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The Saint Paul Public Library (“SPPL”) has 13 library locations, a bookmobile, and 2 early learning centers. All library locations feature children’s play areas, children’s specialists, and collections to stimulate your child’s growing mind. The mission of SPPL is to connect people in Saint Paul with the imperative and the joy of learning through a lifetime by facilitating free access to technology, books, movies, music, classes and more. The library announced discontinued late fees in 2019. However, books that are more than 35 days overdue will be considered lost and the patron will be billed for the lost book. If returned after 35 days, the bill will be cleared from your account, minus a $10 collection fee. So you still need to return books in a somewhat timely fashion. But Yay! This is a win for parents all over Saint Paul! Createch is a creative drop-in program created by teens for kids ages 12 to 18. Kids can explore creative interests or play video games with friends. Participating branches include Arlington Hills, Rice Street, Rondo, and Sun Ray Libraries. Teens can drop in during open hours to explore their interests. Available equipment include: In 2021, SPPL installed outdoor Wi-Fi access at all Library locations. Storytimes at SPPL branches use stories, songs, puppets, and more prepare children for reading success and to help parents find new techniques to do the same. The various branches offer storytimes in a variety of languages, including Somali, Amharic, Spanish, Karen, and Hmong. Look for summer reading programs each summer, beginning in early June through the end of August. The program uses various activities to encourage kids to have fun, stay active, and keep learning all summer long. Look for free in-library programs, reading challenges and activity challenges. Kids can earn prizes, such as books and memberships to the Science Museum and the Children’s Museum, along the way. There have been times in my parenting life when library visits and the care of borrowed items was more than I could handle. Now, for St. Paul families who feel this way, there is a solution. SPPL offers the e-card. You do still need to be a St. Paul resident to get this card, but it gives the user access to all of SPPL’s electronic resources including e-books, music downloads, digital magazines and online tutorials. It does not require a visit to the library to sign up, but when you do visit a branch, it can be converted to a full-service card at any time by showing a current photo ID. If you already have a SPPL library card, you already have access to all of these digital resources. NoveList K-8 is an online resource that helps kids find a book based on their interests. It has suggestions for both fiction and nonfiction and can be sorted by topic, genre, grade level, and Lexile score. You can also enter a title of a book they enjoyed and get “read-alike” suggestions. Beanstack is a program made for libraries to help connect patrons to reading. Participate in the Beanstack reading programs to earn incentives and discover great books. Begin by registering and earning your first badge. Then your children can log their reading and activities to get more online badges and earn a Certificate of Completion. During the summer months, enroll in our Summer Spark program on Beanstack for more reading fun. BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction. It helps kids improve reading skills and develop real-world knowledge and understanding. Best for ages 4-8. I find these to be a nice alternative to TV. This new program provides resources, programming, and access for youth to interact with nature in their neighborhoods. The program began at Sun Ray Library in 2013, but in 2017 3 more branches joined the program. Participating locations are Hamline Midway, Riverview, Saint Anthony Park, and Sun Ray. These four libraries will offer Nature Smart backpacks to check out. The backpacks include both books and activities on selected nature themes, like monarchs, trees, and birds. Each of these libraries also has an outdoor space or garden where the backpacks can be used. There is also a Bookmobile and two Debra S. Fish Early Learning locations – one in St. Paul in one in Minneapolis.Related Articles:
Saint Paul Public Library – Fine Free
Createch Lab for Teens
Outdoor Wi-Fi
Storytimes at Saint Paul Public Library Locations
Summer Reading Programs at Saint Paul Public Library
Saint Paul Public Library E-Card
Help Your Kids Choose The Next Book with NoveList K-8
Join the Beanstack Reading Program With Saint Paul Public Library
Access BookFlix Through Saint Paul Public Library
The Nature Smart Library Initiative
13 Saint Paul Public Library Branches
Hamline Midway. Closed 5/28/23 for construction of new library to open in 2024.Useful Links: