The Rondo Community Outreach Library has an integrated connection with St. Paul’s University Avenue neighborhood. The facility launched in 2006, combining a state-of-the-art media center with affordable housing units on upper floors. By offering GED classes, ELL mentoring, and job search resources, Rondo shows that a 21st century library goes beyond just lending books. As we’ve previously reported, public libraries are becoming increasingly important for citizens to find resources about policy issues-from tax documents to news sources and employment connections. Properly funding library systems is vital to economic development in Minnesota.
We talked with Max Bielenberg, the information literacy coordinator at Rondo. He says the ideal location and unique programming has helped make library visits part of a daily routine for many in the neighborhood and positively impacted the diverse community.
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