Saint Anthony Park Branch Library

About Us :
The St. Anthony Park Branch Library is considered an icon of this picturesque neighborhood tucked away in northwestern Saint Paul. This 1917 Carnegie library was remodeled in 1985 and again in 1999. A park-like lawn with many benches invites patrons to linger with a book. The most recent renovation includes a children's rotunda reading room. This inviting space, combined with a juvenile collection that is well funded through a private grant, make us a "destination library" for young families, teachers and class visits. Both St. Anthony Park Elementary and Murray Junior High schools are within three blocks. Circulation has tripled since the expansion, with nearly one third of our patrons coming from Minneapolis and suburban Ramsey County and another 25% from zip codes outside our area. The University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, University student housing and Luther Seminary are within a 10 minute walk. The Ramsey County Library's Roseville branch, retired U of M faculty housing and the Minnesota International Institute are within a 5 minute drive.

Many university faculty and staff reside in the immediate neighborhood. Students and recent graduates fill much of the rental property, with affordable housing expanding along University Avenue near Highway 280. The library has an active Library Association which has served the community since 1934. The annual Arts Festival, held the first Saturday in June, is their major fundraiser. Racial diversity is increasing with new residents arriving from Somalia, Asia, Eastern Europe and Mexico. The neighborhood remains predominately white (81%). The major nationalities represented by residents residing at Luther Seminary and University married student housing are Chinese, Korean, Japanese and African. The library's world language collection features materials in these Asian languages. This is a neighborhood with a strong identity. Residents are actively involved politically, supporting their beliefs through words, actions and funding.