Frequently Asked Questions

The Friends of Lake Forest Library is a group of dedicated supporters and library enthusiasts. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to support the mission and services of Lake Forest Library, as well as to engage in related educational, charitable, and cultural activities.

The Friends raise funds through book sales, Friends memberships, and your monetary and book donations, all of which make a huge difference to Lake Forest Library and the community. Since its founding March 18, 1976, the Friends have raised more than $3.3 million. These funds help maintain and enhance Library programming, our historic building, our extensive fine arts collection, and more.

Book Sales

Children's Book Sale

Library Foyer, during Library open hours

June 11–13, 2026

Annual Fall Book Sale

LF Rec Center, 400 Hastings Road

September 16–19, 2027

Holiday Book Bazaar

Library Foyer, during Library open hours

November 30–December 23, 2026

Board Meetings

Members of the Friends are welcome to attend the Friends Board Meeting, 9:15–11:15 am on the dates below, usually in the Library Kasian Room.

2026

April 18

June 20

August 8

October 24

2027

January 23

The Friends accept donations of gently used books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs. These donations are tax-deductible. Download a tax receipt. Printed tax receipts are also available at the Library back dock.

When and Where to Donate

Donations are accepted during Library open hours.

Please put your used book donations in the blue bins on the Library back dock.

Book donations are closed:

• Mid-August through the end of September
• Last week of November
• Last week of December

Desired Items

• Gently used fiction, nonfiction, and cookbooks
• Like-new books with dust jackets
• Children's books
• Collectible books
• DVDs and music CDs
• Puzzles and board games

Not Accepted

• Damaged, soiled, or musty items
• Encyclopedias
• Reader's Digest or Time Life books
• Outdated (5+ years) technical/professional books
• Library discards
• Magazines
• Video games
• VHS/Cassettes/Records

Thank you for becoming a new or renewing member of the Friends. Members receive invitations to the member-only Preview Day at the Annual Book Sale.

You may pay by PayPal or check.

Complete a form and pay via the Friends PayPal page.

-OR-

Print a form to complete and mail with a check made out to "Friends of Lake Forest Library" to the Library address: 360 E Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest IL 60045.

Your donation supports the Friends of Lake Forest Library in its mission to provide funding for Library programming and renovations. Thank you!

The Friends of Lake Forest Library is a charitable organization and is exempt from federal taxation as described by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, amended.

You may donate by PayPal or check.

Donate via the Friends PayPal page.

-OR-

Print a form to complete and mail with a check made out to "Friends of Lake Forest Library" to the Library address: 360 E Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest IL 60045.