April 2025

LIBRARY NEWS

Celebrate With Us!

It’s National Library Week on April 6-12, and we’re excited to share our 2024 Year in Review! Here are just a few highlights:

• Record-breaking borrowing: In 2024, over 442,000 items were checked out—a 38% increase in circulation over the last 10 years, while Stillwater's population grew just 3%.

• Engaged community: More than 19,500 people participated in 364 library programs for all ages.

• High library traffic: With over 133,000 visits in 2024, an average of 394 people came to the library daily.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the City of Stillwater, our generous donors, and our dedicated volunteers, who contributed 2,769 hours to help us achieve this success.

We’re looking forward to an even better 2025! Stop by during National Library Week and enjoy a cup of coffee, courtesy of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, as a thank you for being part of our story.

Share Your Library Story
We’d love to hear how the library has made a difference in your life. Submit your brief story online by April 12 for a chance to win a library mug!

What’s the Draw?
On average, 2,500 of your friends and neighbors visit Stillwater Public Library every week. Why? Here’s what our patrons have to say:

• "Stillwater Public Library is a special place, filled with book lovers and kind, thoughtful people. I always feel welcomed."

• "It’s a place of lifelong learning that doesn't exist elsewhere in the community. There are art exhibits, free programs for all ages, staff with expertise to help you navigate a variety of challenges, plus it’s a place to meet and connect. Stillwater Library adds so much to my quality of life."

• "A constant, free, and grounding community resource that has spanned generations and is an essential foundation to what Stillwater's been, is today, and is changing to become in our future."

We’re proud of all that Stillwater Public Library offers, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings! 

So Minnesota: Stillwater Library

We're excited to let you know that Stillwater Public Library was recently featured on KSTP-TV’s So Minnesota with Joe Mazan! This segment highlights the library's rich history, and you might be surprised to learn about its unexpected connection to Hollywood.

A big thank you to KSTP for this special recognition! We're grateful for the opportunity to showcase the library and our community.

Friends Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Library's Spring Used Book Drive and Sale is just days away! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to support the library and find your next favorite book.

Donate your gently used books on Saturday, April 5 from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. Bring your donations to the library's parking ramp, and volunteers will assist with unloading. 

Then shop the Spring Book Sale! The sale begins with an exclusive members-only preview event on Wednesday, April 9, followed by public sale days on April 10–12. With most items priced between $1 and $2, it's an unbeatable opportunity to discover new reads, support the library, and grab a bargain! On Saturday, April 12, fill a grocery bag with books for just $10—perfect for avid readers or those looking to stock up on summer reading material. Remember, only cash or checks are accepted, and resellers using scanners will be charged a $35 fee.

Join the Friends of the Library today to support this great cause and gain early access to the best deals at the book sale. It’s a wonderful way to get involved, meet fellow community members, and contribute to the library’s success. 

NEA BIG READ

April has arrived, and that means it's time for the NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley! This annual "One Book, One Community" program unites residents from across the valley around a shared book. This year’s selection is Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Join the community for events inspired by the themes of the book, including an evening with author Kevin Wilson.

And, here's a look at past NEA Big Read selections over the years.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Stillwater Woman’s Reading Club:

A Legacy of Education and Advocacy

The Woman's Reading Club of Stillwater, Minnesota, was founded in 1886, with its initial meeting hosted by Helen McCluer, who was elected its first president. McCluer would go on to serve in this role for 46 years, shaping the club’s direction and success. Though originally centered on literature and intellectual discussions, the club quickly became a significant force in the community, blending education with civic action.

One of the club’s most notable contributions to Stillwater was its instrumental role in establishing the town’s free public library. The Woman’s Reading Club passionately advocated for a space where education could be accessible to all residents, helping to ensure the library would be a valuable community resource for generations.

Beyond reading and education, the club also became a supporter of women’s suffrage in Minnesota. While meetings held at members’ homes were not places for formal political action, many club members became active in the suffrage movement, attending rallies and advocating for women’s right to vote. Their involvement helped build the momentum that led to Minnesota becoming the 15th state to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1919. The amendment, which granted women the right to vote, was ratified nationwide in 1920, marking a historic victory in the fight for gender equality.

The Woman’s Reading Club continued to thrive over the years, maintaining its role as a pillar of civic engagement and intellectual discourse. In 2018, the club celebrated its 132nd year and was featured in an article in the Pioneer Press, calling for new members to carry on its mission. Today, the Woman’s Reading Club is still holding meetings on the first Monday of each month at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stillwater.

Picture of Helen McCluer is a photograph of an undated newspaper clipping found in the Helen McCluer file in the library's St. Croix Collection Room.