Who are the Friends?
As a separate 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library have raised funds and built valuable bridges between the library and community since 1948. To learn more, review the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Bylaws (pdf) and:
- Call: 708.697.6930
- Email: friends@oppl.org
- Write: Friends of the Oak Park Public Library, c/o Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301
What annual membership levels are available?
- Patron Members ($25-$49): Receive early/free admission to events
- Donor Members ($50-$99): Be listed in the library’s year in review and the benefit listed above
- Benefactor Members ($100-$499): Receive priority seating at Friends events, and all benefits listed above
- Sustaining Members ($500-$999): Be named on a bookplate in a library volume, and all benefits listed above
- Scoville Circle Members ($1,000+): Be recognized on a library plaque, enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, and all benefits listed above
Be sure to let the Friends know if you want to give in someone else’s honor and if you work for a company that participates in employee matching gifts (also known as matching funds).
What do funds raised support?
- The Friends’ Annual Book Fair
- The Friends’ Annual Barbara Ballinger Lecture; and
- Supporting community connections through Celebrating Seniors.
Friends’ meetings & leadership
Typically the Friends Board of Trustees meets on the third Monday of every other month at 7:30 pm. Visit the calendar for specific dates, locations, and times »
2022 Board Meetings
- January 17: Meeting minutes (pdf)
- March 21 (also annual meeting): Regular meeting minutes (pdf) | Annual meeting minutes (pdf)
- May 17
- August 15
- October 17
2021 Board Meetings
- January 18: Meeting minutes (pdf)
- March 15 (annual meeting): Meeting minutes (pdf)
- May 17: Regular meeting minutes (pdf) | Annual meeting minutes (pdf)
- October 18: Meeting minutes (pdf)
2020 Board Meetings
- January 20: Meeting minutes (pdf)
- May 4 (annual meeting): Meeting minutes (pdf)
- June 15: Regular meeting minutes (pdf) | Annual meeting minutes (pdf)
- August 17: Meeting minutes (pdf)
Friends Board Members
- President: Russell Glidden (term ends March 2024)
- Vice President: Paul Buchbinder (term ends March 2024)
- Treasurer: Denise Roser (term ends March 2024)
- Secretary: Doris Adamczewski (term ends March 2024)
- Board member: Kathleen Bell (term ends March 2024)
- Board member: Doug Deuchler (term ends March 2024)
- Board member: Nancy Hartman (term ends March 2024)
- Board member: Paul Koko (term ends March 2023)
- Board member: Beth Streit (term ends March 2023)
- Board member: Chet Taranowski (term ends March 2023)
Ex Officio
- Open seat, Library Trustee
- Lori Pulliam, Interim Library Executive Director