Vote for the Edgewater Branch in the Chicago Reader’s Best of 2025 Campaign!
We are nominated in the City Life Group. Vote for the Edgewater Branch for Best Library Branch and the Chicago Public Library as the Best City Institution during the Best of Chicago 2025. Voting ends December 31 at midnight. Thanks for supporting the Edgewater Branch and the Chicago Public Library. Check out the video from Friends’ President Joanna Broussard.
Wishing you and yours a joyful new year!
Wrap up your year with a donation to Friends of the Edgewater Library. For a mere $10, you can join with a Friends of the Edgewater Library membership. If you want to do more, you can make a donation or Befriend a Book. All donations are tax-deductible. Friends of the Edgewater Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, EIN 36-3850960.
While you’re here, take the time to read our latest blog posts: Why We’re Friends and Why We Celebrate Jane Austen at 250.
Thank You to All Who Used Their Voice for the Chicago Public Library!
We are delighted to report that the collections budget remains intact and there will be no cuts to library staffing in the revised City of Chicago 2026 Budget. Thank you to every resident and alderperson who spoke up and worked diligently to support the Chicago Public Library. Our thanks also to the local news media for presenting these critical issues clearly, keeping readers, viewers, and listeners informed. 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 a special 35th Anniversary Frendz blog post by Friends member, Meghan Leonard — 35 Years of Minutes, 35 Years of Women
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. | From the Heart: A Collage Experience | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | The workshop will be facilitated by artist and ceremony creator, Myla Martin.
Combine your creativity and experiences to create a collage from magazine and newspaper images centered around a word of your choosing. If you feel comfortable sharing, explain why you chose certain images for your composition and what they represent to you.
No art experience is needed; all materials will be provided. The program is suitable for adults and teens.
This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Edgewater Library and Edgewater Village Chicago, in partnership with the Edgewater Branch Library. The program will be held at the library, 6000 N. Broadway.
Registration preferred, but not required.
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.