Safety improvements coming to Rondo library

Will renovations at the Rondo Community Library result in a safer facility? Or should more be done to assist the area’s unsheltered populations and people who are struggling with addiction? The upcoming renovations and year-long move of Rondo services was debated Sept. 22, 2025.
Almost 100 people attended the meeting to discuss safety issues, a public health approach to area problems, and the upcoming renovations. Those present heard from library security staff and a community health and safety consultant.
Reactions were mixed. Some attendees said the renovations are needed to keep the library safe for staff and patrons. They cited problems that spill out into the surrounding neighborhood and cause fear.
In recent years the library has had more than its share of police and EMS calls.
Others asked why the money couldn’t be spent elsewhere. One need called out is for a community center for the area’s unsheltered population, so that people have a safe place to stay and receive services. Meeting attendees raise the need for basic resources including drug treatment, housing and basic services.
The library at University Avenue and Dale Street opened its doors in 2006. It is unique in the St. Paul Public Library system as it was built with 98 apartments on its upper floors.
During renovations services will move to the Hallie Q. Brown Center, 270 N. Kent St.
Renovation project costs of $976,000 are to be covered by state public safety funds. The building’s restrooms and entrance/main desk will be reconfigured.
The library system’s 2026 budget also includes $90,000 in security costs for the current Rondo site. That will provide safety around the building perimeter.
Rebecca Ryan, who oversees public safety for the city’s library system, outlined efforts to keep the library safe for everyone who comes in. The intent of safety staff is to create a welcoming place where people feel safe, she said. Another goal is to look at library policies on banning people who are disruptive and see how those can change.
Ryan acknowledge the challenges at Rondo. One patron had to be revived three times in one week. Other security staff described challenges including how they have had to stop people from smoking fentanyl near the library entrance
Safety for the entire library system has been a major focus for St. Paul City Council members, who are reviewing the 2026 budget. Security has increased in recent years as have measures meant to deter illegal drug use in library restrooms. Those measures include sharps containers for safe needles disposal and vapor monitoring systems.
Review and updates for the library security camera system are also planned.
Rondo opened in fall 2006, in a unique mixed-use development with underground parking, ground-floor library and 98 apartments on the upper floors. It was designed with a community meeting room right beside the entrance, restrooms and the library main desk that overlooks the main patron space. That design has made it a challenge to see what is happening throughout the building.
The work is expected to take one year. Council members are awaiting more details on the plans. Work could start before the end of 2025.
“It’s really important to us to be able to deliver library services in the Rondo neighborhood,” said Library Director Maureen Hartman.
Library staff includes a safety manager and six safety specialists who work throughout the library system Many safety improvements and security staff were covered through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The federal funds are nearing an end, so expenditures will have to be moved to the general fund.
The libraries have used ARPA of $1.25 million for various library improvements, and are on track to have funds spent by the end of 2026.
Current Rondo library staff members will be retained during the renovation but some may be assigned to other libraries, said Hartman.