Saint Paul,
Your Library Needs You.

Use your voice to protect library funding.

Petition Closed

  • Support digital access for all

  • pencil

    Help families with distance learning

  • Provide job resources

300,000 Saint Paul Residents are relying on the library for resources.

Without funding, the library can’t respond.

In the midst of a pandemic, thousands of Saint Paul residents need to find new jobs, kids and parents need help with distance learning, and people everywhere need connection. Without adequate City funding, the library can’t respond to those needs. Now more than ever, we need your help.

Your tax dollars, your voice. Sign the petition today.

Historic
Budget Cuts

Our mayor and city council members face difficult decisions with the 2021 budget. The Saint Paul Public Library is a trusted asset that connects residents to technology and educational tools and is an essential part of our city’s path toward recovery.

We need every resident's help. Take a stand for library funding.

Protect Library Funding

Whether it be in-person or online, no other public institution offers our community the level of resources, knowledge, and personalized support that the library does. 

For 75 years, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library has strengthened the library through funding and advocacy. With your help, we can make sure City leaders know that residents support public investment in the library, especially during a pandemic when we need it most. Let Saint Paul know that you’re a Friend of the library.

When you sign the petition you are showing support for:

  • Distance learning support for families

  • Access to jobs and housing resources

  • Free digital resources and thousands of books

  • Opportunities for our community to thrive

Protect Library Funding

Here’s How You Can Help

  • 1

    Sign the Petition

  • 2

    Share on Social Media

  • 3

    Get a Lawn Sign

“The libraries have been — and remain — crucial in my life and to my emotional well-being. Because of libraries I felt safety in the world.”

– Judy

Protecting the library protects opportunity for all:

310,000

E-materials
Loaned

Since the pandemic began, residents are borrowing more digital books and resources.

7,000

Books
Given Away

Saint Paul librarians gave away books to youth across Saint Paul as part of the Summer Spark learning program.

104

Different
Languages

Resources in languages other than English are imperative to serve all Saint Paul residents. The library offers books and other materials in 104 different languages. 

74,612

Storytime
Views

It has been challenging for parents and kids to access educational resources from home. This year the library offered storytime and early childhood educational programs for kids at home.

104,263

Materials
Picked Up

This year the library has had even more demand for materials and resources that cannot be accessed anywhere else. The library has loaned over 104,263 materials through contactless pickup.

What Happens if Library Funding is Cut?

Meeting the basic needs of our community will be harder than ever.

1. Some residents won't have internet access.

Participation in society right now depends on access to technology and internet. Saint Paul Public Library serves as a critical access point to WiFi, technology, and digital literacy resources.

2. Many students won't get school help.

The library provides online resources; homework help; one-on-one mentoring; educator guidance; and numerous tools for students, parents, and teachers that matter even more during distance learning.

3. Neighbors won't get basic needs met.

Library staff work with patrons to meet basic needs by navigating applications for food, health, and housing benefits, to co-create programming that relieves social isolation, and to help immigrant and refugee families connect to resources and each other.

4. The city won't rebuild as quickly.

When city leaders prioritize the library, the library can be part of a broader vision for our whole community. It can support goals for public safety, eliminating systemic racism, rebuilding the workforce and the economy, educating youth, and connecting the community.

For more than 75 years The Friends has been an advocate and supporter of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Right now, the Library is facing one of its toughest challenges yet with the threat of budget cuts. We cannot do this without you. Use your voice to protect the library.