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
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Wednesday, May 15
6:30 p.m. Discussion
Sociable Cider Werks
1500 Fillmore St
Minneapolis
This event is FREE and open to the public.
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Alex Green is a young girl in a world much like ours, except for its most seminal event: the Mass Dragoning of 1955, when hundreds of thousands of ordinary wives and mothers sprouted wings, scales, and talons; left a trail of fiery destruction in their path; and took to the skies.
Forced into silence, Alex nevertheless must face the consequences of this astonishing event: a mother more protective than ever; an absentee father; the upsetting insistence that her aunt never even existed; and watching her beloved cousin Bea become dangerously obsessed with the forbidden.
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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.
Moving Words: Author Discussion
Monday, May 20 | 2:00 p.m.
Wadena City Library | 210 1st St SW, Wadena MN 56482
Free | Registration not required
Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: Janna Knittel, Jeremy Norton, and Margi Preus. 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 and the generous support of Bernadette and Jeffrey Janisch.
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Tuesday, May 21
6:30 p.m. Discussion – Author Kelly Barnhill will join in person!
Urban Growler
2325 Endicott Street
Saint Paul
This event is FREE and open to the public.
—
Alex Green is a young girl in a world much like ours, except for its most seminal event: the Mass Dragoning of 1955, when hundreds of thousands of ordinary wives and mothers sprouted wings, scales, and talons; left a trail of fiery destruction in their path; and took to the skies.
Forced into silence, Alex nevertheless must face the consequences of this astonishing event: a mother more protective than ever; an absentee father; the upsetting insistence that her aunt never even existed; and watching her beloved cousin Bea become dangerously obsessed with the forbidden.
—
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.
SONGS FOR OUR FATHERS: A Series of Panel Discussions to Celebrate Fatherhood
Event 1: In Praise of Single Fathers
Thursday, May 30 | 6:00 p.m.
Highland Park Library
1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul
Join Nick Metcalf, Bao Phi, Davu Seru and Clarence White as they explore what it means to be in a masculine-perceived body and to raise children without the other birth parent present. What structural, physical, and emotional challenges do we face raising kids as “solo” fathers? Where have we found resilience and capacity to dream into our visions for caregiving, rather than collapsing into conventional norms?
Moderator: Ben Weaver.
These events are part of More Than a Single Story: Our Stories Our Selves.
Explore the full series:
Panel Discussions
Event 2: The Unsung Realities of Fatherhood
Event 3: For the Love of Our Grandfathers
Workshops
Workshop 1: Unpacking “Single” Fatherhood
Workshop 2: The Unsung Realities of Modern Fatherhood
Workshop 3: Father and Son
SONGS FOR OUR FATHERS: A Series of Writing Workshops to Celebrate Fatherhood
Workshop 1: Unpacking “Single” Fatherhood
Saturday, June 1 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Highland Park Library
1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul
Important pieces of our unique parenting stories are overlooked when the title “single father” is employed. In this workshop, we will explore a fuller picture of who we are as fathers raising children without the other birth parent present in the home. Writing allows us to dream deeper into who we are and who we are becoming. Anyone of any gender, age, or background who identifies as a father is invited to join us for this experience.
About the instructor: Ben Weaver is a father, caregiver, songwriter, poet and hide tanner, who travels by bicycle. He uses music and poetry to strengthen relationships and culture between human and non-human entities. He has released nine studio albums of music and five books of poetry. Given the choice he will side with the animals, lakes, rivers and trees. Relationship is the repair.
These events are part of More Than a Single Story: Our Stories Our Selves.
Explore the full series:
Panel Discussions
Event 1: In Praise of Single Fathers
Event 2: The Unsung Realities of Fatherhood
Event 3: For the Love of Our Grandfathers
Workshops
Workshop 2: The Unsung Realities of Modern Fatherhood
Workshop 3: Father and Son