Physical Spaces

About the Library and Learning Center

Built in 2004, the Library and Learning Center on the St. Paul campus houses the Metro State Library, the Saint Paul Public Library Dayton’s Bluff branch, the University Bookstore, the Gordon Parks Gallery, the Center for Faculty Development, and the Center for Academic Excellence.

Study rooms

Study rooms that seat 2 to 8 people are available on the first and second floors. Students or faculty may check out rooms for 4 hours and reserve rooms up to 2 weeks in advance online or by calling 651.793.1634. Community members may check out rooms for 2 hours.

Lounges

The first-floor lounge serves as a quiet space for students and community users. It has a fireplace, large tables, and TV monitors for playing video games, and is sometimes the site for events sponsored by the Metro State Library, the Dayton’s Bluff Public Library, or Metro State student groups. Events are held at the discretion of the Metro State Library.

The second-floor lounge has a fireplace, and serves as a reading room with current magazines and newspapers.

Resources and collections

The first floor Information Commons has computers, scanners, and printers for use by faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community members. They are available on a first come, first served basis.

Most of the Metro State Library’s physical collections of books, DVDs, and curricular materials are on the second floor. The second floor also houses the University Archives, and a large silent study room. There are also carrels with computers for student use.

Service desks

The Metro State Library has two service desks located on the first floor – the Reference and Research Assistance desk and the Information Commons desk.

Labyrinth

The David Barton Community Labyrinth and Reflective Garden graces the lawn on the east side of the Library and Learning Center.