sun ray library

Admittedly, it's been challenging visiting libraries since the sun's been out (we may have had a late DVD . . . or two).

Thanks to the gloomy weather this week, we've been able to check out some different indoor places in the metro. This morning we visited Sun Ray Library (2105 Wilson Avenue, Saint Paul) with some friends.


Here's what you need to know:
Parking: Lot
Sidewalks: Well-paved to the building and throughout the grounds
Seating: Several chairs and benches in children's area
Bathrooms: A family bathroom right in the children's area
Separate play room: Yes, and the board books are located in this room. Just beware that there isn't a door to keep kids in, just an arch separating the room from the rest of the library.
Toys: Yes (although they were all mysteriously missing when we visited)


I was hesitant about visiting Sun Ray since we stopped by a park behind the library last summer. It looked like one of those libraries that's tailored to teens and adults.

Google Reviews (I also admit that I live on these) sounded promising, though, so we met up with some friends to see it for ourselves.


While the backside of the library isn't very appealing (at least in the colder seasons), the front is beautiful. The recent remodel included a face lift in addition to gutting the insides.

The children's section is the first section you run into once you pass the front desk. It's amply stocked with books. I was so pleased with the Easy Reader section (Madi and Titus' favorite section), which was shelved by reading level and special characters. This made finding books incredibly easy.


There are several computers available for children to use. There is also plenty of seating all throughout the children's area.

There's a house frame with fine-motor skills activities; velcro seating kids can take apart and stick back together; vet equipment; and other occupation-related toys (I would imagine, based by the marked boxes).

The toys were missing the morning we were there, but the personnel in charge said there are usually toys strewn all over the children's area.


To one side of the children's area is a room that's largely closed off. An arch separates this room from the rest of the children's area. Inside is an alphabet rug and loads of board books.

One side of the room is all windows. I imagine it's a lovely view when plants are in bloom. Comfortable bench seating lines the walls.


One of my favorite parts about checking out (and I never thought I'd ever like the check-out process) is the floor activities. Around the checkout area are these patches of (probably) colored water. Kids can step all over them and watch the water move around. It's a super simple way to keep the kids entertained while books are being scanned.

The front desk personnel wasn't particularly helpful (he had no idea where the toys were and didn't help locate them), but we did run into staff at the end of our trip who were very accommodating.