Built in 2007, the library in Maplewood is one story and approximately 31,000 SF. When constructed, the building’s main functions included housing the library collections with separate space for a children’s library and teen library. The lobby, café (no longer in service) and Community Program Room were intentionally designed to be community gathering spaces.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Service Center, opens a new window and Career Lab, opens a new window was established in the Community Program Room and café area. Ramsey County Service Centers offer in-person assistance with a wide range of county services including Navigator assistance, opens a new window, computer access and secure document drop-off sites. Navigators are available to help residents connect with information about county programs and services. The Career Lab took up the Community Program Room to help provide online job search sites, tools and resources.
The Maplewood Renovation Project was initiated to help resolve current issues affecting use, comfort and service for the Library such as acoustics, sightlines, collection area locations, location of lobby and security gates, and broader use of the main lobby. An average of 144,000 residents use this popular library annually. Beyond the normal wear and tear, the finishes and the furniture in the library are outdated as well.
Timeline:
2018 – Pre-design community engagement, design process.
2019 – Facilities Master Plan., opens a new window
Spring - Fall 2022 – Community engagement.
December 2022 – Building closure. Limited services, opens a new window are available for patrons during closure.
January 2023 – Construction begins.
Fall 2023 – Building re-opening.
Community Engagement:
2018 – Initial plans created for interior changes based on community feedback.
2019 – Through a series of community engagements (open houses and surveys shared online, on paper, and at pop-up library events in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish) the Library drafted a Facilities Master Plan, opens a new window. The Master Plan recommends the Library reconfigure and renovate Maplewood’s collections and service areas to address persistent acoustic issues as well as update outdated interior finishes and furniture.
2020-2021 – Project put on hold during pandemic response.
March - October 2022 – Public feedback was gathered on furniture and use of spaces.
FAQ is available for patrons., opens a new window Subscribe to the Library’s newsletter, opens a new window project updates.
