Libraries and the Midway: What’s Next? Featuring Barb Sporlein

    In Saint Paul, libraries today are about people. Through extensive community engagement, Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) has built a big vision for its buildings: invest in libraries that are safe, inviting, affirming, and comfortable for people of all cultures, abilities, and communities. With an $8.1 million investment from the City of Saint Paul, SPPL will build a new Hamline Midway Library that maximizes accessibility, environmental sustainability, and safety through design. With a new library building, everyone will enter through the same pathway and the same front door. This state-of-the-art library will integrate history into a new structure that also reflects the cultures of today’s community. This library will bridge from the past to the future while adding much-desired community space that will serve residents for generations to come. 

At our September monthly luncheon, learn more about plans for the new library and how the Saint Paul Public Library supports Midway residents. Barb Sporlein, interim director of Saint Paul Public Library, will join us to talk about the new Hamline Midway Library, the multi-year community engagement process that is informing the Library’s capital work, and the full vision to transform libraries in Saint Paul.

About our Speaker
Barb Sporlein has been in community building and public service her entire career. She started as a City Planner in Saint Paul and is currently the Deputy Director of Operations for the Saint Paul Public Library. She previously worked as Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Planning Director for the City of Minneapolis, and Deputy Director at Saint Paul Public Housing Agency. Barb has a Master’s Degree in Planning and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Administration. Barb will serve as Interim Library Director until the Mayor appoints the new director.