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

Oct
14
Mon
Moving Words: Writers Across Minnesota | Luverne @ Rock County Community Library
Oct 14 @ 10:30 am

Moving Words: Author Discussion
Monday, October 14 | 10:30 a.m.
Rock County Community Library | 201 W Main St, Luverne MN 56156
Free | Registration not required

Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: Cori Doerrfeld, Naomi Kritzer, and Jody Lulich. 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.

Oct
22
Tue
Moving Words: Writers Across Minnesota | Fergus Falls @ A Center for the Arts
Oct 22 @ 7:00 pm

Moving Words: Author Discussion
Tuesday, October 22 | 7:00 p.m.
A Center for the Arts | 124 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537
Free | Registration not required

Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: Andrew DeYoung, Marcie Rendon, and Emma Törsz. 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.

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…
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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…
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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…
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The need for a strong library is greater than ever.