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
Calendar of Events
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Tuesday, October 27 | 5:30 p.m. Jackson County Library 311 3rd St., Jackson, MN 56143 Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: H.M. Bouwman, Mary Logue, and Kelly Foster Lundquist. Moving Words is an opportunity for writers and readers to explore various themes together: the impact of literature in their lives, their connection as… |
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Thursday, October 29th 6:00 p.m. Morris Public Library 102 E 6th St, Morris, MN 56267 Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: Deborah Jiang-Stein, Hampton Smith, and Jason Walz. 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… |
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Saturday, November 7 | 10:30 a.m. Wadena City Library 210 1st St SW, Wadena Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: C.M. Alongi, Jacqueline West, and Patricia C. Wrede. 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… |
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Thursday, November 19 | 6:30 p.m. following Friends of the Library annual meeting St. Peter Community Center, Room 219 601 S. Washington Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082 Enjoy a lively discussion with three Minnesota authors: Art Coulson, Naomi Kritzer, and Sun Yung Shin. Moving Words is an opportunity for writers and readers to explore various… |
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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.
There are no upcoming events to display at this time.
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.
Fitzgerald in Saint Paul | Short Stories with Klecko
When: October 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThursday, October 15 | 6:30 p.m. Merriam Park Library 1831 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul Explore F. Scott Fitzgerald’s St. Paul stories in a casual environment with St. Paul and Fitzgerald enthusiast, Klecko. Your host will take advantage of his eclectic network to shine a light on the present-day resonance of the themes in Fitzgerald’s short…
Fitzgerald in Saint Paul | Short Stories with Klecko
When: December 10 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmThursday, December 10 | 6:30 p.m. Merriam Park Library 1831 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul Explore F. Scott Fitzgerald’s St. Paul stories in a casual environment with St. Paul and Fitzgerald enthusiast, Klecko. Your host will take advantage of his eclectic network to shine a light on the present-day resonance of the themes in Fitzgerald’s short…
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.
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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.
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