The Friends of Glenview Public Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was established in 1939. The Friends operate the Irene Overman Kreer Used Book Store, which is located in the Southwest corner of the Glenview Public Library lobby and is 100% staffed by dedicated volunteers.
Mission & Goals
The Friends of Glenview Public Library's core mission is to raise funds to support key programs and services offered by the Glenview Public Library. This support is critical as it allows the Library to fund as well as increase the quality of the programs and events they offer to the Glenview community. Funds are raised through sales at the Used Bookstore as well as direct monetary donations. While the primary goal is to support the Library, the Friends also contribute directly to the local community by delivering free books to train stations, Little Free Libraries, senior centers, and the Northfield Township Food Pantry.
History
In 1939, eight years after the Glenview Public Library was founded, the Glenview Library Association was established to promote the development of the Library and increase the usefulness to the community. The Glenview Library Association raised money to provide the Library with additional books, furnishings, media, artwork, and technology. In 2004, the Glenview Library Association was renamed to the Friends of the Glenview Public Library.
The Used Bookstore
In the early 2000s, Irene Overman Kreer wanted to establish a used bookstore to better support the overall Friend's mission. She pitched the idea to the Library Director, and the two of them found a small, somewhat awkward space that the Library hadn't found a use for in 50 years. With a limited budget, shelves and supplies eventually were purchased for the bookstore. Slowly word spread throughout the community and many residents responded in support by to donate their books. The Used Bookstore officially opened on July 16, 2006 in the previous Library building.
In 2010, the current Library building as we know it, opened its doors and within the new building, a space was allocated for the Friends Used Bookstore. The Used Bookstore was renamed in 2016 to the Irene Overman Kreer Used Bookstore to honor the person who started it all. Today, the Used Bookstore (the only bookstore in Glenview!) has 20,000+ gently used books as well as CDs, DVDs, videogames, and LPs. All items sold in the store are generously donated by the community as it has been since the beginning.
Learn more about how your donation helps the community OR join the team of volunteers that make it all happen.