SAINT PAUL, MN – Starting November 13, 2021, Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) will increase the number of hours it is open to the public. Many locations across Saint Paul will have more weekend and Monday hours, with 12 of 13 library locations now open at 10 a.m. on Saturday mornings. The focus on adding weekend hours across the city is based upon feedback from library users.
"Our libraries are essential public spaces for learning and connection," said Catherine Penkert, library director. "We are grateful to Mayor Carter and City Council for restoring funding so we can restore open hours in neighborhoods across the city, providing greater access and flexibility for community members."
In addition to Saturday morning hours at nearly all SPPL locations, notable changes to hours of operation include Hayden Heights, Riverview, Hamline Midway, and St. Anthony Park libraries open on Mondays. Arlington Hills, Merriam Park, Rice Street, and Rondo libraries will return to being open on Sundays. Highland Park and Sun Ray maintained seven day per week service throughout the pandemic and will continue those hours.
The following is a full schedule effective November 13, 2021.
| Library Location | Hours |
|
Arlington Hills Highland Park Rondo Sun Ray |
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. |
|
Merriam Park Rice Street |
Monday and Wednesday: 12:00 noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. |
|
Dayton’s Bluff Hamline Midway Hayden Heights Riverview St. Anthony Park |
Monday and Wednesday: 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed |
| George Latimer Central Library |
Monday: Closed Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. starting January 9, 2022 |
| West 7th |
Monday and Thursday: 12:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed |
"Libraries of today are shared spaces for learning, belonging, and connection to information, resources, and to each other," said Penkert. "As we build back better as a city, we added back library hours in line with our mission to welcome all people to connect, learn, discover, and grow."
SPPL will kick off its additional hours with "Open Library" celebrations at 12 library locations across the city on November 13, 2021. Community members are invited to stop by their local library for an open house style celebration that includes activities and donuts and a giveaway while supplies last. Community members can also meet their library staff and discover their library with a scavenger hunt throughout the building. Celebrations begin when libraries open at 10 a.m. at all library locations except West 7th.
Masks are currently required for indoor spaces at the library regardless of vaccine status.
To learn more, visit www.sppl.org or call 651-266-7000.
