Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Full event remarks from July 18, 2026
Saint Paul Public Library Celebrates Grand Opening of New, State-of-the-Art Hamline Midway Library
The opening of the modern, much-awaited library space in Saint Paul includes the launch of community fundraising effort for library transformations across Saint Paul
July 20, 2026
Saint Paul community members, local leaders, and library supporters gathered on Saturday for a community celebration event to commemorate the grand opening of the new Hamline Midway Library. Located at 1558 W Minnehaha Ave., the much-awaited modern space will serve as an accessible and welcoming place for community members, fostering belonging and connection through intentional, community-informed amenities, design, and features. Download photos from the community celebration event.
“By investing in our libraries, we are investing in our residents,” said Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. "Our new Hamline Midway Library represents the strength and vibrancy of our community. This renovation was made possible by dedicated city staff and partners who understand the true power libraries have in cultivating a city-wide sense of belonging. Thank you to everyone who has helped make the transformation of Hamline Midway Library possible.”
“The grand opening of the new Hamline Midway Library has been a much-anticipated milestone for the many residents and families of the Hamline-Midway neighborhood. I am delighted that it’s officially ready for library users to explore and enjoy,” said Saint Paul City Councilmember Molly Coleman. “As valuable places of connection and discovery, public libraries play a uniquely important role in our city. I encourage everyone to come out and visit!”
The new Hamline Midway Library was created through SPPL's Transforming Libraries initiative and reflects years of community engagement and input, including 2,355 surveys completed; 664 attendees at community events; and other opportunities to share feedback through letters, youth led engagement workshops, interactive art installations where community members doodled their dream library, and more. Key building features include flexible gathering spaces, an outdoor reading garden, quiet rooms, modern technology, and enhanced sustainability features. The new, all-electric building features high-performance mechanical systems, including a geothermal well and heat pump along with solar panels. The one-story library’s layout maximizes accessibility for all library users, providing additional safety with low shelving, strong sightlines throughout the space, and all amenities on one floor.
"We are thrilled to welcome the community into their new, state-of-the-art Hamline Midway Library!" said Saint Paul Public Library Director Maureen Hartman. "This new library building was shaped by community input and feedback, from accessible features to inspiring public art to a dedicated space for teens to flexible spaces for gathering and studying. For generations to come, we imagine this library to serve as place for community connect, learn, discover, and grow.”
Thoughtfully designed to represent the many cultures of the neighborhood today while including nods to its history, the new space creatively retains the previous building’s preserved stone arch entryway as an entrance to the new meeting room; uses salvaged brick in the outdoor reading garden; and repurposes salvaged wood in the community room. During the project’s planning, a diamond brick pattern was discovered in the previous library’s original 1929 draft documents and inspired a unique look to the new library’s exterior.
Local artists with deep connections to Saint Paul created original art to define the space, providing a reflection and connection to the many cultures and stories of Hamline Midway. Check out the exterior mural, bike racks, and 3-D installations near the fireplace and in the children’s area. Materials both new and familiar stock the shelves, with stories that reflect the languages, experiences, histories, and perspectives of the neighborhood.
Full event remarks from July 18, 2026
Saint Paul Public Library Celebrates Grand Opening of New, State-of-the-Art Hamline Midway Library
The opening of the modern, much-awaited library space in Saint Paul includes the launch of community fundraising effort for library transformations across Saint Paul
July 20, 2026
Saint Paul community members, local leaders, and library supporters gathered on Saturday for a community celebration event to commemorate the grand opening of the new Hamline Midway Library. Located at 1558 W Minnehaha Ave., the much-awaited modern space will serve as an accessible and welcoming place for community members, fostering belonging and connection through intentional, community-informed amenities, design, and features. Download photos from the community celebration event.
“By investing in our libraries, we are investing in our residents,” said Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. "Our new Hamline Midway Library represents the strength and vibrancy of our community. This renovation was made possible by dedicated city staff and partners who understand the true power libraries have in cultivating a city-wide sense of belonging. Thank you to everyone who has helped make the transformation of Hamline Midway Library possible.”
“The grand opening of the new Hamline Midway Library has been a much-anticipated milestone for the many residents and families of the Hamline-Midway neighborhood. I am delighted that it’s officially ready for library users to explore and enjoy,” said Saint Paul City Councilmember Molly Coleman. “As valuable places of connection and discovery, public libraries play a uniquely important role in our city. I encourage everyone to come out and visit!”
The new Hamline Midway Library was created through SPPL's Transforming Libraries initiative and reflects years of community engagement and input, including 2,355 surveys completed; 664 attendees at community events; and other opportunities to share feedback through letters, youth led engagement workshops, interactive art installations where community members doodled their dream library, and more. Key building features include flexible gathering spaces, an outdoor reading garden, quiet rooms, modern technology, and enhanced sustainability features. The new, all-electric building features high-performance mechanical systems, including a geothermal well and heat pump along with solar panels. The one-story library’s layout maximizes accessibility for all library users, providing additional safety with low shelving, strong sightlines throughout the space, and all amenities on one floor.
"We are thrilled to welcome the community into their new, state-of-the-art Hamline Midway Library!" said Saint Paul Public Library Director Maureen Hartman. "This new library building was shaped by community input and feedback, from accessible features to inspiring public art to a dedicated space for teens to flexible spaces for gathering and studying. For generations to come, we imagine this library to serve as place for community connect, learn, discover, and grow.”
Thoughtfully designed to represent the many cultures of the neighborhood today while including nods to its history, the new space creatively retains the previous building’s preserved stone arch entryway as an entrance to the new meeting room; uses salvaged brick in the outdoor reading garden; and repurposes salvaged wood in the community room. During the project’s planning, a diamond brick pattern was discovered in the previous library’s original 1929 draft documents and inspired a unique look to the new library’s exterior.
Local artists with deep connections to Saint Paul created original art to define the space, providing a reflection and connection to the many cultures and stories of Hamline Midway. Check out the exterior mural, bike racks, and 3-D installations near the fireplace and in the children’s area. Materials both new and familiar stock the shelves, with stories that reflect the languages, experiences, histories, and perspectives of the neighborhood.
