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
Check out our latest blog posts: Why We’re Friends and Why We Celebrate Jane Austen at 250.
2026 Events
February 2026
23 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
28 | 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.
March 2026
03 | Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Rivendell Theatre Ensemble | Edgewater Branch Library, Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | Meet three actors and the playwright of the world premiere of Pivot, a dark comedy about tradition, change, and things you should never, ever say to your in-laws. Set in a rural town in Nebraska, it revolves around wedding plans, a crop rotation plan, and plans that go awry.
The actors will perform a scene from the play, followed by a discussion and Q&A with the ensemble and Jeff Award-winning playwright, Alex Lubischer. The playis on stage at Rivendell (5779 N. Ridge) through March 21. Learn more about Pivot here.
This free program is a partnership between Friends of the Edgewater Library, the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. | No registration needed.
13 | Friday, 10-11 a.m. | The No Book Club | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed.
28 | 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.
20 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
2026 Book Giveaway
In 2026, Friends of the Edgewater Library, in partnership with Women & Children First bookstore, continues our book-giving program. Library patrons may choose a free book from the selection next to the self-service checkout machine on the first floor.
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.
2026 Events cont’d
April 2026
10 | 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.