What if a library was more than just books? The East Side Freedom Library is this and so much more. It stands as a testament to community, justice, and the enduring power of stories.
Founded in 2013, the East Side Freedom Library occupies the historic Arlington Hills Carnegie library building. The city of Saint Paul leases it to them. This building sits in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. It is known as a working-class area with many immigrants.
The East Side Freedom Library’s mission is clear. It aims to mobilize community knowledge. It strives for solidarity and advocates for justice. They want equity for all. The library provides historical context for Saint Paul’s East Side communities. It creates connections and celebrates diverse cultures.
Saengmany Ratsabout became the library’s first full-time executive director in 2022. She is an ethnographer and community advocate.
Inside the East Side Freedom Library, you will find more than 20,000 non-circulating items. These collections focus on labor, African-American, and immigration histories. They highlight social movements. Many scholars donated their personal libraries, including co-founder Peter Rachleff.
Since 2015, the East Side Freedom Library has housed the Hmong Archive. This archive began in 1999. It holds a vast collection of Hmong cultural and historical materials. Educators and the local Hmong community find it an invaluable resource.
The East Side Freedom Library is also a cultural center. Workshops and presentations happen here. Regional history comes alive. Clubs and unions meet here. Storytelling is a major theme. Formal interviews and public performances take place. Local residents share their work and life histories.
Look around and notice the murals. Hmong-American artist Ger Jackie Yang created them. A Knight Foundation grant funded these murals. They depict the diverse people of Saint Paul’s East Side. See the Dakota, Hmong, and Karen peoples represented. African-Americans and European immigrants are there too. Another mural showcases the history of labor movements in Saint Paul.
The East Side Freedom Library received the John Sessions Memorial Award in 2017. The American Library Association recognized its contributions to highlighting the labor movement. The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council also honored the library. They gave it the Arts Achievement Award in 2017.
The East Side Freedom Library stands as a vibrant hub. It fosters dialogue and collaboration. It connects individuals and organizations. Together they address shared concerns. The East Side Freedom Library amplifies marginalized voices. It strengthens the commitment to social change. It is a place where history, culture, and community intertwine.