The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library

About

We raise almost $2 million a year to provide free resources and learning opportunities to learners of every age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.

Story

Since 1945, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library – a private, nonprofit organization – has been assisting the Saint Paul Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, cultural programming and public awareness activities. The Friends is guided in its work by innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to challenging issues, inclusivity and integrity in its activities, and responsible stewardship of its resources. Through this work, The Friends serves as a national model for its unique, comprehensive support of the Saint Paul Public Library. In 2006, responding to an increasing number of requests for advice and consultation, The Friends launched Library Strategies, a nonprofit national and international library consulting group whose proceeds support the mission of the Friends. The Friends is also the leadership organization for the Minnesota Book Awards (MNBA), created in 1988 as a part of the Festival of the Book. Through its work with MNBA, The Friends was designated the Minnesota Center for the Book, a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Mission

Stronger libraries for stronger communities

Vision
As an influential voice for libraries, we will ensure the Saint Paul Public Library and libraries in Minnesota, nationally and internationally are vital centers of engaged, educated and diverse communities.

Values
The Friends is guided in its work by:
• Creative, innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to challenging issues;
• Inclusivity and integrity in all its activities;
• Responsible stewardship of its resources in perpetuity.