Invest in Your Community
Invest in Your Library

We support libraries through fundraising, advocacy, and programming.

We Believe in the Library. We Invest in the Library.

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library believes that libraries are essential. We act as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities. Learn more in this short video about our work.

Books and so much more

Libraries are the best way to strengthen communities because they connect individuals of every age, ethnicity, and background with resources that enrich and improve lives.

Maker Spaces

The library provides technology and space for innovation. Saint Paul resident, Rachel created a package prototype at the George Latimer Central Library.

Small Business Resources

The library helps the local economy. Darren and Oie were able to start their own company using small business resources at Central Library.

Homework Help

The library provides educational support. Ramla's daughter improved her grades thanks to homework help at the Arlington Hills Community Center.

Digital Literacy Training

The library provides opportunity to grow your skills. One of our patrons, Nancy got promoted after taking a digital literacy class at the Rondo Library.

Has the Public Library Made an Impact in Your Life or Community?

Here's How The Friends Invests

Even in a city that loves its libraries, public funding isn’t enough for libraries to provide all the important resources that residents seek.

The Library, part of the City of Saint Paul, depends on The Friends to support those resources. As an independent nonprofit, The Friends invests in libraries so that they, and the communities they serve, thrive.

We Raise Money

We Advocate

We Produce Programming

We Consult

Stronger Libraries for Stronger Communities

“I don’t know how to help my child with their homework, so this helps them. We love it here, and the kids want to come.”

– Safiya, mother

“This storytime means so much to me because my kids get to learn their native language.”

– Po, parent

“The library brings people together. It’s a place to come together around community and information.”

– Darren, small-business owner

“The best thing about this program is that it has all the resources a low-income student may need to do well in school… along with a safe learning environment for students to work.”

– Mai Xee, student

The need for a strong library is greater than ever.

Upcoming Events

Jul
17
Wed
Books & Bars: “Silver Nitrate” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia @ Sociable Cider Werks
Jul 17 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Wednesday, July 17
6:30 p.m. Discussion

Sociable Cider Werks
1500 Fillmore St
Minneapolis

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Montserrat has always been overlooked. She’s a talented sound editor, but she’s left out of the boys’ club running the film industry in ’90s Mexico City.

Montserrat’s childhood best friend Tristán discovers his new neighbor is the cult horror director Abel Urueta, and the legendary auteur claims he can change their lives—even if his tale of a Nazi occultist imbuing magic into highly volatile silver nitrate stock sounds like sheer fantasy. The magic film was never finished, which is why, Urueta swears, his career vanished overnight.


With The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, moderator Jeff Kamin brings his unique take on a public book club show to Saint Paul. Even if you don’t like the featured book, he “guarantees a good time at our entertaining discussions.” All are welcome to try this moderated reinvention of the book club.

Jul
23
Tue
Books & Bars: “Silver Nitrate” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia @ Urban Growler
Jul 23 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Tuesday, July 23
6:30 p.m. Discussion

Urban Growler
2325 Endicott Street
St. Paul

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Montserrat has always been overlooked. She’s a talented sound editor, but she’s left out of the boys’ club running the film industry in ’90s Mexico City.

Montserrat’s childhood best friend Tristán discovers his new neighbor is the cult horror director Abel Urueta, and the legendary auteur claims he can change their lives—even if his tale of a Nazi occultist imbuing magic into highly volatile silver nitrate stock sounds like sheer fantasy. The magic film was never finished, which is why, Urueta swears, his career vanished overnight.


With The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, moderator Jeff Kamin brings his unique take on a public book club show to Saint Paul. Even if you don’t like the featured book, he “guarantees a good time at our entertaining discussions.” All are welcome to try this moderated reinvention of the book club.

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library Blog

2024 Minnesota Book Award Winners

2024 Annual Minnesota Book Awards Winners AnnouncedSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, May 7, 2024 – The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library has announced the winners of the 2024 Minnesota Book Awards, presented this year by sponsor Education Minnesota. In addition to winners in nine categories, The Friends announced the Hognander Minnesota History Award winner and…
Read More

36 Finalists Blog 2024: Ned Netzel, Nic Peloquin, Mary K. Tennis, Greg Conley and Eric Goerdt

Ned Netzel, Nic Peloquin, Mary K. Tennis, Greg Conley & Eric Goerdt, authors of Smoke on the Waterfront: The Northern Waters Smokehaus Cookbook General Nonfiction Category, sponsored by Loren & Christine Danielson Each week leading up to the 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch…
Read More

36 Finalists Blog 2024: Nate Patrin

Nate Patrin, author of The Needle and the Lens: Pop Goes to the Movies from Rock ‘n’ Roll to Synthwave General Nonfiction Category, sponsored by Loren & Christine Danielson Each week leading up to the 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch the authors in…
Read More

The need for a strong library is greater than ever.