Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Friends of a Library group?
Friends of the Library are nonprofit groups that support libraries in their communities. Although they raise funds and enhance the library’s visibility with programming and in other ways, Friends groups are separate nonprofit entities most often run entirely by volunteers. They are not part of the management of the library system or their affiliated branch. Read more.
What does Friends of the Edgewater Library do?
Read our mission and some of the programs and activities that support the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Review our Membership page for details. See our Top 10 Reasons to join Friends of the Edgewater Library.
When was the Friends of the Edgewater Library formed?
Planning for Friends of the Edgewater Library began in late 1989, and the group was officially incorporated on May 6, 1990, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We’re the second oldest Friends group in Chicago. Friends of the Rogers Park Library is the oldest, formed in the 1980s, but has not operated continuously.
There are six Friends of the Library groups, all on the North Side of the city: Albany Park, Bezazian (Uptown), Edgewater, Lincoln Belmont, Logan Square, and Rogers Park.
Read how Friends of the Edgewater Library supports others in beginning Friends groups for their neighborhood library branch.
How many Friends of the Library groups are there in Chicago?
What are some ways Friends of the Edgewater Library is supporting the library and
community?
Purchased furniture for the YOUmedia maker space for teens, audio-visual equipment for the Betty A. Barclay Community Room, supplies, and other equipment.
Provide funds for the library’s Summer at CPL! program for children.
Purchased Zoom video conferencing account for current programs and meetings; library staff also uses the account (e.g., book discussions, writing group).
Purchased furniture, books, and learning toys for the Early Childhood Literacy Nest on the first floor of the library.
Offer programs to the general public and fund honorariums. See video gallery of programs.
What kinds of programs do Friends of the Edgewater Library offer?
We partner with groups or individuals to produce programs that promote reading and encourage a lifelong curiosity for knowledge. Such programs center on books and authors, Chicago literary figures, historical or literary events and anniversaries, and Chicago-related issues past or present.
Within those parameters, our goal is to deliver programs that reflect the community’s needs and interests while promoting a better understanding of the many cultures within our neighborhood and the city at large.
Examples of programs we held are historical portrayals of Rachel Carson, Louisa May Alcott, and Florence Nightingale. We’ve also addressed topics such as seasonal cooking, birdwatching, and the environment. We commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment Programs with actors playing the roles of Illinois suffragettes. We’ve also presented voter information programs and a civic literacy program about how to reach your government representatives. We’ve celebrated the freedom to read by sponsoring City Lit Theater’s “Books on the Chopping Block” presentation during Banned Books Week.
Other programs were with authors Mikki Kendall, Nina Barrett, Elliott Gorn and Cyndee Schaffer, as well as presentations about authors such as Nelson Algren and Herman Melville. We’re also highlighting stories from local theatres through conversations with playwrights and artistic directors.
We’ve provided insight into our neighborhood’s diversity such as with the program, “The Story of Chicago South Asians and Their Food” and “Giving Voice to the Immigrant Experience.” Our community outreach initiative, “Edgewater Stories,” coalesced with narratives from local residents who shared their personal stories of immigration, starting a business and living in Edgewater.
We also talk about books. The No Book Club, began in August 2016 and is our longest-running program. We offer both virtual and in person gatherings. At The No Book Club, participants talk informally for a few minutes about ANY book they’re reading or read. Virtual meetings are held 1-2 p.m. on the last Monday of the month except during May, November, and December; in person meetings are held the second Friday of every month at 10: a.m. at the Edgewater Library on the 2nd floor in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room.
Our meetings are held 10-11 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month, except in May and November, when they’re held on the third Saturday; we generally do not meet in August and December. Meetings are usually in person at the Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Betty A. Barclay Community Room; please check the calendar listings on the home page to confirm.
When does Friends of the Edgewater Library meet?
Current committees are Book Sale, Bylaws, Community Engagement, Communications, Membership, Nominations and Program.
What are the group’s committees?
Our main funding comes from our annual used book sale; other funds come from membership dues, donations, and program sponsorship by local businesses or individuals.
How does Friends of the Edgewater Library raise funds?
Please consider joining for as little as $10 a year – although there are several other membership levels. Other ways to support us are to make a donation, sponsor a particular program, donate books before the book sale, and help spread the word about our programs. Sign up on the home page to receive our newsletter so you know about our many activities. Read more. Your contributions will help enhance the library and educate and engage the community.