Library in Host City for Republican Convention Offers Saint Paul-itics
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 8/19/2008
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St. Paul Public Library responds to convention fever
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Web site lists events, movies, books, and more
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Example shows how libraries can meet local needs
LJ reported earlier this year on the relatively slim efforts made by libraries to offer information about the upcoming election season. A few libraries in our unscientific survey stood out; another one is the St. Paul Public Library (SPPL), in the home city for the Republican National Convention, being held September 1–4. (While the convention is described as being held in the Twin Cities, the convention site is the Xcel Energy Center in downtown Saint Paul and the neighboring Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center also will be used.)
SPPL has debuted Saint Paul-itics, a web site and project “aimed to increase awareness about local and national issues and encourage civic involvement.” It includes politically themed movies, speakers of national reknown, local groups committed to civic engagement, candidates’ forums, and information on voter registration, lists of relevant books, and links to helpful web sites.
Why is SPPL doing this? The answer, according to the web site, is, “Saint Paul-itics is a series to inspire groups and individuals to get involved in the democratic process. The Saint Paul Public Library is a non-biased agency that offers balanced information about current issues, political candidates, and political parties.”
