Now that the leaves are finally turning color and falling off the trees...here's some timely advice from the HM Environmental Group about your options (click title to read more).

Griggs is still open! A potential partner, Leonardo's Basement, would like to expand programming at the site while the city continues to manage outdoor programming.

The Hamline Midway Library has been spared by the Mayor - for 2010.   The Mayor's budget proposal (click here to view) keeps all St. Paul libraries open, but with trimmed hours across the system.   This reprieve, however, is short term - so there is still an urgent need to reenvision a vibrant and strong Hamline Midway Library.

New information about the HM Library Community Input Meeting:

1. Volunteer childcare will be available at the Aug 6 meeting.
2. If you absolutely cannot come to the meeting, take this simple survey by Friday August 7, 5pm - click here for survey.   Survey responses will be incorporated into the meeting results (but it is much better if you can come to the meeting).

Continue reading to see full meeting information:

A new era for the Hamline Midway Library in 2010

Mark your calendar for a Community Input Meeting on Thursday, August 6th from 6-8 p.m. in Room 106 of Hamline University's East Hall (formerly the Law and Graduate Schools Building) next to tennis courts close to southeast corner of Pascal & Hewitt.   For the campus map, click here.   Park in lots or on street.   Refreshments will be provided.

Message from City Councilmember Russ Stark:

Thank you for contacting my office, the Mayor, and/or Library Director Melanie Huggins over the past months regarding the Hamline Midway Library.   Please see the attached document for the plan for a community planning process moving forward (page 1) and application information for five of the thirteen Task Force positions (page 2).

You can also find this same information on my website at http://www.stpaul.gov/index.asp?NID=3195 .

The Mayor's office has decided to delay any further budget amendment proposals until the end of the legislative session, when decisions about cuts in Local Government Aid will be finalized.   Cuts of some size are probably inevitable later in 2009.  

Despite a strong showing at the community meeting with the Mayor and Library Director on March 10th and support from city council members (who also comprise the Library Board), we cannot be certain that the Mayor will propose a 2009 budget amendment (on April 8th?) that will keep the library open.   Even if the library stays open in 2009, then there will be much work to do to improve and protect the library over the long term.

Great turnout at the community meeting on Tuesday!   There is still work to do.   If you haven't yet, write the Mayor yourself.   Please also contact friends across St. Paul to write to the Mayor and their City Council Member (click here for more information).