One way The Friends invests in the library is by connecting readers and writers statewide through a range of programs. For more than 30 years, we have offered programs that entertain, enrich, and nourish curious minds.
Our events are always open to the public and most are free. Browse our calendar below.
Captioning is provided for our livestream events; ASL interpretation is available upon request with at least seven days’ notice. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, contact [email protected] or 651-222-3242.
Full Calendar of Events
Events for February 10, 2026
Exhibit: “Gatsby at 100”
“Gatsby at 100” Exhibit September 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026 Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis “Gatsby at 100,” opening in fall 2025 at the Minneapolis…
Ongoing Series
Books & Bars
With The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, moderator Jeff Kamin brings his unique take on a public book club show to our computer screen every first Wednesday of the month.
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.
Books & Bars: “Playground” by Richard Powers
When: March 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmPlayground by Richard Powers Wednesday, March 18 6:30 p.m. Discussion Utepils 225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis This event is FREE and open to the public. — Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu sinks to the bottom of a swimming pool in Montreal strapped to one of the world’s first aqualungs. Ina Aroita grows up on naval bases across…
Books & Bars: “Playground” by Richard Powers
When: March 24 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmPlayground by Richard Powers Tuesday, March 24 6:30 p.m. Discussion Urban Growler 2325 Endicott St St. Paul This event is FREE and open to the public. — Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu sinks to the bottom of a swimming pool in Montreal strapped to one of the world’s first aqualungs. Ina Aroita grows up on naval bases…
Books & Bars: “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James MacBride
When: February 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James MacBride Wednesday, February 18 6:30 p.m. Discussion Utepils 225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis This event is FREE and open to the public. — In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a…
Books & Bars: “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James MacBride
When: February 24 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThe Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James MacBride Tuesday, February 24 6:30 p.m. Discussion Urban Growler 2325 Endicott St. St. Paul This event is FREE and open to the public. — In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was…
Fitzgerald in Saint Paul
The Friends stewards F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legacy through programming that celebrates the life and literature of the revered author and inspires people to reflect on both his historical and contemporary significance. Learn more here.
Exhibit: “Gatsby at 100”
When: September 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026“Gatsby at 100” Exhibit September 13, 2025 – March 22, 2026 Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis “Gatsby at 100,” opening in fall 2025 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, will explore how F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel shaped and was shaped by the visual art of his time. The exhibition will bring…
Fireside Reading Series
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. Events this year took place Wednesday evenings in January at 6:30 p.m. at Rondo Community Library at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.
The 2026 featured authors were Mindy Mejia, Ricardo Levins Morales, Debra J. Stone, and Greg Gaut.
You can watch recordings of all four events here.
These programs are made possible in part through the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Minnesota Center for the Book.
Previous Seasons:
Watch the 2025 recordings here.
Watch the 2024 recordings here.
Watch the 2023 recordings here.
Watch the 2022 recordings here.
Watch the full playlist of events from 2020.
Listen to podcasts from previous years.
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Read Brave Saint Paul
Read Brave is Saint Paul's annual citywide book club hosted by Mayor Carter and Saint Paul Public Library. Read Brave taps into the power of books to bring residents together to read and talk bravely across generations about an issue critical to Saint Paul and its future. The 2024 Read Brave book pick is the young adult novel Man o’ War by Cory McCarthy.
Sign up for the Read Brave e-newsletters or visit the Library's Read Brave webpage to learn how to access books and events.
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More Than a Single Story
More Than a Single Story is a series of panel discussions/public conversations where writers of color discuss issues of importance to them in their own voices and in their own words.
The 2025 Series is "Songs for Our Fathers: A Series to Celebrate Fatherhood" This series includes two panel discussions that aims to bridge cultural, racial, and generational divides as single fathers, married fathers, stepfathers, and grandfathers gather to explore the songs and silences passed down by our fathers, and the stories we’re crafting now as we raise, support, and stand beside the next generation.
Moderators: Suleiman Adan and Ben Weaver
Click on an event to the right to learn more.
There are no upcoming events to display at this time.