Metro State Library & Learning Center

Photo of library staff members standing in front of the library’s interactive banned books display on the first floor. The staff members are wearing matching T-shirts featuring a Harper Lee quote about book banning from To Kill a Mockingbird. The quote reads, “Until I feared I would lose it, I did not love to read. One does not love breathing.”

Photo of library staff members standing in front of the library’s interactive banned books display on the first floor. The staff members are wearing matching T-shirts featuring a Harper Lee quote about book banning from To Kill a Mockingbird. The quote reads, “Until I feared I would lose it, I did not love to read. One does not love breathing.”

Our staff is showing off Banned Books Week spirit! We hope you visit our displays and learn more about the importance of open access to information. You’re also welcome to enter our Reading Challenge for the chance to win a library prize pack. Details are here: library.metrostate.edu/banned-books...

Graphic with colorful letters reading BANNED BOOKS WEEK with the slogan: Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights.

Banned Books Week has united readers, writers, & libraries in support of the freedom to read. Celebrate with us by checking out our banned and challenged books display on the 2nd floor. Don't forget to join our Banned Book Reading Challenge for a chance to win a library prize package!

Photo of people and a giant telescope in the Community Labyrinth.

Photo of an iPad with a picture of the surface of the moon.

Photo of people and giant telescopes in the Community Labyrinth.

Photo of people and giant telescopes in the Community Labyrinth.

Thank you to everyone who came to our Star Party and learned about the beauty of space with Mike Lynch. We loved stargazing with all of you! 🔭🌙🌠

Step into a floral wonderland this autumn at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory! The Fall Flower Show is a must-see spectacle, blooming now at Como Park Zoo until November 30th! Don't miss out! Learn more: comozooconservatory.org

We're excited to stargaze with everyone at the Star Party on Thursday! 🌠🔭 The fun begins at 6:45 p.m. and goes until 9:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and get comfy! More event details are available here: library.metrostate.edu/star-party-w...

Photo of a library display that includes materials on journalism and news.

Photo of a library display that includes materials on journalism and news.

Our downstairs display is full of facts and the people who report them! 📰 This month, we're highlighting journalists and the essential work they do in keeping the public informed. We also offer print newspapers and digital access to an array of publications and databases here: library.metrostate.edu

Next week, Oct. 5-11th, is Banned Books Week. Join us is our reading challenge! Just fill out an entry form with the name of a banned book you've read or are currently reading and be entered to win a library prize pack!

We're excited to stargaze with everyone at the Star Party on Thursday! 🌠🔭 The fun begins at 6:45 p.m. and goes until 9:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and get comfy! More event details are available here: library.metrostate.edu/star-party-w...

Twin Cities Book Festival Rain Taxi’s Twin Cities Book Festival is the annual Minnesota gathering for readers, writers, publishers, and purveyors of literature.

Save the date! The 25th Annual Twin Cities Book Festival will be held on Saturday, November 8th at Union Depot in St. Paul. Learn more here: twincitiesbookfestival.com

Photos of colorful bullet journaling supplies on a table in the library lounge.

Photos of colorful bullet journaling supplies on a table in the library lounge.

We had fun decorating our bullet journals with everyone who joined us for Stay Organized yesterday! 📓🖋️ The next meetup is on Wednesday, October 29, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Come on in for monthly log stickers and more to enjoy some creative, productive fun.

Retired meteorologist Mike Lynch standing next to his collection of giant telescopes.

Interested in peering through giant telescopes aimed at the moon, Saturn, & constellations? In just over a week, you can by joining us at the Star Party with Mike Lynch! This FREE, family-friendly event takes place Oct. 2 beginning inside the library at 6:45 pm followed by stargazing until 9pm.

Person holding a Metro State Community Borrower card.

Sept. is Library Card Sign-up Month! Did you know you don’t have to be a student to get a free library card at Metro State Library? Anyone can come in and use our resources. The month may almost be over but any day is a great day to stop in and get your free community borrower card!

The graphic for "Get Organized" with "get" crossed out and replaced with "Stay." The text reads, "Drop-in bullet journaling sessions! Bring your journal and prep for the upcoming month with us. Supplies and monthly log stickers provided! Last Wednesday of the month, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Library and Learning Center first-floor lounge." The dates are listed below with an asterisk of "December check-in TBD." The Metro State logo is on the bottom.

Whether you attended Get Organized 101 or couldn't make it, join us on 9/24 from 12-1 p.m. for “Stay Organized." We’ll have October stickers and other supplies. Bring your journal! 📓🖋️Stickers will be at the Info Desk on 9/25. Printable versions will be here: libguides.metrostate.edu/GetOrganized

Photograph of one of the Banned Books Reading Challenge entry areas in the library.

Banned Books Week is Oct 5–11! Celebrate by visiting our 2nd-floor display of banned books. You’re also invited to join the Banned Book Reading Challenge. Name a title of any banned book you’ve read & you’ll be entered to win a library prize package. Each book you log is another chance to win!

New art exhibition at the M features queer Indigenous artists, cultural teachings “Queering Indigeneity” opens Thursday at the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

“Queering Indigeneity” opens Thursday at the Minnesota Museum of American Art and features works by 16 makers and artists. All those who’ve contributed identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or as two-spirit.

Cover of the e-book "Streetwalking: LGBTQ Lives and Protest in the Dominican Republic" by Ana-Maurine Lara

Cover of the e-book titled "Experiencing Latin American Music" by Carol A. Hess

Cover of the e-book "The Majority in the Minority: Expanding the Representation of Latino/a Faculty, Administrators, and Students in Higher Education" by Lee Jones and Jeanett Castellanos

Cover of e-book "Latinx Shakespeares: Staging U.S. Intracultural Theater" by Carla Della Gatta

Our digital collection offers a wealth of titles for #HispanicHeritageMonth to highlight an often overlooked part of history. These are just a few of the many e-books you can find at library.metrostate.edu. Each one can be accessed 24 hours a day from anywhere with your StarID and password.

