Title
Requesting a comprehensive relocation, renovation, and reopening plan for Rondo Community Library.
Body
WHEREAS, the Rondo Community Library is an essential cultural, educational, safety, and gathering space for the Rondo, Frogtown, and Summit-University neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the imminent closure of the Rondo Library has created an immediate and pressing need for a coordinated, transparent, and equitable plan to prevent prolonged disruption of core library services relied upon by youth, elders, families, workers, and highly mobile community members; and
WHEREAS, a clear and timely plan is necessary to shorten the duration of service disruption, minimize community harm, and ensure continuity of access to books, computers, programming, crisis support, and safe public space; and
WHEREAS, significant gaps in communication, staffing, safety planning, community engagement, and relocation logistics have been identified by front-line library workers, safety specialists, community partners, and Ward 1 residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure renovation funds are spent responsibly, equitably, and with a comprehensive strategy that reflects the needs of the Rondo neighborhood;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby establishes and requests a Comprehensive Relocation, Renovation, and Reopening Plan prepared by the Library Department for the Rondo Community Library renovation fund that allows the city council to review and approve.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby recognizes $155,000 of the funds are airmarked for design consultant MSR Designs and the remaining $580,000 is for the renovation project.
BE IT RESOLVED, the plan for the remaining expenditures will be included in the Library Department's comprehensive written relocation, renovation, and reopening plan and will be reported to the City Council no later than February 4th.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Library Department addresses the urgency to close the Rondo Community Library and provide public information on alternative library services, resources, and programs while the Rondo Community Library is closed between December 15th and the January 2026 relocation date.
BE IT RESOLVED, the Rondo Community Library’s Comprehensive Relocation, Renovation, and Reopening Plan must include the following five deliverables:
1. Reopening Date & Renovation Timeline
• A confirmed reopening date for Rondo Library services designed to shorten the length of closure.
• A detailed construction timeline including closure, construction start, milestones, and anticipated completion date.
2. Contractor Procurement & Scope of Work
• A construction contractor procurement timeline, including current status and expected award date.
• The full scope of work for design and construction contractors, including all consultant roles and community engagement responsibilities.
3. Staff & Community Input Process
A documented, time-sensitive public input gatherings that address design, programming, safety, service needs, and the impact of closure with the clear goal of reducing harm. The input includes:
• Front-line library staff
• Safety specialists
• Rondo branch staff
• Residents, youth, seniors, and community partners
• The Ward 1 Council Office
4. Equity, Relocation & Reopening Plan
• An equity assessment detailing impacts of closure and relocation on residents, particularly residents of color, elders, youth, unsheltered patrons, and crisis-impacted populations.
• A Hallie Q. Brown Community Center relocation and operations plan including staffing, programming changes, accessibility, parking, transit, and facility capacity.
• A multi-department safety and service improvement strategy for the Dale & University intersection upon the reopening.
5. Administration Transition & Communication Plan
• A transition plan in the event of SPPL leadership changes to avoid delays.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the remaining $580,000 for the Rondo Library renovation shall be reported on by February 4, 2026, upon submission that all deliverables have been met and demonstrate a feasible strategy to shorten the disruption of services for the Rondo community.