Saint Paul Library Board Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Saint Paul Library Board met on May 6, 2026, with five members present (Chair Saura Jost, Councilmembers Anika Bowie, Molly Coleman, Rebecca Noecker, Nelsie Yang) and two absent (Councilmembers Cheniqua Johnson, HwaJeong Kim). The board approved the previous meeting's minutes, adopted a resolution authorizing acceptance of a gift, and received updates on ebook legislation and a successful fundraising campaign.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Min 26-14): The minutes from the April 1, 2026 Library Board meeting were adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Resolution 26-621: Authorizing the Saint Paul Public Library to accept a $500 gift from the Science Across America program. The resolution was adopted unanimously (5-0).

Discussion Items

• MELSA eBook Legislation Update (SR 26-74): Sherry Wichitshu, Executive Director of MELSA, presented on the state of ebook licensing. She explained that libraries pay 3 to 5 times more than individuals for ebooks and audiobooks, with contracts that expire after two years or 26 checkouts, forcing repeated purchases. MELSA and the Minnesota Library Association are pursuing state legislation under contract law (not copyright) to remove harmful restrictions, such as bans on interlibrary loan and time limits. Minnesota's bill has passed all Senate committees and is included in the Senate education policy omnibus, but faces procedural hurdles in the House. The legislation includes a trigger clause requiring a combined population of 7 million in adopting states before taking effect. Board members expressed strong support for the legislation, asked about antitrust litigation and author perspectives, and discussed potential alternative strategies like grant programs or blackout periods. The staff report was received and filed.
• Books for All Campaign Update (SR 26-76): Diana Kanaka (Senior Director of Development) and Kim Horton (Senior Director of Communications) from the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library presented results of the Books for All campaign. The campaign aimed to raise $62,000 to address a one-time funding challenge in the 2026 library collections budget. It exceeded the goal, raising $70,000 from 225 donors, including 36 new donors. Donations ranged from $1 (from a young patron) to five-figure gifts. All seven wards of St. Paul were represented, and 86% of donors lived within the city. The campaign featured author ambassadors (William Kent Krueger, Mona Susan Power, Ka Lia Yang) and a dedication wall. Board members praised the partnership and public support. The staff report was received and filed.

Key Outcomes

• The minutes of the April 1, 2026 meeting were approved (5-0).
• Resolution 26-621 was adopted (5-0).
• Both staff reports (SR 26-74 and SR 26-76) were received and filed.
• Board members expressed strong support for the ebook legislation and discussed next steps, including potential inclusion on the city's legislative agenda.
• The board commended the Friends of the Library for the successful Books for All campaign and the broad community engagement.