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.
November 2025
8 | Saturday | Bollywood: Dances and Stories of India | 2 p.m. | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | This lively and interactive program from Bollywood & Culture Groove will explore the vibrant dances of various Indian regions with fascinating tales of the people who live there. For all ages. Limited space; register on the library's website or call (312) 742-1945. This program is co-sponsored with Edgewater Village.
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.
15 | Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | November Member Meeting | In-person | Edgewater Branch Library, Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | This is a special member session with teams working on plans for 2026 programs, events, and special initiatives. 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.
16 | Sunday, 2-4 p.m. | Bookmarks to Go | Edgewater Branch Library, Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | Use your creativity to cut, paste, and make bookmarks for yourself, to give as gifts, or distribute in the community. No crafting experience needed. The program is suitable for adults, teens, and families. All supplies will be provided. This program is co-sponsored with Edgewater Village Chicago. No registration required.
30 | Sunday, 3-4 p.m. | A Visit with Jane Austen | Edgewater Branch Library, Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | Debra Ann Miller, Chicago actress and historical impersonator, portrays one of the most beloved novelists of the 19th century. Jane Austen's visit is from the autumn of 1815, during the most vibrant and hopeful time of her life. Her first three novels, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Mansfield Park are published, and Emma is complete. Jane Austen's books available through CPL. Come celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday (December 16, 1775) a little early with Friends.
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
The No Book Club Virtual Meeting | There will no virtual The No Book Club meetings in November & December. See you in January 2026.
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.
January 2026
26 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
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.