Thank You to All Who Use Their Voice for the Chicago Public Library!
There Is Still More Work to Do.
Because of public outcry, pushback from alderpersons across the city, news media coverage, and social media posts, the proposed 2026 City Budget was amended to keep CPL’s Collections budget intact. Thank you to everyone who rallied around CPL and recognized the need to maintain the library’s collections for our residents, neighborhoods, and Chicago’s reputation.
The reduction in staff systemwide, achieved by eliminating 69 (reduced from 89) currently vacant positions, is still part of the proposed 2026 Budget. Every library in the city will be affected by these cuts. The libraries are already short-staffed and underfunded. Please continue to use your voice and call or email your ward alderperson and ask them to reject the cuts to CPL staffing. How important is the library to you, your family, your neighborhood, and our city? Include this in your email. The news media are continuing to cover this story, and several alderpersons are still asking for input from their constituents. Please add your voice to this critical issue and take 5 minutes to share your thoughts with your ward alderperson. Read the Friends’ letter sent to the Budget Committee and all 50 Ward Alderpersons. See media coverage here.
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.
Read our latest Frendz blog post by Friends member, Meghan Leonard — 35 Years of Minutes, 35 Years of Women
December 2025
12 | Friday, 10-11 a.m. | The No Book Club | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed.
The No Book Club Virtual Meeting | There will no virtual The No Book Club meetings in November & December. See you in January 2026.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Welcome to 2026
January 2026
9 | Friday, 10-11 a.m. | The No Book Club | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed.
18 | Sunday, 2-4 p.m. | SoulCollage® Workshop | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | SoulCollage® combines creativity, intuition, and self-expression. The workshop will be facilitated by artist and ceremony creator, Myla Martin. Materials will be provided.
This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Edgewater Library and Edgewater Village Chicago, in partnership with the Edgewater Branch Library. No registration needed. For more information, download the flyer.
24 | Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | November 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.
26 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
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.
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.