details for each building’s plan, additional specific input is needed from the community about the interior and exterior design elements of each library, including the look and feel of the library spaces and meeting rooms, as well as how the diversity of each neighborhood’s cultures can be represented and celebrated in the designs.
Residents are encouraged to share their feedback for this design phase of the project through a five-minute survey that is open now through June 30, 2022. The survey is accessible online here, opens a new window and can also be taken in-person at Hamline Midway, Hayden Heights, or Riverview libraries.
Creative Encounter: Interactive Library Dream Board
Community members of all ages are invited to visit Hamline Midway, Hayden Heights, or Riverview libraries to participate in an interactive arts experience and dream up their future library space. The Artist Advisory Cohort—a group of community artists taking a creative approach to community engagement by using their experience and skill as artists to inspire dialogue with the community about their future of libraries as cultural hubs—has created an interactive art installation on display in each library, where community members can draw, doodle, and dream big in communicating their hopes and long-term vision for the library’s public art and outdoor green spaces. Community members can also share about the communities and cultures in their neighborhood that they believe should be reflected in each library’s design. The library dream board will be on display now through the end of summer. Learn more, opens a new window.
SPPL and LSE will share updated library designs with the public and gather additional feedback at a community event in July. There will be a survey in August to gather feedback as well. Final designs will be shared in October.
About SPPL’s vision to transform libraries
SPPL is co-creating with community a vision for its library spaces. Community input shaped SPPL’s initial Strategic Direction, opens a new window, which includes a goal to invest in spaces that are safe, inviting, affirming, and comfortable for people of all cultures, abilities, and communities. Using the Strategic Direction as a springboard, SPPL further engaged with the community to create a Facilities Direction, opens a new window that steers its capital vision for library buildings.
The vision to transform libraries in Saint Paul includes three library buildings that have not been renovated in more than 30 years, Hamline Midway, Hayden Heights, and Riverview, as well as make improvements to technology and play and learn spaces in all library buildings in Saint Paul.
To learn more about SPPL’s vision to transform libraries or join the email list to learn more about upcoming community engagement opportunities, visit www.sppl.org/transforming-libraries., opens a new window
