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Saint Paul library board adopts 2025 budget additions, approves $96,462 in patron debt write-offs
Summary
The Saint Paul Library Board voted unanimously to adopt a budget package that adds $175,000 for materials and $500,000 for library transformation projects, and approved writing off $96,462.38 in long‑standing patron debts; staff also reviewed programs, a mobile library and progress on a Hamline‑Midway replacement.
The Saint Paul Library Board on Nov. 6 adopted a package that adds $175,000 for library materials and $500,000 for “transforming libraries,” and approved writing off $96,462.38 in long‑standing patron debts, voting 5-0 on both measures. The board’s approved budget will go to the City Council for final approval.
Board chair Jost said the board and city worked to find the additional money. “Our council has worked really hard to add $175,000 for library materials this year, and ... our council is adding $500,000 to support transforming libraries,” Jost said.
The budget increase is intended to expand immediate purchases of books and materials and to support three library capital projects described as part of the city’s broader library transformation effort. Jost also pointed out a separate city budget item, not in the library board’s package, that includes $700,000 for safety upgrades at Rondo Library.
Director Hartman said the board forwards the adopted library budget to the City Council for final approval and provided the board with operational updates. “Patron accounts in the library are blocked from borrowing new materials if they owe more than $10,” Hartman said while explaining the annual debt write‑off routine. Hartman described the policy that accounts with unpaid totals of $300 or more that result from large unreturned checkouts are referred to the city’s collections process, while smaller balances are typically blocked until paid or cleared.
On the debt resolution, Hartman told the board the write‑off covers debts incurred on or before Feb. 2022 under the library’s three‑year record‑retention practice. Council member Naker asked for the write‑off amount to be placed in the resolution text in future years for transparency; Hartman confirmed this year’s total as $96,462.38. The board approved the write‑off 5-0.
Board members praised the collaborative budgeting process. “Sometimes I think it’s easy to pass the resolution the first time. The hard part is actually delivering on it the next year ... we showed that continuity this year,” Council member Naker said. Councilor Ripley likewise thanked colleagues: “I am so ... happy that we work together to find these funds.”
Staff reported program highlights from the year, including neighborhood events, Reading Together mentoring celebrations, outreach programs at laundromats and schools, and the rollout of a mobile library. Hartman credited Office of Financial Services and the city attorney’s office for helping move a transformative Hamline‑Midway library project forward and said human resources support allowed the library to hire 19 new staff this month, including six safety specialists.
Hartman also recounted historical philanthropic support for the system, describing the Perry Jones fund established from a mid‑20th century gift; she said the fund’s interest supports staff development and community services, and provided an approximate recent annual distribution figure of about $100,000.
Procedural items: the board approved minutes of the Nov. 6, 2024 meeting earlier in the session by a 5-0 vote. With no further business the board adjourned.
Looking ahead, the adopted budget will be considered at the upcoming City Council meeting for final action; the debt write‑off is a routine, annual administrative step under the library’s current collection and record‑retention policy.
