Since 1945, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library – a private, nonprofit organization – has been assisting the Saint Paul Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, cultural programming and public awareness activities. The Friends is guided in its work by innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to challenging issues, inclusivity and integrity in its activities, and responsible stewardship of its resources. Through this work, The Friends serves as a national model for its unique, comprehensive support of the Saint Paul Public Library. In 2006, responding to an increasing number of requests for advice and consultation, The Friends launched Library Strategies, a nonprofit national and international library consulting group whose proceeds support the mission of the Friends. The Friends is also the leadership organization for the Minnesota Book Awards (MNBA), created in 1988 as a part of the Festival of the Book. Through its work with MNBA, The Friends was designated the Minnesota Center for the Book, a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
