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 University Libraries’ mission to …

“… empower and inspire students, faculty and the community to transform the world, and themselves, through the discovery and creation of knowledge.”

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. The Friends also 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 at LibAdmin@niu.edu. Suggestions for future Friends programming can be sent to the same address.

There are many other benefits to membership in the Friends at different levels:

• Student Level - $25 annually
  • Listing in NIU Libraries Annual Report
  • Recognition on Libraries' Website
  • Hot/cold insulated library mug
• Friend Level - $50 annually
  • Listing in NIU Libraries Annual Report
  • Recognition on Libraries' Website
  • Gold Courtesy Card (allows for longer check out)
  • Access to Interlibrary Loan
  • 2023 NIU Nature Calendar or insulated library mug
• Leader Level - $250 annually
  • All of the above
  • Recognition at Friends' Annual Meeting
  • Special Events Priority Invitation, Seating and Reception
  • Framed 1970s “psychedelic” carpet from Founders Memorial Library. (If you know, you know.)
• Scholar Level - $1,000 annually
  • All of the above
  • Science on Sphere banner ad for special event recognition
  • Use of library laptop and library hoteling space (as available)
• Benefactor Level - $5,000 (one time)
  • All of the above
  • Named Exhibit (in coordination with the Exhibit Committee)
• Founders Circle - $10,000 (one time)
  • All of the above
  • Name or corporate logo on library promotional materials
  • Reduced rate to use library space for event

Annual and one-time membership fees and gifts to the Friends are tax-deductible.