107. Ramsey County, North St. Paul

This branch shares space with a community center. The library provides some public computers in the lobby, the community center provides restrooms, both share parking space, and patrons can combine purposes in a single visit: win-win.

Although it is small, this branch has everything needed: big windows, comfy chairs, a fireplace, public computers for adults and kids. There is a gorgeous large "Summer Reading" quilt on the wall in the kids' area. Manipulatives and puppets within easy reach serve the youngest patrons, and large cutouts of Arthur and other storybook characters brighten the shelf tops.

Reserve shelves looked busy, indicating that patrons are making good use of the requesting system. The collection is partially managed because patrons at other Ramsey County branches cannot request material from North St. Paul. I'm sure that staff would like more space; even the largest branches seem to feel that way. But a lot is being done with what is available.

This is visit 106. I started with South St. Paul on June 22, and have now visited all of the MELSA libraries--and a little bit over.

8/25/12

80. Ramsey County, Mounds View

The children's area has a fire engine bookshelf/reading seat, great for the imagination. In the teen corner, the ubiquitous booth seating has been opened to 90 degrees; it looks to me more inviting and flexible that way than the same seats would in a parallel, facing "booth" orientation. The wall pockets for periodicals are nice. One minor issue: the shelves are labeled only on one end, not too helpful if you have walked through the library and are looking for something on the way back.

There was a State Fair display in the entry, and framed State Fair posters on the wall.

As usual, I find it difficult to know what to write about RCL branches; too close to home, I guess. Anyone familiar with MV, please add comments!

8/6/12, bus

63. Ramsey County, Maplewood

A rare drizzly morning. The Friends have a real, enclosed bookstore here. The ends of some shelves have things like authors' July birthdays and a suggestion to try one of their books; others mention, for example, July being both ice cream month and BBQ month, with appropriate books. Four hour max for study rooms. Large teen area, but doesn't seem to be limited to teens. Lots of upholstered chairs in the fireplace/ periodical area. Kids' area has a playhouse, huge "maple seeds" hanging from the ceiling, and big red letters painted randomly high on the white wall; very nice.

A Hennepin County book in my tote bag set off the alarm here, but not at Shoreview!

7/24/12, bus and walking

60. Ramsey County, New Brighton

This branch was added to an existing community center, and it seems to be a happy result. Those windows on the right open on the children's area (nearer) and a separate adult reading area with a fireplace (farther). Since I work for RCL, I got the full tour. Current periodicals circulate; biographies are shelved together, which I know patrons like. The kids' room has window seats with shelves underneath and a very nice "toy box." In addition to the public computers inside the library, six others are available in the lobby of the community center, and I was told that they are used a lot.

7/20/12, bus

42. Ramsey County, Roseville

The flagship of Ramsey County, recently remodeled and LEED certified. One librarian in my travels pointed out something that I agree with: when you enter, you see just about everything except a collection of books. Adult books and periodicals are up a long flight of stairs or an elevator; the very nice kids' area is pretty much out of sight around a corner, the teens' area ditto. The features of the first floor are rental best-sellers, CDs, DVDs, recorded books, and some kiosks of "featured" books. The kids' area is large and complete. Two things here that I haven't seen anywhere else: A large structure of branches and twine in the reading garden, which the person building it said should last 3-5 years; and two set-ups for kids to play WII games.

7/17/12, bus (then walked home)

13. Ramsey County, Shoreview Library

This is my place of parttime employment, shortly after closing. This branch is in line for some remodeling, which it can use. There is a good collection crowding the shelves in the children's area; well, in all areas, really. Perhaps the finest feature is a "bay window" in the back for adult browsing; plenty of light there. The Friends of the Library have an honor-system bookstore here.

Unlike most libraries, many of the public computers are spread along an outside wall, rather than being grouped in a central area. This provides nice views into trees, but perhaps the remodeling will give the nice views to readers and browsers instead!

It's hard to write about the place where I work. Perhaps my co-workers will help out here.

 6/28/2012, car (I can get here by bus, but not in a way that fits my work schedule.)

3. Ramsey County, White Bear Lake Library

Revisited; see post on April 27 or search for "White Bear".

Through the vagaries of geography, this Ramsey County library snuck into the Washington County circle (oval) drive. This is a small branch. I find that it's harder to write about the Ramsey County branches, since I work for that county. Perhaps someone there will add the missing details!

6/23/2012, car (probably could have been bus)