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
• Children’s 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

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.

Fall Book Sale

Saturday, October 19, 9:15 am–4:45 pm • Aspen Drive Library Lower Level

Drop in and pick up new-to-you books, movies, music, and video games at the Friends of Cook Memorial Public Library District’s Fall One-Day Book Sale!

• 9:15–11 am: Members Only
  Not a member? Join at the sale entrance!
• 11 am–3 pm: Open to the Public
• 3–4:45 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.

Donations

Donate your gently used books, movies, and music for the upcoming sale! Drop materials in the donation bins located in each Library location’s lobby starting Monday, September 23.

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. You can donate online by signing in to our online payment system with your library card or by completing the Donation Request Form. Submit the completed form to Gabriella Pantle at Cook Park Library in Libertyville.

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.

Donate a Tree

Honor a family member, commemorate the birth of a future reader, or remember a special occasion by donating a tree to Aspen Drive Library. A bronze dedication plaque will be installed by each donated tree.

For additional information or to reserve a tree, please call Gabriella Pantle at 847-362-2330 x1101.