In the 1920s, Standish experienced a 50% population boom consisting mainly of Swedish immigrants, so Roosevelt was available to them for language-learning and job-finding resources.

This quote from Theodore Roosevelt was included in Community Bookshelf article on the library, “After the church and the school, the free public library is the most effective influence for good in America.” It went on to state, “We hope we may justify this statement in this new neighborhood, and that the people will use our equipment freely for their enjoyment and education.” The opening day staff were: Ada N. Whiting, Librarian; Eleanor Heimark, First Assistant; Volborg Sobba, Assistant; Lessley Chilson, Assistant; Wallace Petri, Page; Mina Jacobsen, Janitress.

Fluctuations in neighborhood population and the changing demographics of the community also contributed to library usage and open hours.

[6] During World War II, librarians at Roosevelt held special story times for the children of the area, many of whom had mothers in the workforce and fathers fighting in the European or Pacific Theater.

Option C called for major capital improvements to the original Roosevelt building, such as the addition of ramps to make it wheelchair accessible and the replacement of the furnace and water heater.

None of the Outlook 2010 plans were undertaken although what eventually was done by Hennepin County Library is sort of a combination of Options C and D. In 1997 the building was recognized as a local historic landmark and on 26 May 2000 Roosevelt was added to the National Register of Historic Places which meaning it could not be destroyed or greatly altered using federal aid without a public hearing.

[1] In 2002 a new mixed used library (close to option B) at 38th Street and 23rd Avenue was endorsed by the neighborhood advisory team but uncertain economic conditions shelved that project.

Roosevelt Library reopened on June 1, 2013 with a new meeting room and completely revitalized interior and mechanical systems.

The new library features more public computers, including iPads for patron use within the building, a refreshed collection, a new multi-purpose room, and increased operational efficiencies with one customer service point.