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
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.
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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.
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.
Fitzgerald Around Saint Paul Walking Tours with Mark Taylor
Saturday, July 26 & Saturday, August 23, 2025
Start time options: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Cathedral Hill, Saint Paul
To book, email Mark directly and mention The Friends.
Enjoy the Minnesota summer and immerse yourself in the charm of the 1920s as Mark guides you through locations that played a significant role in Fitzgerald’s life and novels. Fitzgerald walking tours cover a 1.5 mile loop and are capped at 20 people. The Friends will cover the usual $20 tour fee when you mention our name at booking.
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.
Wednesday, August 6 | Time TBD
Merriam Park Library | 1831 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul
Performer Monette Magrath shares a behind-the-scenes look at her one-woman show “The Last Flapper” by William Luce, based on the writings of Mrs. F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Learn more about the performance here.
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.
Fitzgerald Around Saint Paul Walking Tours with Mark Taylor
Saturday, July 26 & Saturday, August 23, 2025
Start time options: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Cathedral Hill, Saint Paul
To book, email Mark directly and mention The Friends.
Enjoy the Minnesota summer and immerse yourself in the charm of the 1920s as Mark guides you through locations that played a significant role in Fitzgerald’s life and novels. Fitzgerald walking tours cover a 1.5 mile loop and are capped at 20 people. The Friends will cover the usual $20 tour fee when you mention our name at booking.
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.