St. Paul Library Board hears update on Transforming Libraries; Hamline Midway construction underway

The St. Paul Library Board received an update on the Transforming Libraries capital program that covers three locations — Hamline Midway, Hayden Heights and Riverview — and on systemwide investments in technology-rich and "play and learn" spaces.

The update emphasized that construction on the Hamline Midway Library is underway after a court ruling cleared demolition; staff said bids are open and construction is expected to take about 16 to 18 months once it begins. Library Director Josh Hartman and Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Marika Salak told the board that overall project costs have increased since initial 2022 estimates and that the library and its partners are pursuing grants, earmarks and private fundraising to close remaining gaps.

"We are immensely grateful for the work that you all did in securing further funding for our transforming libraries project through the budget process," Director Josh Hartman told the board, adding that that public funding and partnerships were “critical to our success on all three of these projects.”

Why it matters: the projects aim to replace or significantly renovate aging facilities and to add technology and family-focused spaces intended to increase access and safety in multiple neighborhoods. Delays and construction-cost escalation have pushed required funding higher and made near-term grant and private fundraising more important to keep the overall program on schedule.

Most important details

- Cost and scope: Staff said the program's total projected cost rose from about $24.8 million (2022 projection) to about $27.8 million; a major driver is Hamline Midway, which staff now project at about $10.4 million, up in part because litigation delayed the project and raised costs by roughly $2.3 million. City bonding provided $8.1 million toward Hamline Midway.

- Hamline Midway: In October the courts ruled the city could demolish the existing building, staff said. The project team completed hazardous-material removal and a pre-bid meeting; construction bids are open and the bid closing was described as mid-January, with demolition permitting underway. Marika Salak said salvaged brick, wood and a stone archway will be reused in the new building.

- Hayden Heights and Riverview: Hayden Heights is roughly $700,000 over the 2022 projection; staff are finalizing designs (architects had designs at about 75 percent and are moving to 100 percent) and are seeking grant funds including federal digital-equity, Minnesota Department of Education capital, and Age-Friendly Minnesota grants. Riverview remains at the 2022 projected cost of about $7.7 million pending completion of 100 percent design; staff said they may complete components such as roofing or masonry repair with existing earmark funds while continuing to pursue a 2026 CIB (Capital Improvement Budget) request.

- Technology and play-and-learn spaces: Staff said they are implementing technology-rich demonstration sites at Rice Street and Merriam Park libraries via a Friends-funded grant and finishing a Nicholson Commons upgrade at the George Latimer Central Library. A city RFI for consultants to design holistic play-and-learn spaces is currently open; staff plan to select at least one demonstration site in 2025.

Board questions and follow-up

Board and council representatives pressed staff for clearer funding stacks and timelines. Council members asked that staff provide a dashboard showing each project's funding sources, pledges, cash on hand and remaining gap so elected officials can prioritize city, state and federal advocacy. Hartman and staff agreed to prepare a higher-level overview of potential city funding options (for example, fund balance or targeted budget requests) and to coordinate with the city's Office of Financial Services and the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library on grant prospecting.

"We can put some thought behind that and give you an overview," Hartman said, describing work to estimate meaningful city contributions and to model likely grant outcomes.

Context and risks

Staff described an uncertain federal funding outlook and a construction market with escalating costs that can change again by the time bids are awarded or later projects begin. They said community engagement has been substantial and that the design work aims to reflect neighborhood history and culture while improving accessibility, safety and program flexibility.

Staff noted the importance of sustaining public and private enthusiasm over a multi-year program, with work stretching into 2027 and 2028 for some projects. The update repeatedly linked the city contribution, federal earmarks and private fundraising as necessary components to fully deliver the Transforming Libraries vision.

Ending

Board members expressed broad support for moving Hamline Midway forward quickly and for the overall program. Staff said they will return with funding-stack detail and schedule updates as design and fundraising progress.