The League Library
Welcome to Our Library
For more than 100 years, the League of Women Voters St. Paul has created and collected resources to help voters, policymakers, and community members better understand how democracy works. The Library is where we preserve that history and make it available to the public.
Here you’ll find larger reports, historical publications, and in-depth guides produced by the League. Many of these materials (such as our Guide to Government) have been used for decades to educate St. Paul residents on civic participation, voting rights, and government processes.
This collection is not just about the past. It’s about keeping reliable, nonpartisan information accessible to anyone who wants to learn more about civic life in St. Paul. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or simply curious about League history, the Library is here for you.
Guide to Government
The Guide to Government is one of the League of Women Voters of St. Paul’s most well-known publications. First published in 1948 under the title You Are the Government, it was created to help residents understand how their local, county, and state governments work—and how citizens can take part.
Over the years, the guide has been updated to reflect changes in structure, laws, and policies, while keeping the same purpose: to provide clear, nonpartisan information about government in Minnesota. The most recent edition (2013) continues this tradition, offering a detailed overview of how decisions are made, who makes them, and how residents can get involved.
Studies by the League of Women Voters of St. Paul
As part of our commitment to grassroots advocacy, the League of Women Voters St. Paul conducts in-depth studies on issues affecting our community. These studies enable members to research, discuss, and reach consensus on complex topics, ensuring that the League’s positions are grounded in evidence and informed dialogue.
The studies listed below reflect the League’s work to better understand challenges facing St. Paul residents—from housing and neighborhood representation to strengthening our own organization.
2012 LWV Member Recruitment Study
This study examined how the League could expand and diversify its membership to better reflect the St. Paul community. The report explored recruitment strategies, member engagement, and opportunities to strengthen the League’s future.
Read the Study →
2009 Housing Foreclosure Study
Amid the national foreclosure crisis, LWV St. Paul studied the causes and local impacts of foreclosures on families and neighborhoods. The report also reviewed government responses and recommended policies to promote housing stability.
Read the Study →
2007 Report on District Councils
This study looked at the role of St. Paul’s district councils in fostering civic participation. It reviewed council structures, funding, and community impact, offering recommendations for improving neighborhood-level representation.
Read the Study →
Oral History Project
In 2015, the Minnesota Historical Society provided a small grant to the League of Women Voters of St. Paul to record oral histories of our organization. This project was made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, established through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.
The LWV St. Paul hired Kate Cavett, a professional and well-known oral historian, to execute the oral history process. You can learn more about her work at her website. Ms. Cavett interviewed nine long-time members of our local League. You can read the interviews and learn about our history in these links.