Mission Statement
The mission of the Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries is to strengthen, support and advocate for the Ramsey County Library system in order to enrich the lives of our library users, promote literacy and education, and foster community.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2019, Ramsey County Library (RCL) received more than $136,000 from the Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries (Friends) that supported vital learning programs for children, teens, and adults as well as staff training, volunteer recognition, communications and outreach, enhanced collections, and children’s interactives/furnishings. 2019 highlights include:
3,785 preschool and school-age children and 1,684 teens participated in the Summer Learning Program. The Friends serve as the primary sponsor of this program providing more than 75% of the annual budget.
Friends funding supported key Children’s Programs at RCL including 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, an early literacy initiative and the Kindergarten Card party attended by 274 first time library card recipients and their families.
Friends resources supported 560 digital literacy classes and open labs that served 2,469 people as well as technology classes for new immigrants, ex-offenders, and other underserved communities.
Friends grants enabled RCL to expand their history programs including a three-part series on Race, Class and Gender; the Great Decisions series; and Tuesdays with a Scholar.
Friends grants enhanced teen programs which served nearly 13,000 participants in 2019 through 856 programs, classes, book clubs, tours and camps. RCL also hosted 328 teens at Library After Dark and 1,220 teens explored STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) projects through hands-on learning at 173 Maker Space events.
The Friends enabled Ramsey County Library to add $33,000 worth of materials to the collection with Friends funds including e-books, e-audiobooks, titles by popular authors, titles in the children’s collection, juvenile graphic novels, and additional STEM kits.
Current Goals
Provide a minimum of $130,000 to support Ramsey County Library programs and services including the Summer Learning Program; programs throughout the year for children, teens and adults; racial equity and community wellness programs; library staff and volunteer development; and additions to the library collection.
Engage the community in new and fun ways to build a stronger and larger library community—including Kindergarten Card Party, Annual Gala, 5K Volunteer Thank You event, Legacy of Literacy event, and Author Talk and Luncheon.
Develop a Communications Plan to create powerful messages about the Library and Friends impact and grow awareness of Ramsey County Library programs, services, and resources.
Bring to life one or more big ideas jointly envisioned by the Friends and Ramsey County Library.
Community or Constituency Served
Suburban Ramsey County and surrounding communities
Geographic Area Served
Suburban Ramsey County
