National Friends of Libraries Week

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of National Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 19-25, 2025

In its 20th anniversary year, National Friends of Libraries Week ran from Sun., Oct. 19 to Sat., Oct. 25. This year saw waves of online engagement and acknowledgement of Friends groups from libraries and organizations across the country. And as always, Friends groups held local events celebrating and recruiting new members. United for Libraries celebrated by hosting a free webinar for Friends groups, 'Free for All' and Friends of the Library featuring Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, the filmmakers who created the acclaimed documentary 'Free for All: The Public Library. The recording of that webinar is now available and free to all.

United for Libraries also announced a second round of grant opportunities for Friends groups of small and rural libraries through a partnership with Penguin Random House, in celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. Eligible Friends groups are invited to apply for grants of $500, $1,000, or a book donation grant of $500 from Penguin Random House.

Read a recap of shout-outs and activities acknowledging Friends of Libraries groups everywhere--and don't forget to apply for the 2025 National Friends of Libraries Week Awards for a chance to win $250 for your Friends group.

National Friends of Libraries Week Awards

For more information, visit the National Friends of Libraries Week Award page.

Future Dates for National Friends of Libraries Week

• Oct. 18-24, 2026
• Oct. 17-23, 2027
• Oct. 15-21, 2028
• Oct. 21-27, 2029
• Oct. 20-26, 2030