Mission

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is an independent, nonprofit organization that acts as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities. The Friends invests in libraries through fundraising, advocacy, and programming because libraries are essential to strong communities. The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library was originally created in 1945 by then Library Director Perrie Jones. The Friends functions as the Library’s foundation, managing more than $15 million in endowment assets. Friends annual fundraising supports ongoing library priorities such as innovation through pilot programs, children and youth enrichment initiatives, and digital equity and workforce services. As Minnesota’s Center for the Book, a Library of Congress designation, The Friends presents dynamic programming that reaches all corners of the state and promotes reading, libraries, and Minnesota’s literary legacy. The Friends also assists other library systems and foundations with strategic planning, fundraising, and project management through the Library Strategies Consulting Group.