- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Library-Saint Paul Public Library
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon. 11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tue-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
6 reviews for Library-Saint Paul Public Library
This is a cultural gem for the city. The Renaissance Revival architecture is magnificent - could not think of a more inspiring place to read, and LEARN, than the second floor reading room. I almost got a tear in my eye seeing actual children there on a weekend day, reading, instead of playing with their Wiis or texting or channeling the Jonas Brothers.
The loan system is equally fabulous. I picked up a library card and I'm now able to reserve a book online using my number, and even if it's not held by the Central Library, it will get transferred over, with an email notifying me when it's ready for pick-up. I can renew books online too. I love the self-checkout, too - seriously, something about scanning a barcode is exciting for me.
My only complaints are the short hours of operation (5:30 PM on a weekday? Boo) and the dearth of parking. That's not for me, since I usually walk over.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Rating is ONLY on a recently offered free class.
Free class on use of "Flickr" and "Picnik" websites was offered on a recent Saturday afternoon, and was taught by one of their librarians. Unfortunately, so many people are 'needy' and have a "me, me, me" attitude (or they've simply forgotten how to 'behave in class'). They just blurt out their questions as they occur to them which causes the instructor (who's likely not experienced at teaching groups of people) to bounce all over the place trying to answer everyone's questions. Felt very chaotic, disorganized and frustrating. Ultimately, it felt like a great waste of my time and my $3.50 in the parking meter.
Wonderful library. I'm sorry that when I took my students here one of them (CHAZ) decided to spit down the book return. He was properly punished with detention, but I'm not sure it worked. Anyway, they gave my students a nice tour, and if I was teaching summer school I would take them down once a week to get books. An interesting tour, and great librarians. Thank you for all your hard work!
People thought this was:
- Funny (2)
Can I live here? Please? It's like my dream house!
The St. Paul Library is everything a library should be--take note, Minneapolis. For example, it's open on Monday (and Sunday, though some of the smaller branches are not). You can use your library card from other library systems. There's a wide selection of books and movies, though their foreign films are lacking. (And, their movies are organized, unlike Minneapolis!) There's plenty of chairs to sit around and read in, and the librarians don't pester you. The location is ideal within the downtown setting, right across from Rice Park and the Landmark Center, next to the St. Paul Hotel and the Ordway. It's easily within walking distance from all the major office buildings downtown. I usually go during off hours (my schedule is random), but I have never seen the place terribly busy.
The building is luxuriously elegant. It's on the National Registry of Historic Places, and for good reason. Marble interiors, some kind of nice exterior. The Hill Reference Library is also amazing. It makes me wish I had something to use it for.
The biggest downside of the downtown location is that parking is a bitch. The streets are metered for most of the day and garages can cost you a pretty penny. (If you're looking to go sight-seeing around the area though, it's a lot better than running to the meter every two hours.)
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
Being from Chicago, I thought that libraries were only for the homeless.
Alas, this library is for everybody! I used to go to the one on Marshall, but found that I prefer the Central Library for two reasons. One: I can walk there. Two: It is georgous. The marble steps are worn in the center from years of book laden bodies trudging up and down. Stone but it seems like they sag under this weight.
When I am pressed for time, I order online, they call when the book is pulled so I can just double park and run in, self check out and head home....
People thought this was:
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Beautiful downtown library since a multi-million-dollar renovation, with massive marble stairs and huge reading rooms. Pretty good hours, pretty nice selection of materials including video and audio, great children's area with presentations for kids every Saturday morning.
Nicely connected by tunnel to the St. Paul Skyway system and parking (it gets cold here), includes a nice little coffee/snack place on the main floor, and serves as a gorgeous backdrop for warm-weather festivals, weddings, and outdoor concerns in St. Paul's Rice Park.
I also like the fact that the library's website lets me quickly find what I want and see which branch has it. If the downtown branch doesn't, I can request it or just go to the other branch, and then return to any of the branches' drop boxes. Finally, the librarians are always helpful.
One of many little-known jewels in St. Paul.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)