Friends of the Library Updates

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Books Down Under (the Friends of the Library Bookstore) will be closed until further notice.

Additionally, book or media donations to the Friends of the Library will not be accepted at this time.

Officers of the Friends Board 

Membership Application

Meeting Schedule 

Meeting Minutes 

Annual Report 2018-2019

DONATE TO FRIENDS

Who are the Friends?

We are community members who love the library. Our mission is to support meaningful library programming and opportunities for the Wilmette and Kenilworth communities.

Funding for Library programming is supported in many ways.

• Books Down Under (BDU) is a used bookstore on the Library's Lower Level. Donated books are sold at bargain prices and book sales support library programs, events, art installations and materials.
• Friends' Membership and Donations additionally support programming.
• Donate to the Friends of the Library - Join the Friends of WPL today!

Friends Supported Programs

• One Book, Everybody Reads
• Shakespeare Project of Chicago
• Summer & Winter Reading Clubs for Children and Adults
• Sunday Music Series
• Maker Programs
• Greener Choices
• Genealogy Series
• Books for Babies
• After the Fast Lane

Friends Give Back

Friends give back to communities in need by sharing excess book donations from Books Down Under. By being bigger than just our community, Friends expands its local footprint and shares the love of reading and books with others who don’t have access to books. Book donations have been shared with A Just Harvest, Kid’s Corner at the Lake County Courthouse, Perspectives Charter School, Rotary Club of Wilmette, Our Place, Stand for Children, Illinois and Hands of Peace.

Officers of the Friends of the Library 2019

Email contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Friends of the Library Meeting Schedule

Mark your calendars for the following FOL Zoom Meetings:

• February 18 at 9 am
• March 18 at 9 am (Library Staff will present their Requests for Funding at this meeting)
• May 13 at 9 am 

If you are interested in joining our calls, please contact MaryAnne O'Keefe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Zoom information. 

All FOL members and volunteers are welcome to attend.

Books Down Under

 The Friends’ book store offers a huge selection of bargain materials for children and adults and is open during the following hours:

Monday 11 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm; 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Wednesday 11 am - 5 pm
Thursday 9 am - 5 pm; 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Friday 11 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Closed Sunday

Volunteer for Friends

Work at Books Down Under and get involved: fill out a volunteer form and return it to BDU: Bookstore Volunteer Form

BOOK DONATIONS FOR BOOKS DOWN UNDER

Donation Guidelines:

We like:

• Gently used books in good condition
• Fiction or Nonfiction, for adults or children
• Classics in good condition
• Recent Best Sellers
• CDs  in good working condition
• Sheet music & LPs

We don't like:

• Books in poor condition
• Damaged/torn/broken bindings
• Dirty/moldy/water damaged
• Highlights, underlining, or markings
• Encyclopedia sets
• Dated nonfiction
• Outdated travel or technology books

Drop off donated books during Library hours at the staff door off the Library Parking lot. Tax forms available.