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Riverview Library is a branch of the Saint Paul Public Library system. It houses the Growing West Side Seed Library. Family-friendly amenities at this branch include a Children’s Specialist, homework help during the school year, six public internet computers and a word processing computer and meeting rooms.

This library is handicapped accessible and can be accessed by bus routes 62 & 75.

Riverview Library Building is over 100 Years Old!

The Riverview building was originally built in 1917 and funded by Andrew Carnegie. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with St. Anthony Park and Arlington Hills Libraries as the “Carnegie Libraries of St. Paul”. The building is noted for its tall Palladium-arch windows that line all four sides of the building, making it look a little like a train station. Riverview Library was considered for closing in the 1980s, but was strongly defended by the community.

Coming Updates to Riverview Library

After 30 years, St. Paul Public Library plans to update and renovate the Riverview branch. These updates will include technology updates and the addition of a play and learn space. In early 2022, they have chosen and architect and are looking for community input. The goal of the next round of library updates is to create “spaces that are safe, inviting, affirming, and comfortable for people of all cultures, abilities, and communities”

Growing West Side Seed Library at the Riverview Library

Note that this is a seasonal offering. Look for the Seed Library beginning in February.

With a mission to cultivate a culture of sharing and diversity, the Growing West Side Seed Library is a depository of seeds available free to St. Paul’s West Side community members for their gardens. Patrons can get up to 3 packets of seeds per visit. Classes are also taught throughout the year to support new and experienced gardeners.

How does the Seed Library work? Patrons can “Check out” seeds whenever the library is open. However, a seed Librarian is sometimes available to answer questions. The library records some basic contact information to track where the seeds are going. If you are successful, you are asked to return a portion of your new seed crop back to the library for others to use the following year.

Riverview Library
Monday & Wednesday 12:00PM – 8:00PM
Tuesday & Thursday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday & Saturday 10:00AM – 5:30PM
Sunday Closed

Useful Links:

• Learn More about the Growing West Side Seed Library
• National Register of Historic Places
• You can read a little more about the history and see a picture of the Riverview Library building at St. Paul Historical
• A Minneapolis Seed Library: Birchbark Books & Native Arts