Helen Plum Library Foundation Newsletter – Fall 2026 Update
- HPLF Staff Writer
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Friends of the Library and Foundation,
We hope your summer was filled with books, fresh air, and friends! We’re pleased to share the Foundation’s upcoming events, milestones, and community partnerships:
Upcoming HPLF Events
Farmers Market - September 1
Please join us Tues, September 1 at our Lombard Farmer's Market booth. We'll be selling gently used children's books, Hokusai-themed foundation merchandise, and giving away free gifts for the kids, while supplies last. All proceeds go to future library programming!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Dine Out Day at Billy Brick’s Pizza: Fresh or Frozen Pizzas
Coming up fast! Two new ways to support the Foundation at Bricks Pizza: fresh and ready OR frozen for later. Better yet, do both!
Between now and Monday September 7 at 11:00 am, place your order for frozen pizzas! Then - this is important - pick up your frozen pizzas Wednesday, September 9, between 4:00-5:30 pm at the Helen Plum Library. You were going there anyway, we bet! Pick up a few books, and you’ll be all set.
If the convenience of frozen pizza isn't your thing, on Wednesday September 9, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, you can opt to order your hot, delicious pizzas, tasty sandwiches, salads, or more – all at the downtown Lombard Brick's location. Mention “Helen Plum Fundraiser” at the register, on the phone, or in your online order notes.
See the details above, and scan the QR code for easy ordering. Thank you!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Save the Date: Next Pop-Up Book Sale
The Foundation will host the next Helen Plum Library book sale on October 17. Mark your calendars!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Event Recaps
Dine Out Day at Portillo's
On July 16th, we had a Dine Out Day at the Downers Grove Portillo’s, and WOW do Lombardians love their Italian beefs! Thank you to everyone who joined us to support literacy and special library projects.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Book Bike Debut at the Lilac Parade
Did you spot the library’s new Book Bike during the Lilac Parade this year? If you missed it, you can catch the Book Bike at the Lombard Farmers Market and at other community events throughout the year.
If you see us, please say hello to the volunteers and check out the book bike. We’d love to chat, share updates, and hear your ideas for how the library can better serve you.
Thanks to your genererous donations, the Helen Plum Library Foundation helped fund the bike purchase.
________________________________________________________________________________
A Sign of The Times
This modest, wooden sign hung outside the original Helen Plum Library, greeting visitors - and defying Illinois winters - for the better part of 50 years. In April, restored and preserved, the sign began greeting visitors again for the first time in 50 years. Read about the restoration process in this article from our friends at The Conservation Center. It was made possible, in part, by support from the Foundation and you, our donors.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Ongoing Program Updates
With the support of donors like you, the Foundation was able to provide seed money to launch the successful Grow A Reader early reading program. The Youth Services manager was kind of enough to supply the update below on program progress for 2025 and 2026 - look how many young minds are off to a great start! For more program information, follow this link to the program page.
__________________________________________________________________________________
A Fresh Perk, Still Brewing
As a reminder, since the beginning of the year, all library visitors have been able to enjoy free coffee, thanks to a handful of generous local-business foundation partners. It’s a small gesture with big impact—look for the coffee station in The Hub area, near the stairs on the first floor.
Thank you to the following local businesses for helping to keep the free coffee flowing all year:
Starbucks, 201 W. Roosevelt Rd
Qawah Tea House, 406 E. Roosevelt Road
Iowa Coffee Roasters (Small Batch Coffee Supplier)
And thanks to our newest donor, Chick's 'n Salsa, 100 W. 22nd St
If you get the chance, please help us repay their generosity with a visit the next time you’re in their neighborhood.
__________________________________________________________________________________
None of these updates would be possible without the generousity of community partners, local businesses, and you—our donors, readers, library patrons, and volunteers. If you’d like to get involved, there are many ways to help:
volunteer with the Foundation, for event or committee support
spread the word about our events via your social networks or word of mouth
share ideas for programs and partnerships
and, of course, donations are always welcomed
Stay connected with us on Facebook for more updates, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events. Together, we’re building a better, more connected Lombard.
Contact us at info@thehplf.org for any questions or feedback - we'd love to hear from you!
Warm regards,
Comments