Compiled by Kathy Henderson
After being closed for much of the summer for repairs and maintenance, the St. Anthony Park Branch Library, 2245 Como Ave., reopened to the public on Aug. 18.
Holiday closing
All St. Paul Public Libraries will be closed Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1 for the Labor Day holiday.
Special event
Party on the Library Lawn
2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, on the library lawn. Join us in celebrating the reopening of the St. Anthony Park Branch Library and the new tree plantings. A free gathering for all ages with music, a poetry slam, lawn games, art projects and treats. (If it rains, the event will move indoors.)
Ongoing programs
Familiar favorites return to the September calendar at the St. Anthony Park Library. Unless specified, registration is not necessary.
English Conversation Circle for Adults
4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Join the University of Minnesota Retirees Volunteer Center and the Partners in English program for free English practice in the library’s lower-level auditorium. This program is designed for adults to improve their English skills through conversation. All levels of language skill are welcome.
Shake Your Sillies Out
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays, Sept. 12, 19 and 26. This early childhood playtime in the library auditorium includes stories, stretching, movement and lots of fun. For children ages 5 and younger, designed to nurture a love for books and encourage new friendships. Adults must remain with their children for the entire playtime.
Adult book club
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22. Join library staff and fellow book lovers in the lower-level auditorium for conversation and refreshments.
Financial Literacy @ Your Library
2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Co-hosted by the St. Anthony Park Library and Sunrise Banks, this series of presentations is designed to increase financial wellness by providing information on topics such as fraud prevention, home buying, legacy planning and protecting your credit. Each presentation will focus on a different topic.
For details on the upcoming topic, visit the library or Sunrise Banks, 2300 Como Ave. Free and open to the public.
Changing Times Book Group
3 to 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 27. Fall 2025 book selection: “The Message” by Ta-Nahisi Coates. In three intertwining essays, Coates explores the urgent need to untangle ourselves from the destructive myths that shape our world — and our own souls — and to embrace the liberating power of even the most difficult truths.
This reading group is open to all and co-hosted by Transition Town–All St. Anthony Park and the St. Paul Public Library. Next meeting: Saturday, Nov. 22.
More details at TransitionASAP.org/changing-times-book-group.
Library Picks & Posts
St. Paul Public Library: SPPL on a Stick!
If you are a Minnesota State Fair foodie, you’re going to want to check out this fun blog that pairs Fair favorite foods with cookbooks available at the library.
For example, Sweet Martha’s Cookies is paired with “The Great Minnesota Cookie Book” that features award-winning recipes from the Star Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest.
Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos is paired with “Truly Madly Pizza” by Suzanne Lenzer. sppl.org/blogs/post/sppl-on-a-stick.
Staff-created list: The Great Minnesota Get-Together
This Fair-themed list includes 59 histories, memoirs, cookbooks, novels and children’s books available at the library. www.sppl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/2018844229/2352860639.
Compiled from the library website by Kathy Henderson.
