North Ramsey News

Hartman to lead SPPL through period of new development, transformation, and opportunity

SAINT PAUL, MN - On May 12, Mayor Carter named Maureen Hartman as the next director of the Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL). Hartman has served as SPPL’s interim director since 2022. Her hiring comes at a time of growth for Saint Paul libraries as the city embarks on multiple improvement projects within the next year to continue welcoming all residents into libraries that are vibrant, safe, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.  

“The impact of our public libraries reaches every corner of our community. They play an integral role for our families and young people,” said Mayor Carter. “I am thrilled to have Maureen’s extensive experience and connection to our neighborhoods leading us through the next chapter in our libraries’ story.”  

As director of SPPL, Hartman will oversee all public libraries in Saint Paul. This includes coordinating SPPL’s work with community partners and staff to enhance and evolve its approach to community-first public safety, including launching a new safety specialist role in libraries and an assessment of current resources to inform the development of a comprehensive safety plan. Additionally, Hartman will help guide the redevelopment of three well-used and well-loved library buildings, particularly the new, accessible state-of-the-art Hamline Midway Library.  

“Libraries are places of connection to resources and to people,” Hartman said. “I am thrilled to continue the important work of connecting people to the ways their library can enrich and bring joy to their lives. It is an honor to serve the residents of Saint Paul and this incredibly impactful organization and I look forward to continuing our shared vision of transformative libraries.”

ABOUT MAUREEN HARTMAN

Maureen Hartman joined SPPL in 2017 as the Deputy Director for Public Services before being appointed Interim Director in 2022. Prior to joining SPPL, she served in a variety of roles at Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Public Library, and Watertown Free Public Library in Watertown, Massachusetts.

In her role as Deputy Director, Hartman led the implementation of SPPL’s elimination of late fines, which restored access to more than 42,000 people and recorded an 8-percent increase in circulation of library materials throughout the city's 13 library locations and bookmobile. She also led work to adapt services during SPPL’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and return to full services in 2022.  

Hartman is passionate about equity in libraries and the role libraries play in creating a city that works for all, as well as the importance of working in partnership with community members and staff to continually evolve library services to meet the needs of our ever-changing communities.

Hartman has an bachelor’s degree in English from Macalester College and a master's degree in library science from Simmons College, where she concentrated her studies on public librarianship and services to children, families, and teens.

Original source can be found here.