SPPL worked with MSR Design to engage community members to create a plan for service, space, and user experience improvements to Nicolson Commons. Through SPPL and MSR’s joint community engagement efforts, we have identified the following guiding principles: 

• Welcoming: The Nicholson Commons will provide a welcoming, accessible, inspiring space for all, that invites curiosity and casual use within its historic formal backdrop.

• Empowering: Offerings and amenities will be obvious, user friendly, and encourage use to support you and your needs.
• Flexible: You can define your own experiences through a range of spaces that provide openness and privacy, activity and quiet, seating choices, and technology access. The Nicholson Commons will be comfortable for meeting and interacting with others and for being alone. 

Thanks to The Friends of Saint Paul Public Library, the transformation of Nicholson Commons is funded annually by the Richard and Nancy Nicholson Endowment, an annual investment dedicated to the programs, materials, technology, and services offered in the space.