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
THE GLORY THAT IS FATHERHOOD: A Panel Discussion to Celebrate Fatherhood
Event 2 of 2
Saturday, June 7 | 2:00 p.m.
Rondo Community Library
461 Dale Street N, Saint Paul
thefriends.org/father
Join Alexei Casselle, Nick Metcalf, Abdirahman Mukhtar, and Mohamud Nur as they explore the struggles, joys, and fears fathers face as well as where they are finding inspiration, support, resilience, and fortitude in this complicated time to raise children.
Co-Moderators: Suleiman Adan and Ben Weaver
These events are part of More Than a Single Story: Our Stories Our Selves.
Beautiful Little Fools: Author Talk with Jillian Cantor
Tuesday, June 10 | 6:15 p.m.
Riverview Public Library
1 George St E, St Paul, MN 55107
Livestream also available. | Register for livestream here.
Author Jillian Cantor will talk about her book Beautiful Little Fools. The book tells the stories of the women of The Great Gatsby in the years leading up to the events portrayed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book.
Jillian Cantor is the best-selling author of 13 novels for teens and adults. Her work has been translated into 15 languages. She currently lives in Arizona.
To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, contact [email protected] or 651-222-3242 at least seven days in advance. The livestream will be captioned.
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.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Wednesday, June 18
6:30 p.m. Discussion
Utepils Brewing Co
225 Thomas Ave N
Minneapolis
This event is FREE and open to the public.
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After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
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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.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Tuesday, June 24
6:30 p.m. Discussion
Urban Growler
2325 Endicott St
St. Paul
This event is FREE and open to the public.
—
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
—
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.
Author Discussion | Moving Words event
Thursday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.
Walker Public Library | 203 Tower Ave, Walker, MN 56484
Free | Registration not required
Enjoy a lively discussion with three multi-genre, Minnesota authors. Moving Words is an opportunity for writers and readers to explore various themes together: the impact of literature in their lives, their connection as fellow Minnesotans, and the lens through which we read.
Moving Words is a program of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Library of Congress-designated Minnesota Center for the Book. This program is made possible in part by the State of Minnesota through an appropriation to the Minnesota Department of Education, The Harlan Boss Foundation, and the generous support of Bernadette and Jeffrey Janisch.
