Architectural features
The rectangular footprint of the building allowed two large reading rooms on the main level, and an auditorium and other smaller rooms in the basement. The eighty-foot symmetrical facade features seven bays, three of which have large stone arches over windows or the doorway, and four which have rectangular windows and plaques. The facade also has twelve pilasters with Ionic capitals. This facade is topped with a stone parapet with pilasters and grill-work, which rests on a classical entablature.Relocation
The public library closed for relocation on Saturday, March 15, 2014Duchschere, Ken. "Arlington Hills Library on East Side Closes." ''Startribune.com.'' 15 Mar. 2014. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. and reopened at 1200 Payne Ave. on May 22, 2014, as part of the Arlington Hills Community Center in collaboration with the parks and recreation department.Melo, Frederick. "St. Paul Touts New Arlington Hills Rec Center as Boost for East Side." ''St. Paul Pioneer Press,'' 22 May 2014. Web. 04 June 2014. The building went up for sale by the City of Saint Paul for adaptive reuse that would maintain the historic structure.East Side Freedom Library
The nonprofit East Side Freedom Library signed a lease with the city in March, 2014,Larkin, Patrick. "New Carnegie library stewards want to "raise the roof"" ''LillieNews.com.'' Lillie Suburban Newspapers, 2 June 2014. Web. 16 June 2014. and will feature a reference book collection along with classrooms and meeting spaces for cultural events.Anderson, Jim. "New Chapter for St. Paul's Historic Arlington Hills Branch Library." ''StarTribune.com.'' 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. The East Side Freedom Library was expected to open in June, 2014, but was delayed due to a need to replace the roof of the building. The organization is fundraising and seeking grants to complete this and other work on the building. The East Side Freedom Library began offering public programming in July, 2014.Sturdevant, Andy. "'The Meddling Class' Finds Its Righteous Voice at East Side Freedom Library." ''MinnPost.'' 10 July 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.References
External links