Midlothian Public Library Friends of the Library Logo

Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Midlothian Public Library is a community organization which supports the library in its efforts to provide quality services and programs for the people of Midlothian.  Their current emphasis is on fundraising. They also sponsor and maintain four Little Free Libraries around town.

Meetings

The Friends meet on the second Thursday of every month excluding July and August at 6:00 pm in the library. 

Membership

If you would like to join, stop by the Checkout Desk to fill out a membership form. Dues are $5.00 for an individual or $10.00 for a family. You are encouraged to join, even if you cannot make the meetings.  Whether you are a member or not, please support the Friends of the Library by attending our events.

Friends of the Library Fundraisers

Current fundraisers include three book sales a year, a continuous book sale in the “Book Nook,” and an annual holiday bazaar.

Book Sales

Books for the book sales are donated by the general public throughout the year, as well as selected library discards.  Volunteers are needed to manage the sale. Before the sale, volunteers move and sort books.  During the sale, volunteers are needed to cashier, bag, help carry materials for customers, maintain order, answer questions and clean up

Book Nook

Throughout the year, the Book Nook is continuously filled with magazines and books for sale from the stored donations.  It is located in the library by the North entrance to the meeting room by the water fountain.

Holiday Bazaar

The sale is held on the first Saturday in December.  All items sold are donated, collected every year in November.  All donations are greatly appreciated. Volunteers are needed to help set up and work on the day of the Craft sale.

Little Free Libraries

The Friends sponsor and maintain four Little Free Libraries around Midlothian, located at the Metra Station, the Midlothian Park District Don Preston Recreation Center, Village Hall, and Fire Station No. 2. Little Free libraries aim to promote community sharing and literacy. Their slogan is, “Take a book, leave a book!” For more about Little Free Libraries, visit https://littlefreelibrary.org/

Ways to Get Involved

Volunteers are needed for the following:

  • Book Donation Sorting – About 1 hour, 1 to 2 times per month
  • Book Sales – Set up and work at the sale. 2-hour shifts, 3 times per year.
  • Holiday Bazaar – Set up and work at the sale. 2-hour shifts, once a year.
  • Donating crafts or making baked goods for the Holiday Bazaar.
  • MS Excel Work – About 1-2 hours per month.
  • Being an Officer – About 2 hours per month.
  • Book Nook – Restock the continuous book sale at the library year-round. About ½ hour each week.
  • Little Free Libraries – Restock one or more of the Friends’ Little Free Libraries – About ½ hour each week.

Adults interested in getting involved can contact Laura Gaughan, Adult Services Librarian at (708) 535-2027 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..