Friends of the NIU Libraries

The Friends of NIU Libraries was founded in 1983 as an association of library supporters interested in contributing to the development of the resources of the University Libraries (by-laws).

The Friends secure gifts and bequests and provide funds for the purchase of books, manuscripts, and other materials such as electronic resources that could not otherwise be acquired by the library, through member contributions, the Library Endowment Fund, the Ensuring the Future tree, the Library Book Fund, and sponsorship of memorial and endowment programs.

The Friends sponsor a series of programs each year on a wide range of topics, often related to books, libraries, and publishing, but also of general interest. Many of these programs are free and open to the public, but some are members only. If you would like to be part of an e-mail distribution list for announcements of upcoming Friends events, please email us. Suggestions for future Friends programming can be sent to the same address. 

The Friends also sponsor an ongoing book sale in the lower level of Founders' Memorial Library to raise funds for the library. If you would like to donate books please see our Gifts Policy.

There are many benefits to membership in the Friends, including longer checkout times for books, and invitations to exclusive Friends-only events:

• Receive issues of Founders Type, a newsletter for the Friends of NIU Libraries
• Receive invitations to public Friends Programs and special members-only receptions
• Opportunities to recommend future Friends' programs
• Eligibility for interlibrary loan service
• Annual Membership fees and gifts to the Friends are tax-deductible

NIU Faculty and Staff can have their membership dues deducted directly via payroll deduction by filling out the deduction form and returning it with their membership form. We'll do the rest!

Gifts to the Friends of the NIU Libraries can also be made by credit card through the NIU Foundation. Select "A specific area," then Select " Friends of the NIU Libraries."

If you would like to join Friends of the NIU LIbraries, please consider a donation via the NIU Foundation.

Questions? Please call (815) 753-1094 or email. Thank you for your generous support!