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Saint Paul Central Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
90 4th St WSaint Paul, MN 55102
Neighborhood: Downtown St. Paul
(651) 266-7000
- Hours:
Mon 11:30 am - 8 pm
Tue-Fri 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 11 am - 4 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
10 reviews for Saint Paul Central Public Library
10 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica T.
St Paul, MN
12/14/2011
This is my go to library. My number one favorite thing is the Childrens Reading Rooms. After years of taking my boys here we are all on a first name basis with the childrens' librarians. They make recommendations, find books for us and even leave books with the kids names on them to check out.
This location has it all. I really like it on a rainy day...just browse and soak in the stately feel of the building. -
Review from Sarah C.
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great library!
I've been to many a public and university library, and this is by far one of my favourites!
I recently had to do some research on St. Paul in the 1920's, and was the staff ever so helpful and friendly!
They not only made suggestions for which time of the year to look for my topic, but they also helped me to get started up on the microfilm viewer. They were also very patient and helpful with any questions that I had, and helped me to save individual pages onto my USB drive.
I highly recommend this place! -
Review from Joe I.
12/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My library of choice. Its a totally cool building, and the book selection is decent. Across the street from work, which is hugely convenient as well. The kids section is where I spend a fair amount of time, and it is well stocked, has fun stuff for the kiddies to do, and the staff are friendly. Plus, free wi-fi! Bonus!
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Review from Matt R.
Saint Paul, MN
If you read other reviews of this library, you will notice they all rave about this gorgeous building. It really is a landmark in downtown St. Paul with gorgeous views of the Mississippi river behind it. Head to the periodicals level and look out the east-facing windows for a beautiful view.
Since I've only been here once before, and don't even have a library card (I know, I know), I'm not sure what more I am qualified to write about, so I will end this here.
Want to mingle with some homeless? Come here about 5 minutes before opening and hang with them at the front door. -
Review from Brad T.
Saint Paul, MN
4/25/2007
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. -
Review from Dee T.
Royal Oak, MI
6/18/2009
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.Listed in: Saint Paul Kicks So Much Ass
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Review from Zac S.
4/7/2008
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.... -
Review from Jennifer S.
Saint Paul, MN
Updated - 11/21/2009
Having recently gone here again for a free concert event, I realize that it's some of the people attending the event that make for an unpleasant experience, not the library or its staff.
Why are people out in public so rude?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2009
Rating is ONLY on a recently offered free class.
Free class on use of "Flickr" and "Picnik" websites… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer K.
Saint Paul, MN
6/20/2009
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!
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Review from Molly B.
8/31/2010 2 Check-ins Here
A beautiful building and they let you borrow books and DVDs for free! Doesn't get any better than that.
