The Friends of the Pekin Public Library is a volunteer-driven group committed to promoting and supporting the library’s goals and initiatives. The purpose of the Friends group is to maintain an association of persons interested in libraries; to focus public attention on the library; and to encourage gifts, endowments, and fundraising.

One of the most significant ways the Friends contribute to the library is through fundraising. The group coordinates a membership drive at the beginning of each calendar year to build its membership base. By far, the most significant contribution to the library is the permanent Book Sale Room in the library. The Book Sale Room is full of paperbacks, hard covers, magazines, children’s materials, vintage, and more—all collected through donations. This room is run entirely by volunteers; all proceeds from book sales go directly to the Friends of the Pekin Public Library. That money is then used to purchase gifts for the library, which are determined by the Director’s request at the quarterly board meeting.

In addition to the permanent book sale room, the Friends host a large book sale in the Library Lobby four times a year. These bargain books help clear out donations and make space for new ones! The next book sale in the library lobby will be held April 4-11, 2026. All items in the lobby are 0.25 cents each or 5 items for $1.00. On the final day of the sale, Saturday, April 11, all items will be 0.10 cents each.

Due to the success of these membership drives and book sales, the Friends of the Pekin Public Library have donated many gifts to the library, most notably funding the Summer Adventure, which supplies prizes, programs, and supplies for the children in our community.

Other donations from the Friends in the past year include the large light board in Youth Services, the monitor and projector for our newest meeting space, called “The Lounge,” money to provide school bus grants to schools so they can bring their class to the library, extra money to purchase e-books, headphones for the youth services computers, the new reading nook in youth services, and the ever popular capsule gumball machine!

The impact of the Friends of the Pekin Public Library extends beyond just programs and funding. The organization also cultivates a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for literature and learning. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who sort through donations, price books, keep the book sale area looking organized and marketable, and set up book sales. They are also currently selling vintage books on their eBay store. The Friends create a supportive network that emphasizes collaboration and shared goals. 

Their commitment to supporting and enhancing the library has led to countless benefits for our community. If you would like to volunteer for the Friends of the Library, please email Sharon at [email protected].