Wentworth Library in West St. Paul reopened after a year-long renovation Wednesday, May 6 with a celebration showcasing the building's updated features and new gathering spaces.
Dakota County leaders pointed to the library's importance as a place for learning and for gathering.
“When nearly 1,000 people show up in two hours to celebrate a library reopening, you know that library holds a special place in the heart of the community," said Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins.
The major renovation includes new spaces, amenities and technology to better serve people of all ages. Wentworth improvements reflect what the community wants in a library, said Jen Reichert Simpson, Dakota County Library director.
“While the core of who we are as a library remains the same, what you're going to find is it's really a transformed space," Reichert Simpson said.
Wentworth Library highlights include:
- An updated children's area with reading nooks a puppet theater and a large peg board.
- A sensory-friendly calming room offers a welcoming environment for individuals with autism, sensory processing differences and other disabilities.
- Additional meeting rooms, nine study rooms, a study bar and a teen space.
- Dedicated quiet room that allows for reading, reflection and focus.
- A new lobby art installation and a wildlife mural in the children's area.
- Wi-Fi, computers, iLAB Creative Spaces and more.
The library is an extension of the classroom — with less structure and a lot of opportunity, said ISD 197 Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog. It's a safe, welcoming place that supports all students.
“It's an important space in our community," Olson-Skog said. “It's not just about reopening a building – it's about what this place represents."
The library is an important place for the City of West St. Paul.
“This means the world to our community," Mayor Dave Napier said. “It was worth the wait."
Wentworth Library, 199 Wentworth Ave. E., is open Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 1–5 p.m. Self-Service Hours are 6 a.m.–11 p.m. seven days a week.
For more information, visit the Wentworth Library page.