Projects
Ginny Brodeen has created and managed many new initiatives for the Saint Paul Public Library system over the past eighteen years. Professional highlights include national recognition of the Dayton's Bluff Branch Library project when St. Paul Public Library was chosen for the 2005 National Awards for Library Service, the country’s highest honor for extraordinary community service provided by a library (read about the award).
Project Manager: St. Paul Public Library Homework Centers
In 2001, concerned community members challenged Outreach Services at the St. Paul Public Library to address the growing community need for homework help. The goals were simple: to creatively build a model of service that would meet the needs of the students. This vision translated into new solutions, opportunities and programs. With the support of The Friends of St. Paul Public Library, the Library Administration, the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers and teens, the first Homework Center opened in January 2002. By 2007 there were five centers. Each was designed to meet the unique needs of the diverse communities in which they were located. There have been more than 80,000 student visits and 25,000 volunteer hours recorded. The Homework Centers are cooperative learning environments and core library services for students of all ages. A sixth homework center will be added to the Library System in 2008.
Rondo Community Outreach Library
Ginny participated in the planning and building phases of the new Rondo Community Outreach Library for the St. Paul Public Library that opened in 2006. Her efforts included a needs assessment based on in-depth community conversations, thorough research of current library facilities, design recommendations based on user needs and input, and fiscal management. She was a key leader in preparation of the opening and on-going operation of the library. With this new 31,000 square foot library, many users have now embraced a unique multi-use urban library.
Dayton's Bluff Branch Library
In 2003, Ginny worked as a consultant and advisor to the design team of the Dayton’s Bluff Branch Library for the St. Paul Public Library. This unique library was created as a community partnership with the Metropolitan State University’s (MSU) library. Ginny went on to manage the Dayton’s Bluff Library in close coordination with the MSU staff.