Saint Paul City Council Celebrates First Anniversary of Minnesota Toy Library

The City of Saint Paul City Council convened on August 20, 2025, to discuss various community initiatives, with a significant focus on the Minnesota Toy Library. The meeting highlighted the importance of local resources aimed at supporting families, particularly in the East Side neighborhood.

The session began with a presentation about the Minnesota Toy Library, which operates out of Progressive Baptist Church in Ward 7. The library, founded in 2014, aims to provide age-appropriate learning materials for children while addressing the challenges families face in accessing such resources. The council member emphasized the library's eco-conscious approach, initiated by local mothers seeking sustainable alternatives to purchasing toys.

The Minnesota Toy Library currently has three locations, including its Saint Paul site, and serves approximately 1,700 members, with a current membership of about 550. The library boasts a collection of around 10,000 toys across its locations. The council recognized the contributions of key individuals involved in the library's operations, including Executive Director Rebecca Nutter and other team members.

In a resolution passed during the meeting, the City Council celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Minnesota Toy Library, acknowledging its role in expanding toy resources and joy for children and families throughout Saint Paul. The council member expressed gratitude for the opportunity to tour the library and meet its leaders, reinforcing the council's commitment to uplifting community organizations that positively impact local families.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the council's dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance access to resources for families in Saint Paul, particularly through collaborative efforts with local organizations like the Minnesota Toy Library.