Twin Cities / Metro
*This archived article was originally published in Fall 2004.
James J. Hill Reference Library
This distinguishing venue adds style, sophistication and a touch of history to any event.
BY AMANDA FRETHEIM
James J. Hill was a visionary of his time, our time or any time. In 1879 he, along with his partners, took over the bankrupt St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. By 1893, it was renamed the Great Northern Railway and trekked all the way to Washington state, making Hill a millionaire. In his later years, Hill planned to build a business reference library that would help businessmen and women of the future realize their own visions.
Built in 1921, five years after Hill’s death, the James J. Hill Reference Library has provided its patrons great access to practical business information. Now, and for the past four years, the library offers elegant and classic meeting spaces for groups of all sizes.
Set in the heart of downtown St. Paul, across Rice Park from the Landmark Center, the library is near all of the city’s big players: The Xcel Energy Center, Ordway Center for Performing Arts and the Science Museum of Minnesota. According to Beth O’Connor, the library’s event coordinator, this prime location, which also neighbors several hotels and restaurants, is a soon-to-be hot spot, making it worthy of a closer look.
The Digs
The library has three unique spaces that are available for meetings and events. The Hill Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library with windows that let in warm sunshine and overlook Rice Park. The room, displaying many pieces of James J. Hill memorabilia, seats 13 people conference-style or can hold 12 Internet terminals for meetings focused on training.
The Empire Builder Room, titled after one of Hill’s famous nicknames, was originally used as the head librarian’s office. Today it can seat 12 people conference style or comfortably hold 25 for a stand-up reception. The cozy room comes equipped with a nonworking fireplace and a private restroom. The hardwood floors, warm rugs and Hill’s original furniture make an intimate site for any type of gathering, even afternoon tea.
But the piece de résistance is the Reading Room. The library’s main room is lined with large, stately columns and bookshelves three stories high, giving the room a regal, Old World feel. By day, library patrons prepare business strategies and study Hill’s own accomplishments documented in the millions of pages in the Hill Manuscript Collection. But by night, weekend, or early morning, the Reading Room can really change face, accommodating up to 200 people for lecture-style seating—ideal for early morning business meetings. Audiovisual equipment is also available, along with an advanced speaker system and Internet access.
“We really enjoy having organizations hold meetings in the library because it turns the business community on to the library’s presence, the fact that it’s free and open to the public and that they can enjoy a beautiful building built by James J. Hill,” said O’Connor. “The number of people exposed to the library because of an event is amazing.”
The Reading Room can also accommodate 200 people for stand-up receptions. Round tables, covered in crisp white tablecloths, can seat up to 250 guests for a sit-down dinner or buffet. Corporate holiday parties, company anniversary parties, cocktail hours, business association meetings and dinner meetings have all been held at the Hill Library, O’Connor said.
The Details
In keeping with the true nature of librarians, O’Connor and the staff at the Hill Library offer meticulous service to patrons and meeting groups. Not only will a staff member remain on-site for the duration of the event, but O’Connor will also assist with every step leading up to the event; coordinating all vendors, from the florist to the caterer.
Display cases located around the Reading Room exhibit photographs and papers from Hill and his sons’ business ventures. The display cases can be changed to match a particular event. When a St. Paul Winter Carnival dance was held at the library, the staff filled the cases with Winter Carnival materials from the collection of James’ son, Louis Hill.
“We try to find a connection to the event,” O’Connor said.
Another unique feature is the availability of Hill’s original tables and chairs. The library has enough authentic tables and chairs for up to 200 people.
Groups may bring in their own licensed and insured caterer for the event (O’Connor is happy to offer suggestions) while alcohol service is provided by Moon Bay Beverages. The library provides beverage service for smaller meetings. Musicians and DJs are welcome for any event, as the library’s Tennessee marble floor makes for a great place to show off your dance moves.
While some groups choose to get the party started outside on the beautiful front lawn of the library and then move inside the marble and sandstone constructed building to complete the event, others hold a more intimate gathering in one of the conference rooms. Whatever the occasion, with a first-rate location, a variety of options, a stunning interior and an obliging staff, the James J. Hill Reference Library makes any happening one for the history books.
