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
October 2026
10| Saturday, 1-2 p.m. | City Lit Theater Presents: Books on the Chopping Block | Celebrate the Freedom to Read and Access to Information as we close out Banned Books Week with the Top Ten Banned Books of 2026| In Partnership with City Lit Theater, Friends of the Edgewater Library, & the Edgewater Branch Library | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed. Download the PDF.
18-24 | National Friends of Libraries Week | Celebrate this annual tribute to Friends groups across the country, which support libraries and the librarians and staff who work there. Our week is loaded with fun events and ends with a special celebration on Saturday, October 24, beginning at noon.
18 | Sunday, 1:30-3 p.m. | Kick off National Friends of Libraries Week with RedTwist Theatre’s Artistic Director, Dusty Brown, and resident playwright Erik Gernand of Prayer Circle (Sep 20-Nov 08, 2026). Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at this masterful play, complete with cast members performing a scene. | Edgewater Library, 6000 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Betty A. Barclay Community Room | Join us for this prelude to the Insider’s Look at Redtwist Theatre on October 22; see below.
22 | Thursday, 6-8 p.m. | Celebrating Edgewater’s Storefront Theatres Autumn Salon Series | An Insider’s Look at Redtwist Theatre with Dusty Brown, Artistic Director | Presented by Edgewater Historical Society in partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library | 5358 N. Ashland | Download the PDF | More info EHS
24 | Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | October 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.
24 | Saturday, 12-2 p.m. | Edgewater Library Open House and Early Learners’ Nest Dedication Celebration | Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N. Broadway | Join Friends of the Edgewater Library as we close out National Friends of Libraries Week with an Open House, Early Learners’ Literary Nest Dedication at 12:15 p.m. with Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown and other special guests.
On the first floor, we’ll have:
Children’s Storytime at 12:30 p.m. and a Children’s Craft Program at 12:45 p.m.
Tour of the Edgewater Branch at 1 p.m.
On the second floor, in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room, there will be:
Tell Us Your Edgewater Story
All About Friends
Choose a free book, courtesy of Women & Children First
A special display of books you can borrow with your library card, and if you need a library card, you can get one at the front desk.
Light Refreshments
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.
Upcoming events, cont’d
October, cont’d
26 | Monday, 1-2 p.m. | The No Book Club | Virtual Meeting | Register Now
November 2026
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.
21* | 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.
*Please note the meeting in November is on the third Saturday because of Thanksgiving.
No Virtual Meeting of The No Book Club in November and December. See you January 25, 2027.
December 2026
11 | Friday, 10-11 a.m. | The No Book Club | In person | Edgewater Branch Library | Betty A. Barclay Community Room, 2nd Floor | No registration needed.
There is no Member Meeting in December. See you on January 23, 2027.
Enjoy the Holidays
&
A Happy New Year to All!
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. Check out the events calendar in the left column above.