The East Side Freedom Library (ESFL) is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 2013.
Our mission is to mobilize community knowledge for solidarity, justice, and equity for all. To achieve this mission, we concentrate on three core strategies:
- CATALYZE change by fostering relationships, partnerships, and collaborations that challenge dominant perspectives. By building strong partnerships, we aim to create a network of support and innovation in our community and drives meaningful change.
- COLLABORATE + CONVENE by hosting community dialogues and collaborations around advocacy, justice, labor, and equity. We will facilitate spaces for discussion and collaborative efforts, bringing together voices from across the community to address critical issues and work towards collective solutions.
- CURATE by offering a platform to share wisdom, scholarship, preserve cultural memory, and generate stories that advance restorative justice. By curating and sharing diverse stories and knowledge, we aim to honor our cultural heritage and promote a deeper understanding of justice and equity.
The East Side Freedom Library (ESFL) in Saint Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood has amassed a collection of over 35,000 items centered on labor, immigration, and social justice histories. Beyond archiving, ESFL fosters community connections and education through storytelling, exhibits, performances, and public programs, exploring themes of arts and humanities.
More than a repository, ESFL is a hub for dialogue, community-building, and collaboration. It brings together individuals and organizations to address shared concerns, promoting leadership and advancing a movement for equity and justice. The library serves as a space where marginalized voices are amplified, bridging local and global conversations. Through partnerships, ESFL connects artists and community leaders to spark empathy, understanding, and solidarity, strengthening the commitment to social change.
