frequently asked questionsasked
What are the benefits
of this $3.5 million library renovation project being funded by Ramsey County?
What is the campaign goal and how was it developed?
Who can I contact for questions?
How can people donate?
Donation Recognition
Unless you request that your donation remain anonymous, it will also be recognized by the following:
The remodeled and expanded library is expected to open in early spring 2015.
Unique Features
Fireplace – There is nothing that adds to the coziness of a library more than a fireplace. Having one in the Reading Lounge area is a high priority. The Friends were able to raise the funds that added fireplaces to the Ramsey County libraries in North Saint Paul, Maplewood, Roseville and New Brighton.
Large Interactive Installation for Children’s Area - This sturdy museum-quality piece will be designed, built, and installed by staff from the Minnesota Children’s Museum in Saint Paul. The theme and interactive features will be selected by Children’s Librarians, Ramsey County Library Administrative Staff, Project Architects and designers from the Minnesota Children’s Museum with input from the Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries Capital Campaign Committee.
Sliding Glass Room Divider – The sliding glass doors would allow the Library more flexibility in using the community room space. When not used for programs or meetings, the space could be fully opened to the children’s area for expanded literacy activities. It also allows the removal of the fourth wall of the meeting room to accommodate large programs. The sliding door is clean-lined, easy to operate, and there is no swinging door to impinge on space in the community room or the children’s area.
Four Small Interactive Literacy-building Pieces – These will be selected by Ramsey County Children’s Librarians and installed on the ends of book bins. Each piece will enable young children to practice a pre-literacy skill.
Reading Patio – The goal is to purchase and install comfortable exterior benches or chairs and tables to enable library patrons to enjoy reading in an attractive outdoor space. Engraved 8” x 8” brick pavers will be sold to help raise funds and will be installed in this patio area.
- Total Area Increased to 16,500 SF, an increase of 3,700 square feet
- New Expandable Community Program Room with a mobile, sliding glass divider
- Expanded Children’s Area Featuring a Pre-literacy Play Area
and Increased Study and Lounge Space
- Expanded Teen Area with Increased Seating
- Increase Computer Workstations by 30%
- Additional Small Group Study rooms
- Improved Overall Lighting, Visibility and Access
- Fire Protection
- Accessible and Family Toilet Rooms
- Improved Energy Efficiency
- New Collections
What is the campaign goal and how was it developed?
- The campaign goal is $200,000
- Private funds raised will be used for items that could not be included in the project budget. These include literacy-building equipment for the children’s area, a fireplace, art, an outdoor reading area, interactive technology, a sliding glass room divider between the children’s area and the Community Room, display cases, additions to the opening collection and other amenities.
- These additions were recommended by the librarians, architects, library patrons and community members to enhance the quality of the library experience for people of all ages.
- These items will be paid for through private donations and will not increase taxes.
Who can I contact for questions?
- Click here for contact information.
How can people donate?
- To donate click here to give with credit card via the Friends of the Library secure website
- Any size donation is greatly appreciated.
- Donors will receive one year’s free household membership in the Friends organization with a minimum $20 donation to this campaign.
- Benefits of a Friends membership include early admission to our large book sales, reduced ticket prices to the Annual Luncheon, guided Friends-Members-Only tours and events, and the library’s ExpLORE newsletter mailed to your home.
- The Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that has been raising funds since 1979 for the purpose of strengthening, supporting, and advocating for the Ramsey County Library system in order to enrich the lives of library users, to promote literacy and education, and to foster community.
- Donations to the Friends of the Library are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
- Your donation will be recognized in Capital Campaign and Annual Reports.
Donation Recognition
Unless you request that your donation remain anonymous, it will also be recognized by the following:
- Donate $35 to buy a new book with your bookplate name inside.
- Donate $100 to buy three new books with your bookplate name inside.
- Donate $300 and six lines of your text will be engraved on a garden paver stone.
- Donate $500 and your name will be on the permanent donor wall.
- Donate $1,000 and your name will be on a bench.
- Donate $3,000 and your name will be on a display case.
- Donate $5,000 and a room may carry your name or the name of a loved one.
- Donate $18,000 and your name will be on a fireplace plaque and donor wall.
The remodeled and expanded library is expected to open in early spring 2015.
Unique Features
Fireplace – There is nothing that adds to the coziness of a library more than a fireplace. Having one in the Reading Lounge area is a high priority. The Friends were able to raise the funds that added fireplaces to the Ramsey County libraries in North Saint Paul, Maplewood, Roseville and New Brighton.
Large Interactive Installation for Children’s Area - This sturdy museum-quality piece will be designed, built, and installed by staff from the Minnesota Children’s Museum in Saint Paul. The theme and interactive features will be selected by Children’s Librarians, Ramsey County Library Administrative Staff, Project Architects and designers from the Minnesota Children’s Museum with input from the Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries Capital Campaign Committee.
Sliding Glass Room Divider – The sliding glass doors would allow the Library more flexibility in using the community room space. When not used for programs or meetings, the space could be fully opened to the children’s area for expanded literacy activities. It also allows the removal of the fourth wall of the meeting room to accommodate large programs. The sliding door is clean-lined, easy to operate, and there is no swinging door to impinge on space in the community room or the children’s area.
Four Small Interactive Literacy-building Pieces – These will be selected by Ramsey County Children’s Librarians and installed on the ends of book bins. Each piece will enable young children to practice a pre-literacy skill.
Reading Patio – The goal is to purchase and install comfortable exterior benches or chairs and tables to enable library patrons to enjoy reading in an attractive outdoor space. Engraved 8” x 8” brick pavers will be sold to help raise funds and will be installed in this patio area.