R.H. Stafford Library

🏢 Washington County Library · Woodbury, Minnesota

R.H. Stafford Library

Washington County's highest-circulation library and one of the five most-used public libraries in Minnesota, the R.H. Stafford Library anchors Woodbury's Central Park with 160,000+ items, programs for all ages, and a card valid at libraries statewide — named for the civic leader who spent decades shaping the county's future.

📞 (651) 731-1320🌐 washcolib.org🧭 Get directions
🕑 Hours & visit📖 About⭐ Highlights📚 Services📍 Nearby❓ FAQ

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 9:30am–8pm
Tuesday 9:30am–8pm
Wednesday 9:30am–8pm
Thursday 9:30am–8pm
Friday 9:30am–5pm
Saturday 9:30am–5pm
Sunday 1pm–5pm

Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.

📍 Location, Contact & Directions

Address: 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN 55125

Phone: (651) 731-1320

Website: washcolib.org

Plus Code: 86P9W389+J5 (Woodbury, MN)

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👋 Use the Library Online

🔍Search the Catalog →🌐Library Website & Room Reservations →🎓ELM — Free Minnesota Databases →

📖 About R.H. Stafford Library

The R.H. Stafford Library is Washington County's flagship public library, opened in 2002 inside the Central Park complex in Woodbury. The 39,000-square-foot facility — roughly 30,000 square feet on the main level and 9,000 square feet on a lower level — holds more than 160,000 items and serves the city's 75,000 residents as part of Washington County Library's seven-branch system. The library is named for Richard H. "Dick" Stafford (1929–2011), a beloved Woodbury civic leader who served as Washington County Commissioner, County Auditor, and County Treasurer, helped establish Woodbury's ambulance service, championed the Veterans Memorial, and co-founded what became the Woodbury Community Foundation. Consistently Washington County's busiest branch and among the five highest-circulation public libraries in Minnesota, R.H. Stafford draws patrons with dedicated children's and teen spaces, an indoor garden, reservable meeting rooms, and a growing digital collection through statewide ELM resources. A Washington County Library card is valid at all seven system branches and at most public libraries across the Twin Cities metro and Minnesota. A major renovation — designed to modernize finishes, mechanical systems, and spatial layout — is planned for spring 2027 through summer 2028.

⭐ What makes this library special

  • Washington County's highest-circulation branch and one of the five busiest public libraries in all of Minnesota
  • Named for Richard H. 'Dick' Stafford (1929–2011) — County Commissioner, County Auditor, County Treasurer, and co-founder of the Woodbury Community Foundation
  • 39,000-square-foot facility built 2002 in Woodbury's Central Park, with more than 160,000 items in the collection
  • Major renovation approved for spring 2027–summer 2028 — the library remains fully open until then
  • One card opens borrowing at all 7 Washington County Library branches and most Twin Cities metro libraries

📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card

Washington County Library cardholders can stream, download, and research free through Minnesota's statewide digital resources:

🎓 ELM — Electronic Library for MinnesotaFree statewide access to thousands of EBSCO, Gale, Britannica, and ProQuest databases for every Minnesota library cardholder — at elm4you.org.
📚 Libby / OverDriveDownload eBooks and eAudiobooks to any device — borrow with your Washington County Library card.
📱 hooplaStream or download eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV, music, and comics — no holds, no waitlists.
🎓 MELSA Digital ResourcesMetropolitan Library Service Agency-funded digital tools and databases available to all Washington County cardholders.
💻 Computers, Wi-Fi & Wireless PrintingFree public internet terminals, Wi-Fi throughout the building, and wireless printing from personal devices.

📚 Services

  • Physical collection of 160,000+ items (books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and more)
  • Washington County Library card valid at all 7 branches and most Minnesota public libraries
  • Reservable meeting and conference rooms (capacity up to 24, with AV equipment)
  • Public computer terminals and free Wi-Fi
  • Wireless printing
  • Mobile hotspot lending
  • One-on-one technology help appointments
  • Curbside pickup (system-wide)
  • Interlibrary loan
  • Exam proctoring
  • Personalized reading recommendations

🎸 Programs

  • Baby Storytime — rhymes, songs, and board books for infants up to 24 months
  • Toddler Storytime — for children ages 2–3
  • Preschool Storytime — stories, finger plays, and songs for preschool through kindergarten
  • Family ROCK! — family early-literacy program
  • Summer Reading Challenge for children, teens, and adults
  • Genealogy Classes for adults
  • Computer and Technology Classes for adults
  • Job and Career Resources programming

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Who was R.H. Stafford, and why is the library named after him?

The library honors Richard H. 'Dick' Stafford (1929–2011), one of Woodbury's most dedicated civic leaders. Stafford spent decades in public service as a Washington County Commissioner, County Auditor, and County Treasurer. He helped establish Woodbury's ambulance service, championed the construction of the Veterans Memorial, and co-founded what became the Woodbury Community Foundation. The library at Central Park carries his name as a lasting tribute to his commitment to Washington County residents.

Is the library closing soon for renovation?

A major renovation is approved but not yet underway. Washington County contracted with Kraus-Anderson Construction for design work, with construction targeted for spring 2027 — after the nearby Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove reopens. The renovation is expected to last through summer 2028 and will modernize the 2002 building's finishes, mechanical systems, and spatial layout. Until construction begins, R.H. Stafford remains fully open at its regular hours.

Can I access free online databases and eBooks with my Woodbury library card?

Yes. Washington County Library cardholders have free access to ELM (Electronic Library for Minnesota, elm4you.org) — a statewide resource providing thousands of magazine, journal, newspaper, and encyclopedia databases funded by the Minnesota Legislature. The library also provides Libby/OverDrive for eBooks and digital audiobooks, hoopla for unlimited streaming content, and MELSA digital tools, all available 24/7 from home.

What other Washington County Library branches are near Woodbury?

The Washington County Library system has seven branches. The Valley Library (384 St. Croix Trail South, Lakeland) is the nearest branch to the east, and the Wildwood Library (763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi) is to the north. The independent Stillwater Public Library is also a short drive away and is listed above. Your Washington County Library card works at all system locations, and you can check system-wide holds and hours at washcolib.org.

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