"In the old days, we had front porches.
This is our front porch."
Friendship often begins in the most unexpected places—sometimes even at the library.
“In the old days, we had front porches. This is our front porch,” said Marge, an avid library user, pictured with her friend Kamlesh (right). The Addison Public Library has become that front porch for many, offering a safe and welcoming place to gather, learn, and connect.
Every day, staff witness moments of connection that blossom into friendships. It might be parents bonding during storytime, teens finding common ground through creativity, or language learners supporting one another through conversation groups.
These are the stories that remind us the library is about much more than books—it’s about people.
Pictured: Katie (far right) and MaryKate (far left) with their young children.
Katie and MaryKate
Debbie, a Children's Services Assistant, has watched parents go from strangers to fast friends.
Katie and MaryKate met during one of Miss Debbie’s storytimes, where they quickly realized they had much in common. Both were from small towns in central Illinois, worked in similar professions, and had children close in age. Now, their families spend time together both inside and outside the library.
“Everyone is here to read books and enrich their families,” Katie said.
Their kids, even the babies, all have library cards—and their parents are already excited for the teen programs they’ll one day join.
Debbie shared how amazing it is to see multigenerational connections being made during library programs.
"I can't tell you the number of parents or caregivers I have heard say 'I came here so my child can learn to socialize with others' then observe them sharing stories and support with other grownups. Many of the children are learning together, but the grownups are truly bonding with one another. I love it!" she said.
Community in Creativity
The teen space is a social hub, too. The Teen Services staff have guided countless middle and high schoolers through afternoons filled with gaming, crafting, and conversation.
One teen has spent his afternoons at the library creating an original card game—designing the actual cards along with the gameplay. When other teens noticed, they offered to help him create the game by testing it out. They now have a regular meetup in the teen space to test and play this original game.
"Sometimes all it takes is one teen following their passions for a community to be built around them," said Courtney, Teen Services Librarian.
Creativity often sparks connection, and the Creative Studio has become a favorite place to make both things and friendships. Sarah, the library’s Creative Services Coordinator, recalled a Valentine’s-themed program where teens made paper mailboxes. They arrived not knowing one another, but by the end, they were playing music, laughing, and dancing like they’d been friends for years. Many stayed in touch and began attending other library programs together throughout the year.
Iliana and Rob
Ana, an Adult Services Assistant, has led English language groups for years and watched relationships form. “I have seen multiple people become friends at the library! They blossomed from being in the same safe space with similar goals to work on their English-speaking abilities. And from there the friendship grew from sharing similar interests to exploring the area they live in and getting as much from life as possible,” she said.
Iliana, who moved to Chicago from Ecuador, started attending these groups at the suggestion of her landlord. Since then, she’s received two scholarships to attend College of DuPage and is now working toward certifications as both a Registered Behavioral Therapist and ESL Paraprofessional. She’s a regular at the library and lights up when she talks about what it means to her. She has also formed an incredible bond with her ELL tutor, Rob.
“When I think of the library, I feel happy, safe, comfy, focused—and AMAZING,” she said. “What is the USA? The library!”
Marge and Kamlesh
That sense of belonging stretches across generations. Jodi, who coordinates wellness and social programs for adults at the library, has seen how older patrons show up early—not just for the activity, but for the social time beforehand.
Marge, a retiree who visits Addison and other area libraries—sometimes up to four a day—said she “never did anything artsy until retirement,” but has now made creativity and connection a part of her everyday life. Through Jodi’s programs like Free Time Fridays and Creative Studio activities, she met Kamlesh, and the two have become friends who often gravitate toward one another at the library. Marge promised herself she wouldn’t spend money in retirement, and the library helps her live that goal joyfully.
“I’m enjoying my life to the fullest—making friends, learning, creating,” she said. “Nowhere else can you go that you can feel the safety of the library.”
In every corner of Addison Public Library, relationships are forming. People are sharing stories, supporting each other, and discovering just how much they have in common. The library may look like a place for books—but it’s also a place for belonging, a place where friends meet.
Do you have a library story you'd like to share? Tell us! Visit addisonlibrary.org/because-APL and share what you love about your library. It can be a program, staff member, an item, or a friendship formed — we'd love to hear from you.
Stories used in this post collected by Jodi Gianakopoulos, Adult Services Assistant