Ramsey County Library Friends

05/27/2026

This summer, Ramsey County Library will be switching to new behind‑the‑scenes software that helps the library run smoothly. Library users will start to see temporary changes to how they use the library in June 2026. Checking rclreads.org throughout the summer will keep you informed and help you plan your visit.

Here's two things you can do now to prepare:

1. Read through our timeline at rclreads.org/news/library-software-transition. Consider signing up for our news e-newsletter to stay on top of the latest information about the transition.

2. Find the physical copy of your library card. Starting July 5, you will not be able to check out library materials using your digital library card in the app and we will not be able to look your account up with an ID. You must have your physical library card with you to check out materials. If you can't find your card, please stop in and get a new one.

05/13/2026

Reminder: Free Minnesota Community Cookbooks Talk TODAY, May 13, 6:00pm at RCL-Maplewood.

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) will discuss their cookbooks and says about their collection:

"When you have a smorgasbord of more than 2,000 community cookbooks, how do you select which to sample? MNHS has an extensive selection of cookbooks by, for, and about Minnesotans. These commonplace items provide a window into the everyday lives of the people of our state. They document foodways and reflect changing tastes, trends, social structures, and norms as well as foodstuffs available in the region.

Some recipes let you know they are from Minnesota without directly saying so. A 1936 Grace Lutheran Ladies Aid cookbook from Mankato contains an early use of the term “hot dish,” a regionalism that has become a way that we communicate our Minnesota-ness. Cookbooks can provide insight into communities.

Community cookbooks are those organized by a club, association, church, or school – usually to raise money for the organization or other charitable work. Rather than the product of a single chef, community cookbooks have multiple authors and often no editor. Each participant contributes a recipe. The MNHS collection includes cookbooks from various ethnic communities that make up the state; in them you will find recipes for lefse and lutefisk, many versions of German potato salad, Somali sambusa, and a stunning variety of hot dishes.”

rclreads.bibliocommons.com/events/69e65ca8b1165a41a6606f73

05/13/2026

You may already know that the Libby App makes it easy to access ebooks, audiobooks, and more - anytime and for free with your library card. Here are a handful of insider tips that could make browsing, borrowing, and enjoying even easier!

Want to use Libby like a pro? Get insider tips with these 10 staff‑approved Libby hacks and features that improve browsing, borrowing, and listening in the app.

05/13/2026

Ever wonder what recipes tell us about our history? Join us tomorrow evening for a fascinating look into the Minnesota Historical Society’s extraordinary collection of over 2,000 cookbooks! These aren't just lists of ingredients - they are stories of our values, our legacies, and the communities we've built together.

✨ Event Details:
What: Minnesota Community Cookbooks Talk
Who: Curator and librarian Catherine Cooney
When: Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00-7:00pm
Where: Maplewood Library
Cost: Free and open to the public!

Did you know? Ramsey County Library volunteers regularly help source and donate gently used Minnesota cookbooks to MNHS to help grow this special collection.

📚 Got old cookbooks? We welcome your donations year-round at all seven Ramsey County Library locations! Your "well-loved" kitchen classics might just become a piece of history. Check out our donation guidelines here: rclfriends.org/donate-books

05/08/2026

The winners of the 2026 Minnesota Book Awards have been announced!

Find more about the authors and books here:
thefriends.org/minnesota-book-awards/minnesota-book-awards-winners/

Many of these titles can be borrowed from Ramsey County Library:
rclreads.org

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

05/05/2026

Save the date to join us the evening of Wednesday, May 13 at the Maplewood Library to learn about Minnesota community cookbooks.

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has an extraordinary collection of more than two thousand cookbooks, with a significant proportion being community cookbooks. These cookbooks, and the recipes they contain, tell us a great deal about Minnesotans as groups and individuals; their values and aspirations; the legacies they wish to preserve and the communities they wish to build. Join us on May 13 from 6:00-7:00pm to hear from Catherine Cooney, a librarian and educator who is the curator of this special collection.

This fascinating program will be free and open to the public. Ramsey County Library Friends volunteers routinely source and donate gently used Minnesota cookbooks to MNHS for their collection. Donations from the public of used cookbooks are welcome year-round at all seven Ramsey County Library locations. We're excited for you to learn about the fruits of this long-time partnership.

Join the Ramsey County Library Friends and the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) at this talk about the MNHS collection of over 2,000 cookbooks. MNHS collection curator Catherine “Cate” Cooney will discuss the importance of community cookbooksThe Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has an extr...

04/26/2026

🚨 It’s the GRAND FINALE! 🚨

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for - the legendary $5 Bag Sale at the Roseville Library! We still have a room full of fantastic finds that need a new home. How much can you fit in a bag?

🛍️ The $5 Bag Deal
Fill a grocery-sized bag with as many books, CDs, and DVDs as you can for just $5! We’ll provide the bags, or you can bring your own (standard grocery size).

🧩 Special $1 Puzzle Pricing
Puzzles are not included in the bag deal, but they’ve been marked down to just $1 each!

🕒 When & Where
Today, Sunday, April 26
12:00-4:00pm
Roseville Library Community Room

✨ Shop for a Cause
Stock up on your summer reading while supporting our community! Proceeds benefit all seven Ramsey County Library locations.

💳 Easy Payment: We accept cash, credit cards, checks, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

See you at the library! 👋

rclfriends.org/booksales