Annual Book Sales | Make a Donation | Add to the Library’s Collection | Donate a Tree | Purchase Library Apparel
Join the Friends of the Library
Who are the Friends of the Library?
The Friends of Cook Memorial Public Library District is an independent, volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization of enthusiastic Library supporters. They work together to help the Library District go the extra mile for patrons of all ages by promoting reading in general and the Cook Memorial Library in particular.
What do the Friends do?
They provide financial support for new or innovative programs and resources. They volunteer their time and talents and are library ambassadors within the community. They also take on leadership roles within the organization. After expenses, 100 percent of the money raised (either through fundraisers and programs or donations from the public) goes back into the Library. The Friends of the Library underwrite the costs of the Library’s reading programs (the costs of supplies and prizes) and finance equipment and supplies not covered in the library budget.
- Seasonal reading program supplies and prizes
- Equipment and supplies not covered in the Library’s budget
- Weekly Movie Matinees
- Youth Services Department aquariums
- Handicapped-accessible door systems
- Water dispensers for water bottles
- Books for One Book, One Community
- Library merchandise
Membership
Support the Friends of the Library by becoming a member. Membership also grants first entry to annual book sales during the Member’s First Choice hours. If you’re interested in joining, please email the Friends at friendsofcooklibrary@gmail.com, check their Facebook page, or call 847-362-2330.
- Yearly Membership: $10
- Lifetime Membership: $50
Book Sales
Year-Round Sale Shelves
Purchase used books and other items year-round from the book sale shelves at Aspen Drive Library and Cook Park Library.
- Aspen Drive Library Book Nook is located in the front lobby Café area.
- Cook Park Library sale shelves are next to the Holds Pick-Up area behind the Welcome Desk.
Semiannual Book Sales
The Friends of the Library host two large sales at Aspen Drive Library each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Great deals await you!
2026 Fall Book Sale
Saturday, October 17 • Aspen Drive Library Lower Level
- 9:30–11:30 am: Members Only
Not a member? Join at the door!
- 11:30 am–4 pm: Open to the Public
Sunday, October 18 • Aspen Drive Library Lower Level
- 12:30–4 pm: $5 Bag Sale – Open to the Public
We supply the bag, and you fill it with all the books, movies, etc. that fit for $5. Multiple bags are permitted. Educators who teach at schools in the Library District may select books free of charge with a valid school ID.
Membership & Sale Questions
Support the Friends of the Library by becoming a member. Membership also grants first entry to semiannual book sales during the Member’s Preview hours. Interested in joining? Email the Friends at friendsofcooklibrary@gmail.com, call 847-362-2330, or check their Facebook page.
Yearly Membership: $10 | Lifetime Membership: $50
Donations
Donate your gently used materials for the upcoming sale! Only books in good condition will be accepted. Beginning Sunday, September 6, drop donations in the bins located in the lobby of each Library location. Bins will be out until Sunday, October 11, or until the Friends’ material capacity is reached.
Accepted donations:
- Children’s books – most in need
- Fiction books – publication date 10 years or newer (classics are okay)
- Nonfiction books – publication date 10 years old or newer
- CDs or Vinyl Records
- Movies on DVD or Blu-Ray
- Puzzles (no missing pieces) – adults and children
Due to limited storage space, they CANNOT accept the following items:
- Damaged, worn, dogeared, or moldy books
- Book with marginalia (writing, highlighter, or notes in margins)
- ANY textbooks
- VHS or cassette tapes
- Reader’s Digest or abridged books
- Encyclopedias or sets of old publication collections (such as National Geographic)
- Magazines
Make a Monetary Donation
Support the Library and its services to the community by making a monetary donation. Contact the Library to request a donation form.
Purchase a Book for the Library’s Collection
Commemorate a special occasion or honor a loved one with a purchased donation for the Library District’s collection. Each book purchased with a donation bears a distinctive bookplate noting the donor’s name and the name of the person or the occasion being remembered or celebrated.
Donation Request Form
Submit the completed form to Gabriella Pantle at Cook Park Library in Libertyville.
Purchase Library Apparel
Wear your Library pride with apparel for all ages, including Check Out Your Happy designs, available on our Threadless site.