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!
Read a special 35th Anniversary Frendz blog post by Friends member, Meghan Leonard — 35 Years of Minutes, 35 Years of Women
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.
2026 Events
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.
19-25 | National Library Week |Celebrate libraries and library workers all week long.
21 | National Library Workers Day | Say thanks to the staff of the Edgewater Branch Library for helping to keep all of us in books, videos, programs, and resources for children, teens, and adults all year long.
25 | Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | April 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.
27 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
May 2026
May is National Pet Month, and we’re celebrating our best friends.
8 | Friday, 10-11 a.m. | The No Book Club | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed.
16 | Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | Annual Meeting May 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.
25| Celebrate Memorial Day | No Virtual The No Book Club Meeting
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
May 2026
May 30 | Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon | Rescued Me with Nestor Gomez | Edgewtar Brach Library, 2nd Floor, Betty A. Barclay Community Room | Master storyteller, Nestor Gomez, tells the tale of who rescued who as he finds a way from fear to love. Based on his book, Rescued Me, now available through CPL.
June 2026
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.
29 | 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.