Saint Paul Public Library - Rondo Community Library — Attraction in Saint Paul

Here's what you need to know: Parking: Ramp Seating: Benches around children's area Bathrooms: None in children's area Separate play room: None Toys: Puppets, trucks, foam blocks, and construction costumes (a jacket and hard hat)

The Rondo Community Library is located right in the hub of Saint Paul. Naturally, we circled the block several times looking for parking.

The first time I parked we were in the back of the library. Unfortunately, it wasn't until we got out of the car that I saw the sign which read that parking lot wasn't for library visitors. Back in the car, another round around the block, and five minutes later we were finally in the library's parking ramp.

Even my kids thought that took ridiculously long.

So here's my first bit of insight if you're going to visit Rondo: Get on Dale Street and turn onto Aurora avenue. Drive behind the library, turn right on Saint Albans Street, and right again onto University Avenue. This'll help you avoid u-turns due to the light rail and bring you right to the parking ramp entrance.

The parking ramp entrance is tricky in itself. An "open" sign is lit beside closed garage doors. The first time I drove by I didn't know if it was really open or not.

The second time I drove by I was lucky enough to be behind someone who knew what they were doing. They drove right up to the closed door which automatically opened for them. I followed and quietly thanked the Lord for sending me some direction.

The ramp is small with narrow parking spots. At the very least, it's free and there's a huge set of windows from the bottom floor of the library letting in light and confirming you're in the right place.

Once inside the building, there's an elevator or flight of stairs you can take to the main floor. We had our wagon with us and opted for the elevator.

After returning our books (at an incredibly slow machine), we found our way to the children's section. It's tiny. There are several rows of fiction picture books and a couple rows of Easy Readers. All non-fiction (including dinosaur books [they had about 9 total]) materials are kept in one area.

There are benches on the enclosed side of the children's area. A shelf sits in another corner, housing trucks, dress up items, and foam blocks. Off by the picture books are a puppet theater and some puppets.

Considering where the library is, I imagine plenty of people come through the library on a regular basis. The books were in the right areas (i.e. Easy Readers were in the same area) but not necessarily organized properly (i.e. the box marked "Disney" had non-Disney books and etcetera).

Right next to the children's area is a well-furnished homework help room. There were several tables, chairs, computers, and staff inside.

As we were browsing, a staff member approached us and informed us about their summer programming. He also helped us find those evasive dinosaur books.

Rondo Community Library is definitely an important resource for its neighbors. I can imagine how central their programs are, especially for kids in the summer who rely on a safe place to be and snacks to get them through their day. This is probably their forte: providing such resources.

We're probably not going to go back considering the lack of play area and unorganized reading materials. Nonetheless, I'm grateful for their work with their...

Highlights: Near Highway 94, Located On Public Transportation Line, Great Kids Section, Good Customer Service, Awesome Community Programs/Information

Located on Dale and University, with multiple public transportation ports nearby, right off 94- this is such a great location.

The Rondo Public Library is such a phenomenal addition to the Rondo Community. Over the summer, Rondo Library offered lunch for students in need partnering with local schools and community-based programs.

This location host multiple community classes and events, free of charge. One class that I found amazing was the tech class designed for anyone who needs help using their phone or needs to learn basic computer skills. I participated in multiple courses offered at this location and they also have story time for kids to enjoy a book read by a volunteer! Sometimes, we are privileged with the honor of enjoying a book read by the author themselves.

I love the updated layout of the community space, my favorite being the children's section where they offer multiple activities, play stations, and books for kids of all ages. They also do a great job of decorating the library based on the seasons and holidays. This is a place that shows inclusion and celebration of everyone that is a part of the nation.

On Tuesday's, Ramsey County workers are available to assist you with whatever your needs are. They are there to answer any questions you may have, as well as assist you in filling out paperwork. But that's not the only great service that Rondo Public Library host! I would suggest stopping by to see all that they have to offer. This library is a HUB for access to all of the neighborhood resources and information.

Most people are eligible for a library card that gives access to the computers and printers, the ability to rent books, movies, records, etc. If using the printer, be sure to bring change, quarters, dimes and nickels. They have a change machine that will convert $1 bills into quarters.

This location makes returning your rented items super easy with the ability to return them near the front door, scanning each rented item and pushing it through the conveyor belt.

There is underground parking, elevator access, though there is no parking in front of the library, you have the option of parking around the corner on Aurora. There is an indented space to drop off patrons in the front of the building, on Dale University.

The staff is typically smiling, eager to serve and helpful.

This location is attached to the University Dale Apartments and is also near multiple restaurants like Los Ocampos, Subway, Wendy's, and Flava Coffee & Cafe. There are also multiple Asian grocers in close proximity.

I would recommend this library...

I had an amazing time getting a library card for my family today. The young lady that helped me with the blue highlights I believe was super insightful and informative. Being new to the neighborhood, it was nice to get to know the neighborhood more intimately as you can’t know it without connecting with a resource such as the library. She gave us bomba socks which truly feel amazing on your feet. I also enjoyed learning that they have a safe for your guns. Most libraries I’ve been to have a sign to leave your weapon in your car. The down star is for the Americorp worker Ms. Claire. She was nice initially. Telling me I should teach ad letting me know frog town has teachers that come teach kalimba. I needed to go the restroom and she offered to watch my child while I changed the clothes of my other child. To my disbelief, she went behind the library desk as soon as I went to the bathroom which made my daughter feel unsafe. If she’s going to volunteer to watch your children for 2-5 minutes, she should keep her word vs leaving children unattended. If her manager called to another task, she should have told her she volunteered to keep a watchful eye. My child said they felt scared and not cared for since the lady lied. Outside of that staff seem helpful. I really hope that’s their true countenance and not a made up one because of their recent poor review. 😞

Ps I loved the Adinkra symbol of the Sankofa bird. I hope they stand by their...