Community meeting, survey results for new Southdale Library
In May, Southdale Library patrons and residents of Edina, Bloomington, Richfield and Minneapolis shared more about emerging priorities for the new library and site, including green space, parking and transit accessibility, and library services.
Project architects MSR will use over 1400 responses from the online survey and in-person community meeting comments to inform preliminary concepts for the new library.
Outdoor reading space was the most desired outdoor amenity, especially by youth and younger adults. To improve the connection to the outdoors year-round, patrons expressed interest in indoor or sheltered spaces with natural light and nature views.
With the current site design, the majority of Southdale Library patrons currently access the site by car. The library is also accessed by patrons walking, biking and using public transit. Pedestrian safety and sidewalk conditions are areas of concern, as well as proximity to public transit. Respondents support a drive-up book drop, more bike parking, and a covered waiting area.
Patrons were also asked how they use the library, and what features they find most important for the new space. Checking out materials, picking up holds and using materials in the library all ranked highly, as did attending library programs or using space to study and work. Patron-identified priorities for the new library include:
- Places that are quiet and support focus
- Comfortable seating
- Children’s play and learning area
- Furnishings with access to electricity
- Places that support conversation and collaboration
Join us at the next community meeting, Saturday, September 22, 10 a.m.-noon to learn more about the project with library staff and project architects. MSR will present preliminary concepts based on community input collected to date. All are welcome; participation in previous planning meetings is not required.
Construction of the new library is currently scheduled to begin in fall 2019.
More about this building project