By Scott Carlson

After about a five-month hiatus, the St. Anthony Park Branch Library reopened to the public on Aug. 18.

The library, 2245 Como Ave., offered limited library services until the end of the month when programming and meeting rooms were expected to be available again.

The building closed in April 2025 for needed repairs and maintenance to both entrances of the facility in order to ensure its accessibility to all library users

“With work expected to be complete by the end of August, the lower-level entrance now meets accessibility standards with adequate access,” said Stacy Opitz, marketing and communications manager for the St. Paul Library. “Additionally, the water intrusion issues have been resolved, and the stairs to the main entrance have been repaired and updated.”

Rita La Doux, president of the St. Anthony Park Branch Library Association, hailed the library’s reopening. The library association plans to celebrate the reopening with a celebration from to 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, she said.

“The event will be a party to mark the end of summer (back to school for those who celebrate such things), the planting of two new oak trees on the front lawn and a celebration of our community library,” La Doux said. “We are planning a poetry slam, lawn games, treats, art projects and entertainment.

“The event will be inside in the auditorium in case of rain,” La Doux added. 

Scott Carlson is managing editor of the Bugle.

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Photo credit: The St. Anthony Park Branch Library recently underwent repairs and maintenance, including a new sidewalk and steps. Photos by Rita La Doux.