Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

06/19/2026

Read about Juneteenth with these staff picks that explore the celebration.

Juneteenth is an African American cultural celebration of the day news of the end of the Civil War and slavery reached Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. The celebration is now a federal holiday, and a Ramsey County holiday.

See the list: https://rclreads.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1565088629/3032877947

06/18/2026

Why join summer reading?
All the great BOOKS!!! So many opportunities for reading inspiration and motivation! Slow down and savor the summer by being intentional about reading. Its good for you and you can earn rewards for it too!

In a reading rut? Looking to try something different this summer? Check out GameOn! themed recommendations from our librarians: https://ow.ly/NTt050Zc61W

Want personalized recommendations? Submit a request to Librarian Recommends with things you like (and don't) and we'll send you a list tailored specifically to you: https://ow.ly/GIZp50Zc61V

What motivates you?
✅Setting a timer to set aside a specific amount of time each day dedicated to reading?
✅Sharing reviews about what you've read?
✅Seeing a streak on the calendar that you've read, even for just a few minutes, each day?
✅Competing with friends and family to see who can be at the top of the leaderboard each week?
✅Earning digital checkpoints for doing fun things like "read a book with the word game or summer in the title" or "read a book that's been made into a movie or TV show" as you work toward real life prizes just for reading?

All of these options are available in Beanstack, our reading challenge app.
Register with the Beanstack Tracker app or online at https://ow.ly/xss850Zc61U

🎁 Get rewarded for reading with 2 book prizes this summer.
Log 5 hours of reading and get the first prize thanks to Friends of the Anoka County Library
Log 20 hours of reading and get a second prize thanks to Avant Garden Bookstore

06/17/2026

Beginning July 1, Minnesota libraries will have access to two new statewide e-resources: Craft & Hobby and Social Explorer.

Minnesotans can also access these two databases through eLibrary Minnesota, a collection of research and information databases available to patrons statewide.

Together, these resources provide support for lifelong learning, creative skill-building, research, and data literacy. Minnesota Department of Education

To learn more: z.umn.edu/new-e-resources

06/15/2026

There are a few spots left for this class at 3:30 today!

For ages 12-18. Discover the relaxing art of macramé with projects you can take with you everywhere! In this introductory workshop, we will scale down the size but amp up the...

06/12/2026

Your library is here for summer learning, with great books, events,...

06/11/2026

From our friends at TPT - Twin Cities PBS:
Big questions, creative answers, and lots of library fun. 💡📚
Join Twin Cities PBS’s TPT Learn team for free, family-friendly events at libraries across the Twin Cities metro and Great River Regional Library this summer — featuring hands-on activities and costumed character appearances from Skillsville and Hero Elementary.
No registration required. Find an event near you: TPT.org/events ⭐️

06/10/2026

Looking for some fun activities this summer? Join us for one (or more!) of 22 concerts we are hosting for our Summer Music Series.

https://tinyurl.com/47jha2pn

06/09/2026

Summer at the library is about much more than books. This year, libraries across the Twin Cities metro are turning reading into cryptid hunts, STEM workshops, storytime dance parties, art labs, scavenger hunts, volunteer opportunities, and even llama visits. Through Twin Cities public libraries, fam...

06/05/2026

📢 Big news! 📢 Hamline Midway Library will officially open on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Save the date and join for a grand opening celebration at your new neighborhood library. Join us for a day of music, food, activities, and community as we officially welcome our brand-new library to the neighborhood. Explore the building, discover new public art and sustainability features, visit with The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and gather with neighbors over treats, music, and more

The party kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with activities scheduled all day long for all ages.

Stay as long as you like — there's plenty to explore, inside and out. We'll see you there!

06/04/2026

"I plan to paint until I'm old. I'm only 90 now."
Meet Dianne Carroll, Anoka-based oil painter who's work is currently on display at Johnsville Library through June 25. Dianne pursued a career as a realtor while taking occasional art classes at the Rum River Art Center. It wasn’t until her retirement that she was able to fully immerse herself in the art world. Dianne finds joy in capturing portraits, flowers, and scenes from her travels. She also sculpts.
You can get inspired with FREE classes and events at the library with partners like Rum River Arts Center and by visiting the rotating art exhibits at 5 of our libraries. Check out the event calendar for awesome programs for all ages https://ow.ly/PnpC50Z6Ttp and the artist exhibit page to see who's work is on display now at the library: https://ow.ly/wvXV50Z6Ttn