General Questions FAQs

  • General Questions

    Playaways are devices that have been preloaded with an audiobook title.

    No internet or Wi-Fi connection is necessary.

    Playaways have a standard audio jack. You supply your own headphones and 1 AAA battery (which should last 30+ hours).

    Search the library's Playaway collection.

    You can place holds on Playaways and have them sent to your library to check out.

    Saint Paul residents can check out a wireless hotspot for free, high-speed internet service.

    Read all the details on the Wi-Fi Hotspots page.

    Study rooms are available at several library locations.

    Study rooms are small rooms or pods for individual or small group use (up to 4 people).

    You can reserve study rooms up to 14 days in advance. Reserve study rooms in-person, over the phone, or online.

    Walk-ins are still welcome on a first-come, first-served basis if a room is available.

    The Library can offer limited public space in its buildings for such displays.  Availability and space vary from library to library.

    Please contact the library in which you are interested in hosting an exhibit, display, or table to determine whether the space and available times will be adequate.

    Please see the Exhibits and Tabling Policy for complete details.

    You can use your library card to reserve free or discounted admission to museums, plays, concerts, and a wide range of arts experiences, through the smARTpass program.

    Read more about smARTpass and how to reserve admission using your library card.

    In order to provide all the library's customers with the safest and most pleasant library experience, those wishing to use cameras and/or recording equipment within Saint Paul Public Library facilities must have their request approved in advance by the acting agency supervisor. 

    Please see the Photography and Videography policy for complete details.

    You can support the library by making a contribution to the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

    Donating Books and Other Materials

    The Library welcomes gifts of materials with the understanding that the same standards of selection are applied to gifts as to materials purchased for the collection. Gifts are accepted with the following restrictions:

    • the Library retains unconditional ownership of the materials;
    • donated materials must be in excellent condition and published within the last three years;
    • the Library makes the final decision regarding the use or other disposition of the gift.

    The Library does not accept gifts of magazines, textbooks, computer manuals, condensed books, or any materials that are worn, stained, or mildewed. Prospective donors should contact the library to discuss donations and procedures before bringing them to the Library. The Library does not assign a value to the materials. It is a donor's responsibility to determine the value of the donated materials.  

    Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.

    If you are under age 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your application.

    Volunteers applying to work with youth must agree to a background check.

    More details and application information...

    No, the Saint Paul Public Library does not offer proctoring or test delivery services.