The ribbon was cut on the new Kaposia Library in South St. Paul, marking the latest addition to the Dakota County Library system this Tuesday. Local officials, including Dakota County leaders and federal lawmakers, came together to celebrate the momentous opening of the modern, multi-purpose facility.
Dakota County Library Director Margaret Stone emphasized the evolving role of libraries, in a statement obtained by Dakota County, “What we're also seeing is as communities change, communities need libraries for other reasons — it's the space in the building that people are looking for now,” Stone said. She highlighted that modern libraries have become much more than simple repositories for books, but rather social, educational, and professional hubs for communities.
The 16,000-square-foot library boasts several standout features aimed at engaging visitors of all ages. Facilities include an interactive children's area complete with a light display and an activity wall, several study rooms and meeting spaces, and even a Calming Room for visitors requiring a soothing environment. Tech enthusiasts can enjoy the iLab creative space, which is equipped with a 3D printer, while literature and history buffs might prefer the Quiet Zone, a section of the library celebrating South St. Paul history adorned with mosaic art and a cozy fireplace.
With an investment of $11.4 million, funded primarily through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the library offers a suite of modern amenities that include EV charging stations, accessible entrances, and a pollinator-friendly garden. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, in an ode to the foundation of learning, stated, “Every time a kid reads a new book or gets interested in reading and gets off their phone and actually learns new things, you've got to remember that's our purpose as citizens — to continue this tradition and pass on this torch of learning,” according to a Dakota County interview.
The project received strong backing from various local figures such as former Dakota County commissioner and South St. Paul mayor Kathleen A. Gaylord, and it honors the local heritage by bearing a name that pays tribute to the Mdewakanton Dakota people. Andy Vig, director of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's culture exhibit, expressed delight in the inclusion of the Kaposia name, telling Dakota County, “To showcase our language — it just doesn't get any better than that.”
Gio Rivera, a fifth-grade student from South St. Paul and a frequent library patron, expressed his excitement about the new space, saying, “This can be a community hangout for the South St. Paul community, so it's important to have a place where there are so many options and different experiences for the fun of the city.” The library's proximity to South St. Paul Secondary School is anticipated to make it a prime spot for student interaction and learning.
Opening hours for the Kaposia Library, which are Monday through Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., highlight its availability to serve the community. For more details, interested readers can visit the Kaposia Library page.
