Saint Paul Public Library outlines programming priorities, evaluation goals and attendance gains

Marlena Okechukwu, public services manager for Saint Paul Public Library, presented the library’s programming framework to the Library Board, emphasizing mission alignment, professional standards and evaluation of outcomes rather than outputs alone.

Okechukwu described a “programming why” statement and three pillars that guide program selection and delivery: alignment with strategic goals, the library experience promise, and centering community needs. She said programs range from story times and author talks to culturally specific celebrations, and that delivery can be in-person, virtual or hybrid.

Okechukwu told the board that staff are adding evaluation methods that measure outcomes (for example, behavior or skill changes after a class) rather than relying solely on attendance counts. She cited the library’s 2024–2025 program totals: 3,106 separate programs for all ages and 47,051 attendees — a 30% increase from 2023 — and said staff are working to collect outcome-oriented data through surveys and follow-up when feasible.

She said program funding combines the library general fund for staffing with partner and grant support for event costs; examples include Friends of Saint Paul Public Library contributions and the state arts and cultural heritage fund for arts and culturally centered programs. Okechukwu also discussed partnerships with community organizations (for example, the Sankofa reading program and collaborations for Juneteenth programming) and the role of the library’s marketing and communications unit in promotion.

Board members praised the focus on outcomes and asked about gaps and coordination with other city programs. Okechukwu said community feedback shows demand for more historical and cultural programs (her Juneteenth example prompted requests for more Minnesota history content). She said interagency coordination — for example, with Parks and Recreation or Saint Paul Public Schools community education — is “a consideration” but not something she described as currently systematic across departments.

Members noted neighborhood differences in programmed public spaces and the library’s efforts to stage events during the Hamline Midway library construction. Chair Jost announced a library-in-the-park kickoff celebration at Horton Park on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the Hamline Midway rebuild; the event will include a DJ, ice cream, community art-making and a scavenger hunt.

Okechukwu said staff will continue to encourage innovation, apply continuous-improvement practices to programming and refine outcome measures. The item was a staff report and no formal board action was taken.