Ramsey County Library Friends

The Ramsey County Library Friends organization was formed in 1979 to advocate for and support public library services in suburban Ramsey County. The Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a governing board of directors, three staff members, a membership base of more than 800 households, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to strengthen, support and advocate for the Ramsey County Library system in order to enrich the lives of Library users, promote literacy and education, and to foster community. Many programs and services at the libraries in Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Saint Paul, Roseville, Shoreview, and White Bear Lake would not have been possible without the support of the Ramsey County Library Friends. The Friends have initiated, funded, enhanced, or expanded programs for all ages including the Summer Reading Program, Kindergarten Library Card Party, drop-in computer and tech classes, training for job seekers, teen maker spaces, and racial equity programming. We have also made substantial additions to the collection of library books and materials. When asked, we lead capital campaigns for library remodeling, renovation, and enhancements. Friends volunteers operate used book stores at the Maplewood, Roseville and Shoreview branch libraries and book carts at Mounds View and White Bear Lake, with proceeds supporting RCL. Volunteers have also helped promote child literacy through the Reading Friends Literacy Program, worked at semi-annual used book sales, served on committees to plan programs and a winter gala, conducted an annual 5K walk/run, planned an annual luncheon and breakfast, recruited members, prepared mailings, and more. Since 1979, Friends members, volunteers, and donors have provided more than $6 million in funding, materials, and enhancements to Ramsey County Library. Become a Friend today! Together we can do so much.