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.
Has the Public Library Made an Impact in Your Life or Community?
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
Upcoming Events
Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Tuesday, February 25
6:30 p.m. Discussion
Urban Growler
2325 Endicott Street
St. Paul
This event is FREE and open to the public.
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Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker are the stars of the Chain-Gang All-Stars, the cornerstone of CAPE, or Criminal Action Penal Entertainment, a highly popular, highly controversial profit-raising program in America’s increasingly dominant private prison industry.
In CAPE, prisoners travel as Links in Chain-Gangs, competing in death matches before packed arenas with righteous protestors at the gates. If all goes well, Thurwar will be free in just a few matches. But CAPE’s corporate owners will stop at nothing to protect their status quo, and the obstacles they lay in Thurwar’s path have devastating consequences.
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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.
Exhibit: Gatsby & Fitzgerald Collection at the Minnesota Historical Society
March 20 – May 31 2025
The Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
View objects from Fitzgerald’s life and world on display at the History Center. Items from the collection will be on display in the Gale Family Library through May. Entry is free.
Gatsby at 100
2025 is the 100th anniversary of the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book The Great Gatsby. To mark this milestone, The Friends will convene a variety of programs that invite us to revisit the book and consider how its themes apply today. Learn more and browse programs here.
The Great Gatsby: Live reading at the Minnesota History Center
Thursday, April 10 | 1:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Great Gatsby by attending a reading of the novel. Come and go as you please. You never know who you’ll hear reading!
While you’re there, check out the History Center’s Fitzgerald collection in the Gale Family Library.
Gatsby at 100
2025 is the 100th anniversary of the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book The Great Gatsby. To mark this milestone, The Friends will convene a variety of programs that invite us to revisit the book and consider how its themes apply today. Learn more and browse programs here.
Books & Bars: The Great Gatsby – A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Katherine Woodman Maynard
Tuesday, April 15 | 6:30 p.m. Discussion
Urban Growler
2325 Endicott Street, Saint Paul
The artist, Katherine Woodman Maynard, will talk about adapting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Painted in lush watercolors, this inventive interpretation emphasizes the extravagance and mystery of the characters and the fluidity of Nick Carraway’s unreliable narration. Excerpts from the original text wend through the illustrations, and imagery and metaphors are taken to literal, and often whimsical, extremes.
Gatsby at 100
2025 is the 100th anniversary of the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book The Great Gatsby. To mark this milestone, The Friends will convene a variety of programs that invite us to revisit the book and consider how its themes apply today. Learn more and browse programs here.
37th Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, April 22 | Ordway Center for Performing Arts
345 Washington Street, Saint Paul
Learn more, get tickets, or register for the livestream here.
Celebrate the state’s best book books at the 37th annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Education Minnesota. Readers, writers, and booklovers from across Minnesota are invited to gather and celebrate the stories of Minnesotans that inspire and connect us.
6:00 p.m. – Preface
Meet the finalists and mingle with your fellow book lovers. Enjoy book sales and signing and a cash bar.
7:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
Tane Danger will serve as emcee as awards are presented to winners in ten categories and to the recipient of the Kay Sexton award, with special guests.
9:00 p.m. – Epilogue
Celebrate with friends, buy featured books, and grab a treat when you leave.
The Ceremony will include ASL interpretation and live captioning.
Learn more about the finalists and their books here.