Libraries

James J. Hill Library Photo: Payton Chung

The Saint Paul Public Library traces its earliest beginnings to 1856 when the newly formed Young Men's Christian Association opened a reading room. The following year, both the Saint Paul Library Association and the Mercantile Library Association also were organized. These early efforts all merged in 1863 into the Saint Paul Library Association.

In 1879, under the leadership of Alexander Ramsey (who had served as Mayor, Governor, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of War), the Library Association proposed that the City accept responsibility for their collections and establish it as a free public library. Finally, on September 7, 1882, the city council approved an appropriation of $5,000 to establish the Saint Paul Public Library. By this date, the collection had grown to include 8,051 books.

Another milestone for the Library came in 1945, with the establishment of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. Through the years, the Friends has grown to become a key partner with the City in the provision of library service, through fundraising, programming and advocacy. The Friends is now nationally recognized as one of the best library support organizations in the nation. Today, the Saint Paul Public Library system consists of Central Library, 12 branches, and a bookmobile.

The Saint Paul Library system is an information resource for everyone from children doing homework to adults reading their favorite periodicals on a leisurely afternoon. Offering literary, historical, and cultural events, the City of Saint Paul and the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library provide learning opportunities for eager minds. Library buildings are a calm, safe environment and all entries are handicap-accessible. The following is a list of locations and hours. For further information visit http://www.stpaul.lib.mn.us