Friends of the Libraries: Home

Founded in 2009, the Friends of the Libraries is a group of donors and advocates who support our vision and goals through membership and action. The Friends are essential to the success of the Loyola University Chicago Libraries. Whether you're a Loyola alumnus, a parent of a student, a community member, or simply a library enthusiast, the Friends offers meaningful ways to connect with others who share your passion for advancing our mission: to facilitate the pursuit of knowledge and creativity through user-focused services, diverse collections, engaging programs, and initiatives.

With an annual donation, your gift will help us continue to provide top quality information resources, events, and activities, support students through the Student Employee Scholarship Fund, fund the purchase of books and resources, and sponsor projects for the benefit of the Loyola community.

Our Goals

The Friends of the Libraries aims to:

• Provide opportunities for meeting persons who share an interest in and enthusiasm for books, libraries, and learning
• Encourage and attract gifts in the form of bequests, endowments, books, manuscripts, and other appropriate materials
• Involve individuals in the Chicago area in library programs and activities
• Foster an understanding of and appreciation for all Loyola University Chicago’s Libraries and their special collections
• Underscore the importance of Loyola University Chicago’s Libraries in fulfilling the University’s mission

Membership Levels and Benefits

Basic Membership

• Annual donation:

• Loyola students: $10

• Member: $50

  • Access to databases using the designated computer workstations on campus

  • Expanded access to library facilities during all open hours beyond the current community-use policy

  • Invitations to Friends events, special receptions, exhibit openings, and other programs

Borrowing Membership 

• Annual donation:

• Parent of Loyola student(s): $50

• Patron: $100

• Sponsor: $250

  • All “Basic Membership” benefits

  • Borrowing privileges for you (and your spouse or partner) at Cudahy and Lewis Libraries

  • Reserved seating at Friends events and invitations to pre-event author receptions

Library Dean’s Circle

• Annual support: $1,000+

  • All “Borrowing Membership” benefits

  • Special Recognition in Loyola’s Damen Society.

Explore

• Read about recent Friends activities and events through Friends News.
• Browse recordings of past events to see what you might have missed.

Events and Programs

Throughout the year, Friends enjoy a variety of programs celebrating books, learning, and academic achievement:

• Upcoming Events - View our event calendar to learn about thought-provoking author talks, lectures, and panel discussions in person or online on topics ranging from history, literature, technology, arts, current affairs, and many other topics.
• Alumni Author Spotlight - Celebrate the literary achievements of Loyola graduates.
• Alumni Authors Database - Discover works by Loyola alumni or submit yours today.
• Collection Celebration - View photos from the unveiling of Alumni Authors Collection and other special events.
• Recordings of Past Events - Programs include Poetry Reading by Stuart Dybek, Alumni Authors Who Create, Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline Project, and more

How to Join and Donate

Joining the Friends is easy and meaningful. Your gift directly supports library services, collections, programming, as well as scholarships for library student workers.

• Online - Go to our libraries giving page, select your Gift Amount. Under Designations, select the Show More+ option. Type in "Libraries" in the box to find Friends of the Libraries. 

• By phone: Call our Advancement Office at 1.800.424.1513 during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to make a donation using a credit card.

• By mail: Print out this membership form and enclose a check payable to Loyola University Chicago (write “Friends of the Libraries” in the memo line):

  • Loyola University of Chicago - Gift Processing
    P.O. Box 4336
    Carol Stream, IL 60122-4336

Important Information

• Membership Card: Once your gift is processed, you will receive a courtesy card as proof of your membership into the Friends program. The card will be mailed using U.S. postal service within 5-7 business days of your gift. We appreciate your patience.
• Membership Year: A membership year is defined as July 1 to June 30. Membership fees are not pro-rated based upon the month of joining.
• Tax Benefits: Your membership gift is a tax-deductible donation to the extent allowed by law.

Contact Us

For questions regarding the Friends of the Libraries:

• Email: libraries@LUC.edu
• Phone: 773.508.2616