FRIENDS OF THE ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Friends of Rockford Public Library is a non-profit community organization dedicated to supporting the Library and its programs. We promote public involvement and raise money through our bookstores and through our annual book sales.

Anyone can join the Friends of Rockford Public Library. The Friends are community-minded people who wish to offer practical support to advance the Library’s mission.

What We Do

  • Donate our time and talent
  • Staff two successful book shops
  • Organize book sales, and the First Friday with Friends Summer Book Sale

  • Provide leadership through the Friends of RPL Board
  • Provide gifts to the Library in the form of grants
  • Award annually a $2,000 scholarship to a student enrolled in a graduate program for Library Science and Information Technology.

We Need More Friends!

To learn more about Becoming a Friend, volunteering or upcoming book sales and events, contact Pam Dunlap, Marketing Assistant, at (815) 965-7606 x610.

Friends Membership

The Friends support the Library in a variety of ways. Some members support simply by paying their annual dues, while others become more involved by volunteering their time. However they choose to participate, they’re a valuable part of our Friends team. Consider becoming a member today!

One-Year Membership Benefits Include:
  • A free subscription to the Friends’ quarterly newsletter
  • Discount on a purchase at either of our Book Stores:
  • Invitations to members-only book sales
  • The chance to become a Library volunteer

Membership Levels and Fees

Memberships are renewed annually.

Bestseller $250 or More
Pacesetter $100 – $249
Bookworm $50 – $99
Book Lover $25 – $49
Scholar $10
Reader $5

BOOK STORES

The Friends Library stores, located in the Hart Interim Library and the East branch, are a great find for book lovers who also like to shop. Our shops are stocked with an abundance of carefully selected, quality used books, movies, music, magazines, greeting cards, and occasionally games, puzzles and artwork.

The Friends shops feature an outstanding collection of affordable books, including our famous $0.25 paperback racks. The literature section contains popular fiction, classics, and children’s books. In addition, we have many trade paperbacks and hard-bound volumes as well as audiobooks and collectibles. Our non-fiction sections include topics on gardening, cooking, art, history, biography, travel and current events.

In addition to used books, the Friends stores offer a delightful selection of greeting cards, tote bags, CDs and DVDs, calendars, and records. We also have “online” books which are priced at 50% or lower than their current online price.

Hart Interim Library

214 N. Church Street
Rockford, IL 61101

BOOK STORE HOURS
(Currently Closed)

Monday:  10 AM – 4 PM
Tuesday: 1 PM – 4 PM
Wednesday – Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday: 1 PM – 4 PM
Sunday: CLOSED

PHONE
Phone:  815-965-7606

East Branch

6685 East State St.
Rockford, IL 61108

BOOK STORE HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: CLOSED

PHONE
Phone:  966-2788

DO YOU HAVE MATERIALS TO DONATE?

Donations of books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs are accepted at all library locations during library hours. For assistance with large donations, call 815-966-2721.

FRIENDS OF RPL BOARD

Board Members
Reid Ferguson President
Timm Kofoed Vice President
Mary McCarty Sorting Area Manager
Marie Phillips Treasurer
Jean Giesen Membership / Newsletter Chairman / East Branch Book Shop Manager
Peg Hershberger Scholarship Committee Chairman
Tom Taillac Main Library Book Shop Manager
Randall Newhart Better World Books
Margaret “Peg” Hershberger Scholarship/Outreach Chair
Members at Large  
Julie Kosinski  
Janis Long  

RPL Liaison
Bridget Finn 815-987-6609