News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Tuesday February 3rd 2026
July 2025 Events
Better Things 5×5 Reading and Open Mic
Tuesday, July 1
7 PM
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
Join 5×5 hosts Davi Gray, Erin Sharkey, and Louise Waakaa’igan at Moon Palace Books as they showcase original work by five fantastic writers: Anthony Ceballos, Kyle Tran Myhre (Guante), Taiwana Shambley, Barbara Currin, and Jeannine Ouellette. Following the main reading, there will be a short refreshment break followed by an open mic.
Better Things is sponsored by ReEntry Lab, which works to connect writers and other artists leaving incarceration to a community that’s ready to receive them. Masks are required at Moon Palace Books.
Creation.Story
Through July 26
All My Relations Arts
1414 E Franklin Avenue
Free
Creation.Story is a group exhibit featuring artists who invoke the oral traditions and creative expressions in their Očhéthi Šakówiŋ heritage, and is a continuation of this thriving tradition. Artists featured are Jhon Goes In Center, James Star Comes Out, Mikayla Patton, Randilynn Boucher-Giago, Dwayne Wilcox, Dyani White Hawk, Marlena Myles, Talon Ducheneaux, Keith BraveHeart, Jaida Grey Eagle, Kylee Wanatee-Thunderhawk, Angela Babby, Destiny Big Crow, and Billy Janis. For gallery hours and additional programming, visit allmyrelationsarts.org.
We Are Still Queer
Through August
Two Rivers Gallery
1530 E Franklin Avenue
Free
To honor Pride Month, Two Rivers Gallery is showcasing emerging artists who explore themes of Indigenous LGBTQIA2S+ identity, community, and artistry.… Read the rest “July 2025 Events”
Franklin Library News
Compiled by the alley
All information listed here is accurate as of June 27th, 2025. For the most recent information, check out the library website at www.hclib.org.
FRANKLIN LIBRARY HOURS
Monday 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday 12 PM to 8 PM Wednesday 12 PM to 8 PM Thursday 12 PM to 8 PM Friday 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH + FAMILIES
Let’s Read Drop in
Wednesdays, 4-7 pm
Saturday/Sundays 1-5 pm
Free in-person reading support for K-5 students. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet weekly one-on-one to work on grade level reading skills.
Connect & Play
Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm
For children of all ages and their caregivers. Connect with your child during this drop-in program exploring early literacy activities. A licensed Family Educator from Way to Grow will provide support and resources for parents and caregivers.
African Drumming and Dance
Saturday, July 19th, 1-1:45 pm
Live performance of African drumming and dancing in costume! Performance ends with the audience being invited to participate.
Llamas at the Library
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2:30-5 pm
Lounge and learn with the laid-back Carlson’s Lloveable Llamas at the library!… Read the rest “Franklin Library News”
Be Glad For the B Line
By JOHN CHARLES WILSON
The Metro Transit bus service changes on 14 June 2025 were a real boon to the Phillips neighborhood, as I can guess many alley readers already know. The centerpiece of transit improvements, the B Line, replaced the infamous Route 21. Going 20 percent faster and without the time-consuming jog through Midway Shopping Center on the way to Saint Paul, this modern version of Selby-Lake goodness will make life easier for a lot of us.
Other bus routes that were improved at the same time:
- Route 2 (Franklin Ave) now runs every 10 minutes during the day and every half hour at night.
- Route 11 now runs every 15 minutes during the day, even on Sunday, and every half hour at night. All trips now go as far north as Columbia Heights.
- Route 27, which was suspended for COVID, came back to parts of the 26th/28th Street one-way pair, providing a less congested alternative to Lake Street for people in the residential areas nearby.
- People going to downtown Saint Paul can rejoice! Not only is the faster B Line replacing Route 21, but night and weekend service has been restored on Route 94 between downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Keep citizen journalism alive!
