Friends of the Library of Collier County

Announcements:

The office will be closed due to Hurricane Milton starting Tuesday, October 8 until it is safe to reopen. 

The Patti DeGroot Signature Series program:  Bayeux Tapestry has been cancelled. 

In honor of Patti DeGroot, the Signature Series has been renamed to: “Patti DeGroot Signature Series”

Local Author Book Fair Update:  This event has been postponed until after the holidays and may be cancelled this year.  Members will receive an email when a decision has been made. 

Office Hours:  October 1 to April 30

The office will be open Monday – Friday, 9:30 am to 1 pm.

In Memory of Patricia DeGroot

Patti was well known in the Naples area for her work as a librarian and program coordinator for the Collier County Libraries until she retired from the county.  Patti became the Friends Advisor and the driving force for many of the Friends of the Library events.  She organized the Signature Series, the Local Author Book Fair and was the co-chair for the Author Spotlight Events.  For those so wishing, donations may be made in her name to:  Friends of the Library of Collier County.

Click here to donate

2025 Nick Linn Lecture Series
This year's authors:
Kate Quinn
William Kent Krueger
Jamie Ford
Lisa Gardner

GENERAL LEVEL SEATS AVAILABLE!

2024 - 2025 Author Spotlight Events

CHANEL CLEETON

THURSDAY,
NOVEMBER 7, 2024

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

Email Marlene Haywood to be placed on a waiting list.

Author Spotlight Events for 2024 – 2025: The Friends of the Library Author Spotlight Events will be held in downtown Naples at The Norris Center located at 755 8th Avenue 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 one of the many wonderful restaurants in Naples.

In Memory of
Dr. Robert E. Rinaldi

Dr. Robert E. Rinaldi, a past Friends of the Library member passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024.
He was devoted to his family, his friends and was an avid book reader.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Friends of the Library.

Newly Upholstered Chairs

The Friends of the Library paid for newly reupholstered chairs for the Genealogy Room at the Naples Regional Library.

 

Library eBooks

The Friends of the Library President Cindy Ruddy presenting Catherine Cowser, Director with a check for $75,000 for the library’s eBooks.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Book Icon | Friends of the Library of Collier County

$192,000

Raised for Branch Enhancements

Book Icon | Friends of the Library of Collier County

$3,800

Raised for Mail-A-Book (First Year)

Book Icon | Friends of the Library of Collier County

$85,650

Raised for Genealogy Research

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!