We believe libraries are essential.
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is an independent, nonprofit organization that, for more than 80 years, has acted as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities.
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.
The Friends invests in libraries through fundraising, advocacy, and programming so libraries can better respond to community needs.
Click here to read our strategic plan.
Here's How We Invest
Advocacy
The Friends advocates for the Library by engaging citizens and elected officials to support and sustain public investment in the Library.
Click here to learn more about our work and about how you can get involved.
Fundraising
Each year, The Friends raises money from community members and institutions to support our Library beyond what tax dollars can do.
Programming
As the Library of Congress-designated Center for the Book in Minnesota, The Friends produces dynamic programming for libraries across the state.
Our events are always open to the public and most are free.
Consulting
Through our consulting services, Library Strategies, we strengthen libraries and library organizations nationwide.
Library Strategies partners with library organizations nationally and internationally to cultivate their potential so that they can better serve their communities.
History of The Friends
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library was originally created in 1945 by then Library Director Perrie Jones. Today The Friends is a $3 million organization whose mission is to “act as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities,” serving libraries locally and nationally.