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I was the Supervisor at this building in in the early to mid-1990’s and the building, though beautiful, had serious issues then. It was due more to the building’s functionality to provide modern library services, not building structure defects.

It was built at a time when library service was very different. Basically it functioned well for a number of years. But, over time, through lack of funding, things broke down.

The plumbing, HVAC, foundation, water leaking into the boiler room & the old coal bin & not energy efficient.

Also, it wasn’t well used by the community. Many local people would drive to the newer main Ramsey County Public Library building because it had much more to offer with it’s much larger collection & services for young to old.

With the dawn of the computer age, Hamline Midway wasn’t easy to modernize due to it’s solid flooring

and other building features.

While it is beautiful & hopefully some features could be incorporated into a new structure, it has outlived its functionality. It needs to be either drastically upgraded or replaced so as to meet the needs of a much more diverse community. It should function well in providing services for today and in the future.

It needs upgraded facilities such as space for a homework center, small classes, study carrels with computer access , dedicated areas for young people, etc.. I hope, as this process moves forward, that the community & SPPL change their stances from adversarial to collaborative and work together to provide a space that is best for the community.

From: Deceitful public process undermines democracy in Saint Paul

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