7001 York Ave. S., Southdale Library

I am delighted as I review these plans. I have no concerns about the height variation as it is modest and is mitigated by the design of the roofline. Investment in functional libraries that provide access to both written and digital media, and access to highspeed internet for those without home access, are critical in these times.

Design features that I find particularly attractive include: placing many of the parking places underground; the beautiful flow of light and multistory structure in the main library spaces; the use of bird-safe glass on the exterior; the prairie and wetland surroundings that bring natural beauty to a highly-paved area of our city. And of course finding a more functional and visible home for the Art Center is an added benefit to our community.

I spent many happy mornings in the current building when my children were small, but it was a very difficult structure to navigate with wee toddlers and bags of books. I'm so glad our young families will have this amazing space in which to foster new readers.

What a massive waste of taxpayer dollars! The internet is the new library. Everything that is inside a library can be found on the internet. Students are not going to the library to research info for a paper, they are looking on the internet. Why spend millions of dollars on old technology that is not needed?

Too little too late, but why the city chose to rebuild rather than move the library and arts center to the Southdale Mall, is puzzling. Instead, use the current location to build yet another condo tower- that will add money to Edina's tax base.
Furthermore, a location at the mall would be a win/win. Shoppers may be more likely to explore the library, and library patrons would be drawn to the stores. And, I can't imagine the cost to move to the Mall would be more than to tear down the existing library and build a new one. Finally, with the increased use of the Internet, e-books and online shopping, libraries and retail malls are facing changes and uncertainty in their future. A move to the mall may increase traffic to both the stores and the library, and prolong the future viability of the Mall.

Katie Wingrove, Melody Lake. This project looks super cool! The submittal doesn't have a ton of detail regarding the children's space in the library, so I wanted to share some ideas based on recent experience at the lovely Eden Prairie library. As a mom of twin toddlers (under age 2), we struggled to last more than ten minutes there. We saw several toddlers clustered at a relatively tiny activity/block table in the kids' space - it was already full. My kiddos love books, but also love running away into the main library, yanking any book off any shelf, and trying to push library carts. I would be interested to see a library space that provides a bit more "enclosure" & activity so that caregivers accompanying more than one child, or trying to tend children of different ages, can have a bit more runway (while not worrying too much about noise, and keeping everyone in sight). Especially for a child under 2, they need to feel like they are going somewhere, while ideally going not that far (vertically or horizontally). Maybe libraries aren't meant for this age group, but most public spaces exclude them - so it would be nice to consider this group carefully (for the sake of their older siblings, too). Thanks, and the project looks awesome.

Hello - project looks fabulous! As a public pottery studio user, I'd like to request consideration for more sinks in wheel rooms, or perhaps a long trough-style sink with a splitter that can allow multiple faucets - a bunch! It looks like each wheel room has only 2 sinks. With so many wheels, a full class of students would need FOREVER to get everything cleaned up. Waiting in line to clean your wheel parts, bowls, tools, etc. is a huge bummer when time/access is limited. Studio manager might prefer the cabinet storage & surface workspace, but I vote for more sinks (or at least extra faucets). This has been a limitation in every studio I have ever visited.

The proposed replacement of the Hennepin County Library appears to be a beautiful upgrade to the existing facility. In particular, the revitalization of natural surroundings is a wonderful replacement of the acres of parking lot pushed forward toward York Avenue. Nothing says "You're not welcome here" more than a barren expanse of asphalt (see Lake and Nicollet). With the previous in mind, I have not seen any discussion of vehicle accommodations in any of the materials currently available. So, what's happening on that front? Will there be modest parking available (perhaps 100 to 150 spaces, preferably below ground)? Other than that, let's get this project moving.

An enlightened populace is essential to a healthy community.

Hello, Nicholas (Nick) Ulmen, Cornelia. Read the latest update in “Edition: Edina”. The paragraph about art software, specifically graphic and architectural design, caught my attention. There may be an opportunity to collaborate/partner with Edina Pubic Schools to offer curriculum/training that also leverages those assets to better position city students with those skills. Food for thought!

Lorenzo Tunesi, South Cornelia. I can't wait to be able to use the new library!

My name is David Knox. I live at the Westin Edina Galleria, 3209 Galleria. As a neighbor I'm happy to see that go up. Fine with it. I have no issue with it except for one thing... During construction, you know, there's going to be all these trucks with their horrible loud and excruciating backup beeps (which are really stupid when everybody there is on the construction site, and they know equipment is moving around). So, I think they should get a variance from OSHA to turn those horrible, horrible things off. That will drive people crazy. We're surrounded by residential people. We like to have peace and quiet. So, there's got to be a way to rid those backup alarms and teach the people on the construction site, let them be responsible for paying attention to trucks and stuff moving around rather than us having our lives destroyed for two or three years while it's under construction. Please, I'm begging you on that. Thank you. (Voicemail received 3/11/25 at 10:32 AM. Transcribed by City Staff)

Michael Dolan at 3209 Galleria, Unit 1608 Edina, 55345. I'm calling to give input regarding this proposed library and museum at York Avenue. Remind everybody that this country is $36 trillion in debt. We are facing $36 trillion worth of debt. We are facing a recession or a depression. We need to have responsible government that doesn't just spend money like it's taken off a tree. This is ridiculous. There's no reason why we can't wait 3, 4, or 5 years until this economic situation is in better hand. I would hope that the Planning Commission and others would take this into consideration, $36 trillion of US debt. We are all responsible for it. It's gonna be tough, tough times ahead. Thank you. Bye. (Voicemail received 3/6/25 at 9:28 AM. Transcribed by City Staff).