Chair: Brenda Sawyer.

APRIL ANNUAL BOOK SALE, 9:30-3, was cancelled for 2020 becauseCOVD-19

Friends of Blackstone Library was formed in 2003 by concerned neighbors to serve as an advisory council for Chicago's first branch library, to promote use and improvement of the library, and to provide volunteer and fundraising services for Blackstone. FBL gratefully acknowledges the efforts of previous volunteer support groups at the library and the many government bodies, organizations, businesses, and individuals and families that support the FBL and the library. Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is pleased to serve as fiscal agent for FOBL.

The Friends has:

• organized and raised community and business support for celebrations of the library's centennial
• successfully sought a grant from Replogle Foundation for a new, lighted globe and seeks restoration of the vintage globe
• hosted discussions with distinguished authors and in 2010 renamed the series the Leon Despres Author Series
• worked with staff to increase the library's books and materials, programs and outreach
• worked to ensure efficient, highest quality and welcoming customer service
• sought ways to serve the afterschool clientele at the library

Mission:

• To build a partnership between the library and the community
• To build awareness of the library's resources and services
• To encourage volunteer services and activities on behalf of the library
• To raise funds and solicit gifts to provide m ore pre-school and after school programs
• To maintain Blackstone as a key cultural institution in Hyde Park and the city of Chicago

Activities:

• Provide volunteers for CPL summer reading program, Chicago Humanities Fest, Hyde Park Book Sale, Hyde Park Jazz Fest
• Sponsor quarterly author series
• ANNUAL BOOK SALE, APRIL
  Friends of Blackstone Library Book Sale

  Date and Time: Saturday, 4th Saturday in April from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m. (Not in 2020)

About this event: Celebrate the return of spring by picking up some new reads! The Friends of Blackstone Library are sponsoring a book sale, featuring fiction and non-fiction books for readers of all ages. Media items (DVDs, Books on CD and music CDs) are also being offered. Proceeds from the sale go to Blackstone Branch's Chicago Public Library Foundation fund. So show your support for your local library and pick up some good reads at the same time!

Benefits of being a Friend

• Access to Smart Museum membership
• Discount coupons for Toys Et Cetera
• Membership in the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC)