About the Friends

The Friends of the McHenry Public Library is a non-profit (501c3) organization  whose members are interested in promoting the value of the library, enriching its resources, and its services. The Friends support the library through volunteer service, fund-raising, and program promotion.

All current and potential members are welcome to attend. Volunteer opportunities include book sales, book sorting, special speakers, children's programs, membership, newsletter/publicity, and special events.

Anyone interested in serving on a Friends committee or volunteering for a Friends project should This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the group.

Officers: Bill Edminster, President; Sharon Gorski, Vice President; Barb Koch, Secretary; Georgann Caputo, Treasurer.

  Fall 2023 Book Sale

The Friends only accept cash or checks.

 
Upcoming Friends Meetings

The Friends board and members generally meet at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of February, June, September, and November in the Library's Meeting Room.

The next Friends Meeting will be Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library's Meeting Room #136. 

Check the Library's Events Calendar for exact dates/times. 

Book Donation Guidelines

The Friends are accepting large donations on the following dates before the Fall Book Sale: Tuesday, 10/3; Thursday, 10/5; Tuesday, 10/10; and Thursday, 10/12, between the hours of 10 am and Noon. Please drive around to the north side of the Library and ring the bell at Entrance B for assistance. 

While the Friends of the Library appreciate your book, DVD, and CD donations of gently used items, please respect these guidelines. 

Donations brought to the Checkout Desk inside the Library are limited to 2 boxes or bags of items weighing at most 10 lbs each. For donations larger than that, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the Friends to arrange a drop-off time. 

The Friends don’t accept:

• Magazines
• LP records
• VHS
• Cassettes
• Encyclopedias
• Textbooks
• Reader's Digest condensed books 

The Friends won’t accept items that are in any of the following conditions:

• riped
• stained
• moldy or mildewed

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Activities

The Friends host fund-raising events each year, such as used and ongoing book sales, and they help sponsor the annual Summer Reading Program as well as children's book discussion groups and movie programs. Their ongoing used book sale area is near the library's Checkout Desk.

Membership Benefits

In addition to the satisfaction of nurturing the library, Friends' members enjoy the chance to contribute to the growth and well-being of our community, and it's an opportunity to have fun and socialize with others who value the library's contributions to our lives.

How to Join the Friends

Click here to download and print a membership form, or pick one up at the library's Checkout Desk and return it with your dues payment. Your renewable membership is good for one calendar year, as the membership card indicates.

Accomplishments

Funds raised by the Friends help the library thrive by purchasing items not covered in the library's regular budget and sponsoring programs and special celebrations. Recent gifts include:

• • • • New public service desks
      • Digital monitors for lobby announcements
      • Annual movie license
      • Inventory security system
      • Summer reading incentives
      • Sponsorship of children's book discussion groups

The Friends have accomplished a great deal since the group was formed many years ago. Please consider joining the Friends in their efforts.