Public Safety Committee Chair Bowie Hosts Town Hall on a Safer Rondo Community Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2025

Contact:Ward 1 [email protected](651) 266-8610

Public Safety Committee Chair Bowie Hosts Town Hall on a Safer Rondo Community Library

SAINT PAUL, MN - Following the Mayor's announcement that the Rondo Community Library will temporarily close, the Saint Paul City Council's Public Safety Committee will host a Town Hall on Monday, September 22 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss next steps for keeping the Rondo neighborhood safe, supported, and thriving.

In the 2025 City Budget, the City Council approved funding for safety renovations and staffing at Rondo Library. These improvements reflect the Council's shared commitment to ensuring that the library remains a safe, welcoming, and modern space for all residents. While construction and planning move forward, the City is also investing in the broader neighborhood, recognizing that the strength of the Rondo Library is tied to the strength of the community around it.

During the temporary closure, library services and programming will continue through the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, keeping access to critical resources for families, youth, and lifelong learners. In addition, the Town Hall will feature national expert Sasha Cotton, Executive Director of the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College, who will present strategies to address the fentanyl crisis through a public health approach, ensuring the City's plans are both compassionate and effective.

Event Details

• What: Public Safety Committee Town Hall
• When: Monday, September 22, 2025 - 3:30 PM
• Where: Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale St. N, Saint Paul
• Parking: Free public parking available
• Access: Open to the public

Agenda Highlights

• A Safer Rondo Community Library - Presentation by Maureen Hartman, Director, Saint Paul Public Library, on safety measures and temporary closing plan, followed by public comment.
• A Public Health Approach to the Fentanyl Crisis - Presentation by Sasha Cotton, Executive Director, National Network for Safe Communities (John Jay College).
• Community Input on the City's Fentanyl Intervention Plan and $1 Million Budget Proposal - Open public comment session.

"Our neighborhoods deserve both safety and dignity," said Councilmember Anika Bowie, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. "This town hall is about ensuring community voices are heard as we design a public health approach to the fentanyl crisis and make the Rondo Community Library a safe, welcoming place."

Who Should Attend: Residents, families, youth, educators, recovery advocates, library patrons, small business owners, district councils, and community partners.

How to Participate:

• Speak during public comment at the town hall
• Submit written comments by [email protected]

Media: Media are welcome. Please check in at arrival. For interviews, contact the Ward 1 Office.

About the Saint Paul City Council:The Saint Paul City Council is the city's legislative body, setting policy, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city's wards. Learn more at https://www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.

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Last Edited: September 19, 2025