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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.

Related Articles:

• Summer Reading Programs
• Bookflix – A New Way to Read Together
• Twin Cities Storytimes
• 101 Twin Cities Libraries – Mapped

Saint Paul Public Library – Fine Free

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 Lab for Teens

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:

• A laser engraver,
• Oculus Quest headset
• Painting material
• Sewing equipment
• A drone
• A recording studio.
• 3D printers.

Outdoor Wi-Fi

In 2021, SPPL installed outdoor Wi-Fi access at all Library locations. Now visitors can connect to Wi-Fi for free in areas adjacent to library buildings. Staff at each library location can provide Wi-Fi access details. This will be especially wonderful for locations that share space with a park or have an outdoor garden.  Parents access Wi-Fi while the kids play.

Storytimes at Saint Paul Public 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.

Summer Reading Programs at Saint Paul Public Library

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.

Saint Paul Public Library E-Card

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.

Help Your Kids Choose The Next Book with NoveList K-8

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.

Join the Beanstack Reading Program With Saint Paul Public Library

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.

Access BookFlix Through Saint Paul Public Library

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.

The Nature Smart Library Initiative

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.

13 Saint Paul Public Library Branches

1. Arlington Hills
2. Dayton’s Bluff
3. George Latimer Central Library
4. Hamline Midway. Closed 5/28/23 for construction of new library to open in 2024.
5. Hayden Heights
6. Highland Park
7. Merriam Park Library
8. Rice Street
9. Riverview
10. Rondo
11. Saint Anthony Park
12. Sun Ray
13. West 7th

There is also a Bookmobile and two Debra S. Fish Early Learning locations – one in St. Paul in one in Minneapolis.

Useful Links:

• Follow the library on Facebook for some events.
• Learn More About Nature Smart Library Initiative
• Learn more about accessing Bookflix with your library card.
• Accessed NovelList with your library card
• Find the SPPL Storytime calendar here