It’s National Friends of Libraries Week | October 19-25
Celebrate with us—check out our calendar below. Pick up a free book at the Edgewater Branch Library.
Read our blog post, Library Adventures Then & Now.
This year, for our 35th Anniversary, we’re honoring our roots, celebrating everything we’ve built together, and dreaming big about the future—and you’re invited to be part of it all!
Expect exciting events, special programs, and stories that spotlight the amazing people who helped grow our library into the vibrant hub it is today.
To mark the occasion, Friends has already made a generous gift to help refresh and expand the Edgewater Branch Library’s collection—and you can join in!
Support our Befriend A Book campaign by donating $35 (or any amount!) to help us keep the library’s shelves stocked.
Let’s make this anniversary year one for the books!
Books, people, events, and more …
You’ll find a world of friends when you’re a part of
Friends of the Edgewater Library.
Upcoming Programs & Events
View additional programs & events at the Edgewater Branch here.
October 2025
19-25 | National Friends of the Library Week | All programs and events this week are sponsored by Wintrust Bank—Loyola Station in partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library and the Edgewater Branch Library.
We will be giving away books all week at the library. Look for the cart in the lobby.
19 | Sunday, 2-3 p.m. | Meet Ben Franklin In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | As we approach America’s 250th Anniversary, join us to kick off National Friends of the Library Week with a conversation with one of our country’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin.
Quite the Renaissance Man, Franklin was known as a scientist, inventor, printer/publisher, entrepreneur, diplomat, and statesman. The one activity that is rarely discussed is Franklin’s involvement in founding not only the first lending library, but also the first Friends group.
As we commemorate our 35th Anniversary, we invite you to join us for this special afternoon with Ben Franklin. This program is sponsored by Wintrust Bank—Loyola Station in partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library and the Edgewater Branch Library. No registration required.
20 | Monday, 11a.m.-noon | Little Miss Ann | Early Childhood Music Program | In-person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor
Little Miss Ann is a Chicago-based, nationally touring children’s musician with seven award-winning Family Music albums to her name. She is a former CPS teacher, an instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and a first-generation Filipina-American. We also pay tribute to Filipino-American History Month with this performance.
This program is part of the National Friends of the Library Week activities sponsored by Wintrust Bank—Loyola Station, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Services Committee of the Chicago Public Library, in partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library and the Edgewater Branch Library.
2025 Book Giveaway
In 2025, Friends of the Edgewater Library in partnership with Women & Children First bookstore started a new book-giving program. Library patrons may choose a free book from the selection next to the self-service checkout machine on the first floor. See all our 2024 Bag of Books winners here.
Quick Hits
Got a question? See our FAQs.
Want to be a member? Find out more and join us.
Looking for something interesting to watch? Check out our video gallery.
Want more resources or information on a recent program, see the video gallery or our Frendz blog or search on the subject or program name.
Want to support us through event sponsorship or as a community partner? Learn more about sponsorship and community partnership opportunities.
Looking to have some fun with others by working on a committee? See our committee descriptions.
Special Thanks
Our thanks to Wintrust Bank—Loyola Station Branch Manager Stefanie Roti and Vice-President Don Cortelyou for Wintrust’s sponsorship of our National Friends of the Library Week programs and events, and community partnership with in-kind support throughout the year.
Upcoming Events, continued
October, cont.
25 | Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | October Member Meeting | In-person | Edgewater Branch Library, Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation or stay after; feel free to bring breakfast snacks to share with all. No registration needed.
27 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
November 2025
14| Friday, 10-11 a.m. | The No Book Club | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed
Check out these virtual events on the CPL website. The Edgewater Branch Library is now open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
Friends At A Glance
Mission: Let’s Partner
Our mission is to partner with and advocate for the Edgewater Branch Library. To respond to our community’s library needs. To educate and engage the community in using and enjoying all our library’s resources.
Support: Let’s Get Involved
Be a member or be a friend. Join Friends of the Edgewater Library with an annual or lifetime membership. Get involved as sponsor. Volunteer for our Book Sale, or just show up! By being a friend, you make new friends.
Events: Let’s Get Together
Meet your neighbors. Listen to an author. Share your reading experiences. Explore a new literary genre. Donate your used books. Meet an historical character. Make new friends. Discuss a community issue. Hover over the shaded dates on our Friends’ Calendar above to see what’s happening; be sure to click on the event name to see complete details about each event.