Hey there,
I’m back with my third review on my Minnesota Tour of Libraries. This week I’m rating Ramsey County Library: White Bear Lake. We love this library because it is one of our local libraries within a 20 minute driving distance and it has a decent children’s section and a good variety of books. We’ve probably been here at least a dozen times, if not more. I’ve found that each and every staff member of this library is wonderful. I’m talking, welcoming, go out of their way, happy to help, chats with you wonderful. They offer a variety of programming for kiddos too, which we know is my favorite. So let’s get into it.
Library #3/381 on my Minnesota Tour of Libraries
Overall Star Rating
Important Things to Know
- Address: 2150 2nd St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
- Library System: Ramsey County
- Parking: Parking lot & free street parking
- Accessibility: Yes
My Ratings
- Book selection: 4/5
- Children’s area: 4/5
- Amenities: 3/5
- Cleanliness: 4/5
- Staff friendliness: 5/5
- Restrooms: 2/5
- This is only because you have to exit the main doors of the library and go around the corner to use the restroom. With a child, it can be difficult sometimes, and you have to leave your stuff behind if you’ve already picked out books but haven’t checked them out yet. I love a good children’s section bathroom with tiny toilets.
Best for: I would say families. The library is on the smaller side and there are no physical barriers between adult and children’s areas, so when the children’s area gets full, the entire library can hear it since the children’s area is the focal point of the library. There are some private areas in the back to work, read, or study. I’ve actually gone here without my daughter to do so before and I found it conducive to reading and writing even with kids in the building. They have comfy chairs; many of them by the windows, and a fireplace in the back.
Would I come back? Absolutely
Unique or Notable Feature(s):
- Fireplace
- Pretend sailboat for kids to play in
- Outdoor sitting area
- Walking distance to downtown White Bear Lake
Photo
** More photos/videos on my Instagram and Facebook pages
Nearby food/coffee/things to do:
- Anchor Coffee: a personal favorite of mine
- Cup & Cone: Usually long lines, but SO worth it. And their prices are soooo good
- Washington Square Grill: The food has always been great here in my experience
- Memorial Beach Park: Perfect for swimming and playing at the playground
- Naptime Faith & Life Gift Shop: I LOVE this place. So many cute gifts and books to pick from and locally owned
So, if you’ve never been here, I would say this one is worth the drive. Not only is the library great, you’re basically in downtown White Bear which means there are endless things to do. White Bear Lake is such a cute area. I love strolling the streets of downtown. It sort of makes you feel like you’re in a real live Hallmark movie; no lie. You could easily make a day of it. You may even run into a farmer’s market on Friday mornings in the summer, or Market Fest on Thursday evenings. So come on down and see what all the fuss is about in White Bear Lake. That’s all for now.
Talk soon,
Corrah
