Founded in 1954, Des Plaines Friends of the Library is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that raises funds to provide gifts (programs, materials, equipment, and artwork) for the library. The Friends sponsor three yearly used book sales and maintain an ongoing bookshelf located on the first floor, offering used books and magazines for sale throughout the year.

Book Sale Information[LINK TO BOOK SALE PAGE]

Being a Friend

It's easy to be a member of the Friends. Complete a membership application and return it to the library. Once you're a member, you'll pay annual dues:

  • $5 per year for an individual
  • $10 per year for a family

Good Friend ($25 - $99 donation) or Benefactor ($100+) memberships are available too!

As a Friend, you'll assist with various library programs, help organize and run the Friend’s three annual book sales and maintain the ongoing book sale shelf. Friends members have access to the book sales prior to the public, an added benefit.

Friends Monthly "Roundtable" Meetings

The Friends meet the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room on the second floor.

There is no meeting in July and December. The general/annual meeting is in May and is held in a first floor meeting room. Contact the Friends at 847-376-2922 for more information.

2013 Officers of Des Plaines Friends of the Library

  • President: Wally Meyer, (847) 699-0965
  • Vice President: John Jasionowsky
  • Secretary: Carol Szymanski
  • Treasurer: Debra Sus
  • Book Sale: Ralph & Mary Minnis
  • Ongoing Bookshelf: Sue D’Hondt, Jan Geist & others

What the Friends support

All during the year, the funds raided by the Friends via book sales and dues support a wide range of library programs designed to appeal to diverse communities in Des Plaines. Toddlers, grade-schoolers, teens, adults and people with special needs benefit from these activities that are made possible by the Friends’ book sales. Friends-supported activities include:

Adult Programs

Friends-sponsored activities for adults include Friday evening and Sunday afternoon movies, Wii games, art slide lectures, live performances. Friends also provide funds for adult reading program prizes.

Family Programs

Many activities supported by the Friends are enjoyed by adults and children alike, suchas Friends Family Sundays and special musical and educations programs.

Children's Programs

Friends sponsor events at the library for children of all ages including Check-Mates Chess Academy and live musical and theatrical performances. Friends also sponsors Rainbow Times, a program that brings autistic children with therapy dogs together to read. Friends also sponsors kids’ summer reading program events and prizes. In 2013, more than 2,000 children participated in this Friends supported program.

Teen Programs

For teens, the Friends financially supports the annual Battle of the Bands, as well as other programs and events.

Library Review Book Club

Sign up now to participate in the Friends-sponsored Literary Review Book Club. A limited number of memberships are available for the 2013-2014 series of luncheons/reviews. For more information please call Jeanette at 847-635-6780. Learn more [link]