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 Future by Naomi Alderman
Tuesday, December 17th
6:30 p.m. Discussion
Urban Growler
2325 Endicott Street
Saint Paul
This event is FREE and open to the public.
—
When Martha Einkorn fled her father’s isolated compound in Oregon, she never expected to find herself working for a powerful social media mogul hell-bent on controlling everything. Martha may have left the cult, but if the apocalyptic warnings in her father’s fox and rabbit sermon—once a parable to her—are starting to come true.
Across the world, in a mall in Singapore, Lai Zhen, an internet-famous survivalist, flees from an assassin. She’s cornered, desperate, and—worst of all—might die without ever knowing what’s going on. Suddenly, a remarkable piece of software appears on her phone telling her exactly how to escape. Martha and Zhen’s worlds are about to collide. An explosive chain of events is set in motion.
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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.
The Future by Naomi Alderman
Wednesday, December 18th
6:30 p.m. Discussion
Sociable Cider Werks
1500 Fillmore St. NE
Minneapolis
This event is FREE and open to the public.
—
When Martha Einkorn fled her father’s isolated compound in Oregon, she never expected to find herself working for a powerful social media mogul hell-bent on controlling everything. Martha may have left the cult, but if the apocalyptic warnings in her father’s fox and rabbit sermon—once a parable to her—are starting to come true.
Across the world, in a mall in Singapore, Lai Zhen, an internet-famous survivalist, flees from an assassin. She’s cornered, desperate, and—worst of all—might die without ever knowing what’s going on. Suddenly, a remarkable piece of software appears on her phone telling her exactly how to escape. Martha and Zhen’s worlds are about to collide. An explosive chain of events is set in motion.
—
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.
Traveling Without Moving: Essays from a Black Woman Trying to Survive in America by Taiyon Coleman | Memoir
Wednesday, January 8 | 6:30 p.m.
Rondo Community Library | 461 North Dale Street, Saint Paul
OR via Zoom | REGISTER HERE for Zoom event
About the Book
Coleman shares intimate essays from her life. She explores what it means to write her story and that of her family—an act at once a responsibility and a privilege—bringing forth the inherent contradictions between American ideals and Black reality.
About the Author
Taiyon J. Coleman is a poet, writer, and educator whose work has been anthologized widely. She is a 2017 recipient of a McKnight Foundation Artist Fellowship in Creative Prose and a recipient of a 2018–2019 Mirrors and Windows Fellowship. She is associate professor of English and women’s studies at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
About the Fireside Reading Series
Great authors by the fireside.
FREE
Wednesdays | January 8 – January 29, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Rondo Community Library | 461 North Dale Street, Saint Paul
or via Zoom
thefriends.org/fireside
Cozy up for four weeks of readings with great writers. In partnership with Saint Paul Public Library, Fireside Reading Series highlights some of Minnesota’s finest writers who have published new work.
Captioning will be provided for all four livestreamed events. ASL interpretation is available upon request with at least seven days’ notice. Contact [email protected] or 651-222-3242.
These programs are made possible in part through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Minnesota Center for the Book.
All Fireside Events
Wednesday, January 8th
Taiyon Coleman, Traveling Without Moving: Essays from a Black Woman Trying to Survive in America
Memoir
Wednesday, January 15th
Jokeda “JoJo” Bell, Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms
Nonfiction
Wednesday, January 22nd
Naomi Cohn, The Braille Encyclopedia
Poetry/Memoir
Wednesday, January 29th
Pallavi Dixit, Edison
Novel
Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms by Jokeda “JoJo” Bell | Nonfiction
Wednesday, January 15 | 6:30 p.m.
Rondo Community Library | 461 North Dale Street, Saint Paul
OR via Zoom | REGISTER HERE for Zoom event
About the Book
Hilda Simms joined Harlem’s Negro Theater in 1943 and helped chart a path for Black actors who wanted to be considered serious dramatists. She openly supported civil rights and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for “un-American” activities. Despite this setback, she continued her efforts to create opportunities for people of color in theater and film.
About the Author
Jokeda “JoJo” Bell is executive director of exhibitions and programming for the African American Interpretive Center of Minnesota. She is a PhD student in the history department at the University of Minnesota. She studies Black women and land ownership in the Upper Midwest.
About the Fireside Reading Series
Great authors by the fireside.
FREE
Wednesdays | January 8 – January 29, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Rondo Community Library | 461 North Dale Street, Saint Paul
or via Zoom
thefriends.org/fireside
Cozy up for four weeks of readings with great writers. In partnership with Saint Paul Public Library, Fireside Reading Series highlights some of Minnesota’s finest writers who have published new work.
Captioning will be provided for all four livestreamed events. ASL interpretation is available upon request with at least seven days’ notice. Contact [email protected] or 651-222-3242.
These programs are made possible in part through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Minnesota Center for the Book.
All Fireside Events
Wednesday, January 8th
Taiyon Coleman, Traveling Without Moving: Essays from a Black Woman Trying to Survive in America
Memoir
Wednesday, January 15th
Jokeda “JoJo” Bell, Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms
Nonfiction
Wednesday, January 22nd
Naomi Cohn, The Braille Encyclopedia
Poetry/Memoir
Wednesday, January 29th
Pallavi Dixit, Edison
Novel
F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Composite Biography: Book launch and conversation with editors
Saturday, January 18 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Arlington Hills Community Center | 1200 Payne Ave, Saint Paul
Register below to watch the livestream.
Editors Niklas Salmose and David Rennie will join contributors David Page and Ross Tangedal in conversation to celebrate the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Composite Biography. This unique biography tells the story of Fitzgerald’s life through the writing of 23 different scholars.
Light food will be provided, and book sales will be available on site.
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.
This book is published by the University of Minnesota Press with support from The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library through the Richard P. McDermott Fund.
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.
Livestream Registration: "F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Composite Biography:" Book launch and conversation with editors
Registrants for this event will receive the livestream link ahead of time.