I really like the place and am glad they got rid of the cold war bunker they had previously. It is…read morelight and airy and has a good selection of seating. The Wi-Fi works well and they seem to have plenty of computers. In addition, you can often obtain free copying and faxing. You will only find out what services are available if you ask. You will only find out what access to materials you have until you ask. It is not up to to the staff to provide you with all your solutions, sometimes you just have to dig. Tips: If the south wall is too bright, ask staff to lower the blinds--easy enough for them to do. Use the reserve system--you can get any book in the system. If you find something unacceptable, say something. I once found a homeless individual washing up in our male latrine and alerted security forthwith. It was delt with immediately. All in all--a great library. Anyone in our community should not hesitate to visit this spectacular resource.

It's been awhile since I last came by this library. It now has even more wonderful updates, and…read moreFREE parking in their garage. The parking spaces are limited however, but it's a nice perk for the patrons. LOVE!

Ridgedale library is our 41st and final library on our Hennepin County library tour!!…read moreThis is a shared facility with the library, district court and some municipal offices. It's a fairly modern facility with open spaces and nice sight lines. An abundance of materials fill the shelves making it more likely you will find what you are seeking. I enjoyed the number of newspapers and magazines! It has a nice resources space for those seeking community assistance. Great community space and a worthwhile stop!

Went to a class that was held here today. It is a pretty large library. I didn't go into where the…read morebooks were but the classroom we had the class in was comfortable. Thank you

Love this little library more and more each time I go there…read more For one, the first trip I took, I made friends with one of the librarians there (Matt), who helped get me signed up for a library card and explain all the services I could get through the library. Matt always recognizes me (and/or my husband) and will go out of his way to say hi. It's really so sweet. Further, I love the selection available here. Especially of LGBTQ+ books. I anticipate this will be a great boon during the winter months when I end up holed up devouring books for entertainment. I was super happy when I saw the kiosk they created for Pride Month (June) to showcase a number of their books available. I also appreciated seeing menstrual products available for free in the men's restroom. The kids area is super duper cute, with lots of painted murals and such. In the back, there's a large table to work on jigsaw puzzles. They have some books available for purchase books at very affordable prices too towards the front. You can rent DVDs/blurays too. And there are computers you can use. They do occasional classes or events/activities. The library is clean and cozy in good condition. I wouldn't mind spending an extended time there. The checkout process is really simple/easy-to-use and highly automated. So glad this library exists near me!

I'm just starting to experience all the many services Libraries currently offer (beyond book…read morelending). I attended a training class for 3D printing. The instructor, Matt, was very knowledgeable and helpful. In class, we used a modeling software package to make a design. Matt is going to look at our designs and make adjustments and suggestions prior to printing. You can reserve a 3D printer for up to 4 hours. I can't wait to print my design. I'm looking to create some custom earrings. I also attended a Fix-it-Clinic. It was packed! I didn't have time to wait for suggestions on the repair of a speaker but I hope to attend the next clinic or check out another library. Lots of people getting sewing repairs, lamps, appliances, etc repaired by many knowledgeable repairers. Libraries offer so many free services. It's worth applying to their newsletters and checking out a future event.

Wow, this place is huge! I originally stopped by the library to work with the CareerForce team on…read moremy resume (a lovely service they offer on Tuesdays and Thursdays) but I walked around afterward to take a peek at everything else they have to offer. Whether you're stopping in to check out a book, grab a CD or a movie, hop on a computer, book a private study room, or explore the kids' area, this place really does have it all. They have a big parking lot and I saw some bike racks as well. I love my downtown Saint Paul library but this one might just be my new favorite.

What a beautifully, high ceiling library in the heart of Ramsey County. I was mainly checking out…read morethe highly beloved children's area and it did not disappoint. There's plenty to entertain and for children to learn and enjoy. We did a scavenger hunt and earned a hand stamp. They have an outdoor space for warmer weather that you can enter from the children's area. They even have a very cool peg light up board kind of like light brite. I also couldn't believe their selection of books! Wow! For adults they even have certain popular books you can rent for a certain amount each day which entices you to bring back as soon as you're done.

