Friends Used Bookstores in Our Communities

The Ramsey County Library Friends operate year-round, used bookstores at the Maplewood, Shoreview, and Roseville libraries and used book carts at the White Bear Lake and Mounds View libraries. They are accessible for honor-pay purchases anytime the libraries are open. Many library patrons are often surprised when they learn about the stores and carts and the many benefits they provide to our communities.

The store and cart inventory comes from books removed from library circulation and donations we accept from the public. There are 30+ volunteers who sort, carry, lift, price, and organize the inventory that raises over $60,000 annually for Ramsey County Library among the stores, carts and semi-annual big book sales.

Excess Inventory!

The quantity of items the Friends receive far exceeds our store, cart and storage capacity. The Friends have established relationships with local non-profit community organizations to provide them with books. Books from the Friends are available at the following food shelves: Keystone Community Services food shelf in St. Paul, the Mounds View School District’s Ralph Reeder food shelf, and White Bear Lake food shelf.

The Union Depot Book Cart in St. Paul is supplied with books from the Friends and are free to train passengers and the public. Used books also find their way to bookshelves at the Ramsey County Courthouse, senior living facilities, school and community events, neighborhood free little libraries, and Compassion New Brighton gives away Friends books at their community health clinics.

These are just some of the ways the Friends used bookstores support our communities and help provide literacy to all. For more information on how an organization can receive donated books from the Friends, email friends@rclfriends.org. Learn more about shopping and donating items to the used bookstores and carts.

Thank you for your support!