Special Projects

Twelve Branches: Stories from St. Paul

It first began as The Friends’ Library Book Project and the result is Twelve Branches: Stories from St. Paul, published by Coffee House Press.

The idea was to write a novel about Saint Paul told by the very people who live here. After a long and careful search, four talented writers were chosen to gather memories and anecdotes from Saint Paulites.

    Twelve Branches Book Cover
    		  
    Nora
    Murphy
    		  

    Josie
    Rawson
    		  

    Julia Klatt
    Singer
    		  

    Diego
    Vázquez
    For six months, the writers—Nora Murphy, Josie Rawson, Julia Klatt Singer and Diego Vázquez—visited each of Saint Paul’s twelve library branches. Folks of all ages were invited to share stories in their library and their experiences in Saint Paul. By the end of the six months, nearly 500 stories or ideas were collected.

    The writers faced the difficult task of sifting through these memories and forming them into stories. Facts blurred into fiction, truths were bent into tales, and soon the writers had a completed book on their hands. The end result is Twelve Branches: Stories from St. Paul—rich, vibrant chapters that capture the spirit of the very different neighborhoods of Saint Paul.

    The Friends hosted an exciting opening reception for the debut of Twelve Branches on April 2 at the Highland Park Branch Library. The four writers read excerpts from the book, and autographed copies for everyone.

    Pictured: Attendees at the launch get their copies of Twelve Branches signed by authors Nora Murphy, Julia Klatt Singer, Josie Rawson and Diego Vázquez, Jr.

Funding for the project was provided by The Friends, Target Foundation, and Anna M. Heilmaier Charitable Foundation. The Pioneer Press provided additional support for the project. For more information on Twelve Branches, or if you’d like to order a copy, please contact The Friends at 651-222-3242.

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

September 24, 2004

In partnership with the Saint Paul Public Library, Friends of Libraries USA, the Minnesota Historical Society Press and the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, The Friends celebrated the 1896 birthday of Saint Paul's most famous literary son, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The celebrations were marked by:

  • Designation of Fitzgerald's birthplace at 481 Laurel Avenue as an National Literary Landmark
  • Creation of a new Fitzgerald Alcove on the third floor of Central Library
  • Celebratory readings from the Minnesota Historical Society's new book, The Saint Paul Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Publication of a small brochure of F. Scott Fitzgerald sites in Saint Paul, and
  • The addition of Fitzgerald reference materials to the Saint Paul Public Library's website (www.sppl.org)

Contact The Friends for more information on these or future Friends-sponsored Fitzgerald events in Saint Paul.