Friends Making Friends
Meet the people behind the Friends of the Edgewater Library!
Regina Wise, June 2026
Today, we’d like to introduce you to a new member who has had an immediate impact: Regina Wise. She’s one of the many wonderful people who work hard every day to bring awareness of the library and literacy to the larger Edgewater community.
How did you hear about Friends of the Edgewater Library, and what motivated you to become involved?
I used to spend a lot of time at coffee shops around the neighborhood for a change of scenery while doing special projects and research, but they can get pretty busy. I decided to give the library a try, and I really like the environment and found myself more productive. I've also wanted to get involved in volunteer work, and since I was already spending time at the library, I reached out to ask about opportunities, and that’s how I came across Friends.
What’s your experience been like so far working with the Friends?
Everyone is friendly and comes from different walks of life. I am also surprised at how much I am learning each day doing volunteer work because I meet people from different backgrounds, industries, and with varying career and life experiences. It's always fun to attend meetings because everyone is welcome and open to sharing.
Do you have a favorite program or event at the Library?
I personally like working with the Program Committee. There is never a boring day, and it is fun to work on all the events that Friends is supporting. I am also hoping that we have another event for “Readings on the Rails.”
Reading on the Rails is a Friends members-only event that uses Metra to check out the libraries, book stores, and local environs of other cities and towns. The trial run was held in April 2026. A small group went to Kenosha to hear former Friends president Jane Ward read from her latest novel.
Are there any books you’ve read that you think more people should know about?
Some of my favorite books are Zahir and The Pilgrimage by Paolo Coelho and Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. I also like reading about famous chefs and their work, like Julia Child and Ina Garten.
Regina and Victor siginng up new members outside the Edgewater Branch Library for the 2026 Friendraising Campaign.
What do you wish more people knew about Edgewater Library?
It’s so much more than just a place to check out books and organize bookshelves, tidying spaces, or helping staff get things ready for upcoming programs. You could be an accountant, a software developer, or a project manager like me, and you would be able to add value to Friends and to the Edgewater community.
How can other people get involved and help?
Become a member of Friends! There's so much opportunity to get to know your neighbors and help the community while doing what you do best.
— Interview by Friends member, Ricardo Pierre-Louis, Communications Committee
Friendraising is going on right now! Basic Membership is only $10. Stop by the library and meet members at the Friends table outside the library each Saturday throughout June, and on two Saturdays in July, the 11th and 18th. All new members get a free book when they join. Check us out at the June member meeting, June 27, 10-11 a.m. at the Edgewater Library, 2nd Floor in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room. You can also become a member and join us online.