Sponsor: Library
Title
title
Gift from Ramsey County Library Friends to the Ramsey County Library
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Accept the gift of $250,000 from the Ramsey County Library Friends to the Ramsey County Library.
2. Authorize the County Manager to establish a project budget of $250,000 for the Project Design and Ideation of the Mounds View Library in the Library Department budget.
end
Background and Rationale
body
The Ramsey County Library Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Ramsey County Library in making information, books, music and programs available to the public.
In 2022, Ramsey County Library Friends received a significant estate gift from Mr. Ronald Varns to commit specifically to the Ramsey County Mounds View Library. Useable distribution was transferred in 2025 to be used toward the design phase of the remodel at the Mounds View Library.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The social vulnerability index for the City of Mounds View ranges from .40 to .94 and an average of .66 on the basis of four census tracts. The City of Mounds View has a population of 35.7% people of color, with a 24.3% of the City’s total population of 17-years-old and under. About 18.3% of the population speaks a language other than English.
For the residents of Mounds View, a total of 27.2% of the households are cost burdened, paying more than 30% of their gross income towards housing. About 23.4% of the total households rent and of the population, 49.6% of the households are cost burdened.
The support from Ramsey County Library Friends and Mr. Ronald Varns will allow Ramsey County Library to make capital investments in one of the county’s most vulnerable communities.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Community engagement is expected to occur through the use of these funds to inform a future Ramsey County Library in Mounds View.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The anticipated gift of $250,000 is not included in the library’s approved 2025 budget or the proposed 2026 budget. These funds will be allocated to a specific project budget for the ideation and design phase of the Mounds View Library.
Last Previous Action
On April 8, 2025, the Ramsey County Board accepted the 2025 gift of $130,000 from the Ramsey County Library Friends to the Ramsey County Library (resolution B2025-102).
Attachments
1. Distribution Letter.