4560 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, MN 55126 friends@rclfriends.org 651-724-6127

About

The Ramsey County Library Friends organization was formed in 1979 to advocate for and support public library services provided in suburban Ramsey County. The Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a governing board of directors, three part-time staff, 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 located in Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Saint Paul, Roseville, Shoreview, and White Bear Lake would not have been possible without the financial 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 Card Sign Up Party, drop-in computer and tech classes, training for job seekers, a weekly teen maker space, and racial equity programming. We have also made substantial additions to the collection of library books and materials.

The Friends serve as ambassadors for the Ramsey County Library system and help spread the word about the great work of our Library to government and community groups.  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 to help fund our projects. Volunteers have also helped promote child literacy through the Reading Friends Literacy Program, worked at semi-annual used book sales, worn our mascot costume at special events, served on committees to plan programs and a winter gala, raised funds, conducted an annual 5K walk-run, helped with Kindergarten Library Card Day, planed an annual luncheon or breakfast, recruited members, prepared mailings, advocated for libraries, and more.  Since 1979, hundreds of 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.