UPDATE: George Latimer Central Library Reopening After Renovations

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jill Boldenow
651-266-7029 (o); 651-325-1662 (c)
Jill.Boldenow@ci.stpaul.mn.us

 

George Latimer Central Library Reopening Date Change

Regular hours to resume January 30; preceded by two pre-opening events

SAINT PAUL – Saint Paul Public Library’s George Latimer Central Library will resume regular operating hours on Saturday, January 30, 2016, rather than the previously announced date of January 28. Two pre-opening events will be presented as scheduled at the library: the “Loud at the Library” concert at 7:30 p.m. on January 28; and the panel discussion, “The Future of Entrepreneurship in Saint Paul,” at 8:00 a.m. on January 29. Library access will be limited on those dates to the event spaces only. The library resumes regular open hours on Saturday, January 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“The George Latimer Central Library renovations are nearly finished, but we have a few touches to complete before we fully reopen. We want to ensure a welcoming, full-service experience for returning library guests,” said Joanna Brookes, Saint Paul Public Library Public Services Director. “We are hosting pre-opening events in spaces that are ready, and we look forward to opening up the entire library to the public on January 30.”

The library renovation brings several enhancements. The first-floor circulation area, now called the Peter J. King Welcome Center, has more space for the public and displays of popular titles and media. Library staff can focus more on the public in the Welcome Center with the help of new, automated book sorting equipment. A new Nicholson Workforce and Innovation Center on the third floor will offer a digital media lab with a 3D printer, analog to digital conversion equipment, laser cutter, and design software; business resources; classroom and study space; and recording studios. The popular fiction collection is now located in the second-floor Nicholson Commons, which offers new, comfortable seating for readers and additional power sources for digital devices. The renovation project is funded by private donations raised by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Pre-Opening Events at George Latimer Central Library

Thursday, January 28

7:30 p.m. Loud at the Library with Reina del Cid and The Ericksons Doors at 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 ($5 for members of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library). Beer and wine available for purchase. Show a library card and valid 21+ I.D. for a free beer, courtesy of series sponsor, Summit Brewing Company.

Friday, January 29

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Panel: The Future of Entrepreneurship in Saint Paul

Discussion moderated by Marty Moylan, with panelists Deanna Abbott-Foster, Scott Burns, Bruce Corrie, and Sonia Ortega. RSVP at http://thefriends.org/blog/ai1ec_event/the-future-of-entrepreneurship.

Opening Weekend Events at George Latimer Central Library

Saturday, January 30: Open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

11:15 a.m. – Noon      Saturday Live! featuring the Loki Puppet Players

Noon & 4:15 p.m.       Library tours

1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Winter Carnival slide show with hot cider and coffee

4:30 p.m.         Plume Project talk with Asia Ward followed by plume viewing outside

Sunday, January 31: Open 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Drop-in art making with Minnesota Center for Book Arts

1:15 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. Library tours

For more details on the renovation, including images, visit http://www.sppl.org/renovations.

 

About Saint Paul Public Library

Saint Paul Public Library connects people in Saint Paul with the imperative and the joy of learning through a lifetime. Saint Paul residents can enjoy free access to technology, books, movies, music, classes and more. We’re located in 12 neighborhood libraries, George Latimer Central Library, and the Bookmobile. Visit us in your neighborhood or online at sppl.org.

 

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