Graphic with a green background of a hand holding a seed and plant leaves. Text reads "Community Seed Circle at the East Side Seed Library. Third Wednesday of the Month. September 17, October 15, November 19, 6-7 p.m. Sort seeds and connect with neighbors. Dayton's Bluff Library, 645 7th St. E, St. Paul, MN, 55106." The Saint Paul Public Library, Urban Roots, and Metro State logos are included below.

Our first Community Seed Circle of the semester is coming up! Help us, Saint Paul Public Library, and @urbanrootsmn.bsky.social sort seeds and replenish the seed library while chatting with neighbors about gardens! We'll have free tea and an orientation for volunteers. 🌱

Photo of Elite Espresso coffee cart

Close-up photo of Murphy

Murphy with his front paw in a person's hands

Photo of Murphy lying down in the Fireplace Lounge

Thank you to everyone who attended Coffee & Connections yesterday! 🐶☕ We had a wonderful time drinking coffee and hanging out with Murphy the therapy dog and our Metro State community. If you couldn't make it this time, our next event is on Monday, October 20, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Display of library books related to the US Constitution and citizenship.

September 17th is Constitution & Citizenship Day!
Constitution & Citizenship Day is an observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution & those who have become U.S. citizens. Stop by to explore our display of books/videos. You can also pick up a free pocket constitution!

Graphic with a green background of a hand holding a seed and plant leaves. Text reads "Community Seed Circle at the East Side Seed Library. Third Wednesday of the Month. September 17, October 15, November 19, 6-7 p.m. Sort seeds and connect with neighbors. Dayton's Bluff Library, 645 7th St. E, St. Paul, MN, 55106." The Saint Paul Public Library, Urban Roots, and Metro State logos are included below.

Our first Community Seed Circle of the semester is coming up! Help us, Saint Paul Public Library, and @urbanrootsmn.bsky.social sort seeds and replenish the seed library while chatting with neighbors about gardens! We'll have free tea and an orientation for volunteers. 🌱

Sept. 12-21 is Welcoming Week in Minneapolis and other cities around the country. It means all are welcome here: immigrants, refugees, everyone. Learn more at the website listed here - and find activities around town that welcome ALL.

Read the Minneapolis City Council's honorary resolution marking the start of Welcoming Week 2025: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/FileV2/51511/Welcoming-Week-Honorary-Resolution.pdf

Graphic with a light grey background. Red text reads, “Coffee & Connections at the Library! First-floor lounge. Featuring Murphy the therapy dog! Monday, September 15. 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.” Cartoon coffee cups are high-fiving each other. Murphy’s picture and the Metro State logo are included.

Coffee & Connections is back on the third Monday of every month! From 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., everyone can enjoy free coffee from Elite Espresso and time with Murphy, the therapy dog. Our first event is on September 15. Come on by and connect with the Library and Metro State Tutoring community! ☕🐶

Black and white graphic of telescopes and celestial objects

The Star Party is back! Please join us for a free, fun, family-friendly evening of star gazing Oct 2, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. as we watch the great celestial show in the skies over St. Paul.

For more information, including arranging accessible accommodations, visit: shorturl.at/kJLOI

Join us on Saturday, September 13, 10am-2pm, at the Rivoli Bluff Bash in St. Paul! Learn more and let us know you're coming: secure.qgiv.com/for/urm/even...

#SaintPaul #MySaintPaul #NonprofitEvent #TwinCities

Save the date! Thursday, September 18, at 12p.m. Join us for a Mindful Midday Reset in the labyrinth for a calming guided walk to slow down, reflect & reconnect with yourself in the middle of a busy day. Click here for more information & to reserve your spot:

library.metrostate.edu/labyrinth-wo...

Board games on display at Metro State Library.

Did you know Metro State Library has a collection of 100+ board games available for check out? From cooperative strategy games to party favorites, there’s something for every age and skill level. So why not grab some friends and make it a board game night?

Crop art travels from the State Fair to the Minneapolis Institute of Art The Minneapolis Institute of Art will showcase award-winning and notable crop art from this year’s State Fair in the exhibition “Cream of the Crop: A Minnesota Folk Art Showcase,” Sept. 6-28, highligh...

Crop art is headed to the museum. The Minneapolis Institute of Art will showcase award-winning and notable crop art from this year’s State Fair in “Cream of the Crop: A Minnesota Folk Art Showcase,” Sept. 6-28, highlighting the artistry, wit and cultural resonance of the seed-based works.

Graphic with a light grey background. Red text reads, “Coffee & Connections at the Library! First-floor lounge. Featuring Murphy the therapy dog! Monday, September 15. 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.” Cartoon coffee cups are high-fiving each other. Murphy’s picture and the Metro State logo are included.

Coffee & Connections is back on the third Monday of every month! From 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., everyone can enjoy free coffee from Elite Espresso and time with Murphy, the therapy dog. Our first event is on September 15. Come on by and connect with the Library and Metro State Tutoring community! ☕🐶

Graphic with a yellow background and various office items scattered around an open bullet journal. Text on the bullet journal reads, “Get Organized 101. Doodle, draw, and to-do list your way to a successful semester. Wednesday, September 10. 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Metro State Library Room 132. Learn bullet journaling for improved focus and productivity. Hands-on workshop! Free journals!” The Metro State logo is included.

Learn bullet journaling and other productivity methods in Get Organized 101, our free, hands-on workshop. You can bring your own journal or use one of ours in Library Room 132 on Wednesday, September 10, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. RSVP here to secure your spot: forms.office.com/r/ZYbs0driLe