Two sites considered for new Ramsey County branch library

The Ramsey County Library Board will launch a website Tuesday to gather public comment on two proposed sites for the county's Arden Hills branch.

In 2009, the county voted to extend funding for the current library only through 2010. Since then, the library board has searched for alternative sites to house the 50,000-item collection and continue offering services.

The current Arden Hills library, at West County Road E-2, near Mounds View High School, serves Arden Hills and New Brighton.

According to a report prepared by Susan Nemitz, county library director, the current building requires more than $300,000 in immediate repairs and renovations.

Two possible future sites have emerged. Both the New Brighton Family Service Center and Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills have submitted proposals.

Nemitz said starting Tuesday, the library board will take comments on the new website for two weeks before making a recommendation to commissioners.

"The good news is, a year ago we were worried we were going to close the library," she said. "Right now, the irony is, we're sitting there with two really good locations."

"Libraries are not unlike retail. Places that would be a successful retail site usually would be successful libraries," Nemitz said. "It's the most important choice we make, and one we make once every 30 years."

Meagan Beekman, Arden Hills city planner, said the city has been working with Presbyterian Homes so the library could remain in Arden Hills.

"The council is generally supportive of the library staying in Arden Hills and finding a way to make that happen," Beekman said.

A final decision is expected to be made Sept. 15 at the library board meeting.