St. Paul Library Board Celebrates Library Go Expansion and Prepares for New Midway Branch

At the recent St. Paul Library Board meeting, board members discussed the successful expansion of the Library Go program, the strategic development of library programming, and the anticipated opening of a new library building in Midway. Adjustmentsttention was given to the Library Go initiative, which has profoundly impacted student access to library resources, and to the library’s ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement through diverse programming.

05:27A primary focus of the meeting was the impressive growth of the Library Go program, a collaborative effort between the St. Paul Public Library and Saint Paul Public Schools. Initiated in 2017, the program has expanded significantly, with over 101,000 active accounts reported at the start of the year. The program enables students to utilize their school ID numbers to access library materials, effectively removing the need for a physical library card. This innovation has facilitated the borrowing of over 64,000 physical items and the downloading of more than 119,000 e-books.

07:13Director Hartman and Denise Yesalis, the youth services team lead, provided a detailed overview of Library Go, noting the program’s expansion to include charter and private schools, although its primary focus remains on Saint Paul public schools. A recent grant from the Library Services and Technology Act, exceeding $27,000, has been allocated to promote the program, particularly on the east side of the city, where usage rates have been lower. Community engagement efforts include family library nights designed to encourage participation and connect families with library resources.

Yesalis highlighted ongoing challenges, such as younger students forgetting their ID numbers and the need for increased family awareness about the program. Efforts are being made to educate families about the differences between traditional library cards and Library Go accounts to enhance usability both at school and home.

19:02The meeting also centered on the library’s programming initiatives, emphasizing the significance of community engagement and collaboration with local organizations. One highlight was the Sankofa reading program, developed in response to community feedback, and supported by the library’s marketing communications department, which employs various channels to promote these initiatives. Evaluating program success extends beyond mere attendance, incorporating the qualitative outcomes of participation, such as personal achievements linked to library programs.

22:45Diverse program offerings were discussed, including interactive workshops and community celebrations, with delivery methods ranging from in-person to digital formats. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced the need for adaptability. Signature programs like Storytime, which promotes early literacy, and the Re:Brave initiative, a citywide reading event focused on themes of courage and justice, were noted for their strong community engagement.

24:14Funding for these programs derives from several sources, including the Library General Fund and contributions from the Friends of Saint Paul Public Library, as well as the state Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. These resources ensure that programming remains robust and reflective of community needs.

29:38Board members engaged in a discussion regarding the community’s programming needs, with particular interest in expanding offerings that explore Minnesota’s historical ties to slavery. Acknowledgment was made of the necessity for better coordination among city departments, such as parks and recreation, to prevent service gaps and ensure equitable program access across neighborhoods.

37:25The meeting concluded with excitement about the upcoming “Library in the Park” event on June 14, celebrating the construction of a new library building in the Midway area.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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