Stunning architecture and an impressive edifice. Gorgeous stonework and painted ceilings. Loved…read morevisiting!

The St. Paul Public Library is absolutely gorgeous. I came here on a Sunday and it was my first…read moretime visiting. From the outside it looks massive, so when you walk in it can feel a bit more compact than expected, but that is because there are so many different rooms and dedicated spaces instead of one large open area. Each section feels purposeful, which I really liked. The staff were all very kind, and there is a lot more here than just books. There are separate areas for magazines, media, and reading spaces, along with a makerspace that includes things like a 3D printer, a laser engraver, and other equipment that would normally be very expensive to access. Having that available for free is a huge plus. The building itself is beautiful, with a lot of marble and multiple floors that make it feel historic and well maintained. It is a great place to study or just spend some time, and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are ever in St. Paul.

I have German ancestry that is traceable to the region in Northern Germany called East Frisia or…read moreknown in German as Ostfriesland. The Ostfriesen Genealogical Society of America (OGSA) uses this location to store very useful documents known as Ortsippenbuchers (OSBs meaning town family books) which provide family information by surnames that lived in towns throughout this region. For the past 5 times I visited the Twin Cities, I have been meaning to visit this place. Today my flight home was delayed 3 hours and used two hours to use the resources here. The two hours I spent here seemed like 5 seconds. I was able to add to my family trees going thru the OSB's of German East Friesen towns of Filsum, Detern, and Logabirum. The cost of using this library is $10 if you are a non-member walking in. If you are a member of the OGSA, access here is free. As this place is run by volunteers, the hours are not regular. On Saturdays, the Library is open from noon to 4pm. The staff here are friendly, there is plenty of parking and it is quiet.

I love going to MNGS to research my family's ancestry. I have a yearly membership which allows me…read moreto use the Hoffman Research Library for free (normally a $10/day fee.) The library has stacks and stacks of books relevant to researching your family's history particularly if they are from Minnesota. I have barely touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these resources. A few from the stacks that I have used I have found very helpful: - St. Paul City Directory's in hard book format from 1940s-1990s. They have earlier years on microfilm which I use almost every time I visit. As a genealogist, city directory's are super valuable to trace a family over the years. I've also found advertisements for the places in which some of my ancestors worked. - Plat Map book from early 1900's of St. Paul helped me track down the immigrant shanties in Swede Hollow. It was such an amazing thing to see where my early immigrant ancestors lived! Those were great, but what I have spent the bulk of my time doing at this library is reviewing Catholic Church records that are on Microfilm. What an amazing resource from the Arch Diocese! I've tracked the birth, baptism and marriages of many ancestors using these records. Some of the microfilm readers allow for amazing-quality digital captures that you can either print or save to a thumb-drive. If you are new to genealogy or have hit a brick wall, the volunteers at the library are very helpful in providing ways to get started or break-through. And even when they don't know something -- like how to work the microfilm machines -- they sit with you to figure it out together. Always positive and helpful. It's a treat to spend time here! Also, keep in mind this is an archive library - so it's a bit on the chilly side. May want to bring a sweater. :)

Took the kiddos I watch and their friends to the library to try and help them find books that they…read morewould like. Getting kids to get into reading can be challenging at times, but luckily this library has Dana!! She was wonderful and talked with each kid individually to get to know what they liked and to give them book recommendations. She was open to them not liking her recommendations and still had plenty of ideas. The library while small also has weekly events, a picture scavenger hunts for kids, plenty of easy to pick recommendations and so much more! I would highly recommend this library and all the resources there!

Cool Prarie style architecture building with interesting history. Nice collection of books,…read morematerials, and resource make this a busy place! Great kids section, plenty of seating, beautiful natural light make this a great public resource! Be sure to ask the knowledgeable workers at the desk about the history and what makes this library unique!!!

Waconia Library branch THE best. I visit my grandchildren a…read morefew times a year. I try very hard to catch Story Time, at 10:00AM. I wish it was daily. Yesterday, I enjoyed it as much as the children. I bring the granddaughters--ages (almost)2 and 5 to play. The children book sections are fantastic. As the children's sections are separate, there is little concern of their quiet play disturbing the adult section.