Friends of the Library of Collier County

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What We Do

Book Icon Circle with Grey Background | Friends of the Library of Collier County

Events Calendar

Book Icon Circle with Grey Background | Friends of the Library of Collier County

Become a Friend

Book Icon Circle with Grey Background | Friends of the Library of Collier County

What We Do

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Upcoming Events

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Become a Friend

Announcements:

Summer Office Hours:  May 1 to September 30

The office will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:30 am to 1 pm.

Library eBooks

The Friends of the Library President Cindy Ruddy presented Catherine Cowser, Director with a check for $100,000 for the library’s eBooks on Monday, February 17, 2025 at the Nick Linn Lecture Series.

2026 Nick Linn Lecture Series

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2025 ATTENDEES UNTIL MAY 30, 2025. IF YOU ATTENDED THE 2025 NICK LINN SEASON AND DID NOT GET AN EMAIL WITH A LINK, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE.

2025 - 2026 Author Spotlight Series

Tickets are now available.

Learn More

Sarah Penner 

Thursday,

October 9, 2025

2 p.m.

Lew Paper 

Thursday,

November 6, 2025

2 p.m.

Rowan Beaird

Thursday,

April 9, 2026

2 p.m.

New Creative and Play Centers

The Friends of the Library supporting the new Creative and Play Centers at the libraries.

 

2024 - 2025 Annual Appeal

As we reflect on another year of fostering a love for reading and learning within our community, we are reminded of the unwavering support from members like you. Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our success, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Together, we can continue to enrich the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Friends of the Library of Collier County.

Warm Regards,
Cindy Ruddy
President, Friends of the Library of Collier County

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Office Hours

October 1 to April 30:
9:30 am to 1 pm,
Monday – Friday

 

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF LIBRARY MAILING LIST:

  • You will receive emails about upcoming events!
  • The Nick Linn Lecture Series and the Signature Series require a current Friends membership
  • The Nonfiction Author Series and the Author Spotlight Events offer members discounted prices.
  • For more information email Marlene Haywood at mhaywood@collier-friends.org

Join our mailing list

West Wing Art Gallery

The West Wing Art Gallery features local artists at the Naples Regional Library for one month exhibits.

Artists interested in exhibiting should contact Cynde Decker at cdecker@collier-friends.org

Artwork by Marcia Kozlowski

Learn More

2025 Nonfiction Author Series

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

Michael Finkel
Elizabeth Barry White
Erik Larson
Adam Larazus

Call the office at 239-262-8135 to be placed on a waiting list.

Featuring four authors with hot breakfast
Breakfast at 8:30 am
Lecture to begin shortly after 9:15 am
Book Signing to follow.
Hilton Naples
5111 Tamiami Trail N.
Naples, Florida 34103
$350 – Members
$395 – Not a Friends Member

Events Calendar

Nick Linn Lecture Series

The Nick Linn Lecture Series is the main fundraiser for Friends of the Library. The 2025 season will be the twenty-second season that guests will be able to see and hear the authors who know how to entertain our minds and spirits with words, characters and stories.

Event Details

Nonfiction Author Series

Fascinating topics and authors come together at the Hilton Naples in-season with an interested audience to discuss history, geography, sports and many other subjects with well-read authors. These events begin with a breakfast buffet and the author’s lecture follows.

Event Details

Author Spotlight Events

The Friends of the Library Author Spotlight Events will be held in downtown Naples at The Norris Center located at 755 8th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102.  Come to The Norris Center for popular authors who will stimulate and delight you with their stories and ideas….make it a day and have lunch first at the many wonderful restaurants in Naples.

Event Details

Patti DeGroot Signature Series

The Signature Series has been renamed to the “Patti DeGroot Signature Series.” Patti organized this series and was the driving force to its success.  The Patti DeGroot Signature Series is an exclusive, member-only event featuring performances and lectures. The annual Series is held at one of our three regional library locations with wonderful performers and lecturers engaged to stimulate our minds and entertain us.

Event Details
Members Exclusive Highlight Text | Friends of the Library of Collier County

Be a Friend!

Becoming a Friend of the Libraries of Collier County gives you access to our members-only Signature Series programs as well as our Friends Member Appreciation Event, discounts to the Nick Linn and Non-Fiction Lecture Series and more.

The Impact of Your Friendship on Our Libraries

Book Icon | Friends of the Library of Collier County

$200,000

Raised for E-Books

Book Icon | Friends of the Library of Collier County

$657,000

Raised for Adult & Youth Programs

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$192,000

Raised for Branch Enhancements

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$3,800

Raised for Mail-A-Book (First Year)

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$85,650

Raised for Genealogy Research

Click Here to Learn More about Becoming a Member

What We Do

Books are only the beginning of what makes Collier County Libraries great!

For more than 65 years, Friends of the Library of Collier County, Inc. has funded technology upgrades, educational programs, children and youth programs, genealogy research and much more!
Learn More About What We Do