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30 JOB RESOURCES + WIN A CHROMEBOOK
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Mon., Feb. 20, from 5:30–7:30 pm | NEW YEAR, NEW JOB? Stop by the Community Job Fair for an opportunity to meet with local employers, learn about career resources available at the library, and enter for the chance to win prizes, including a Chromebook. Participants include Parkland College, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Champaign Unit 4 School District, and more. Part of the Get that Job! series.
>> Which 30+ employers & job coaches will be there?
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Thu., Feb. 23, at 6:30 pm | WHAT BETTER WAY to chase winter away than to meet a host of amphibians from Central and South America? You’ll have a chance to learn about the intriguing behavior of neotropical frogs at Family Fun Night. Presented in partnership with the U of I Fischer Lab.
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18TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
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18 Years of Celebrating Black History by Reading Great Books
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Sat., Feb. 25, from 11 am–4 pm | STUDENTS IN GRADES 3 to 5 will celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in our 18th Battle of the Books. This year’s Battle of the Books list includes 20 Great Books Linked to Black History. Teams will compete at the main location in the morning (11 am) or afternoon (1:30 pm), with winners advancing to the finals (3 pm). Last presented in 2020, Battle of the Books draws as many as 500 kids, teachers, and family members. Call 217/403-2090 by February 3 to sign up your team.
Above: Dr. Howard Elementary School’s team took home the trophy in 2019.
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Black History Month Spotlight: Douglass Branch
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DOUGLASS BRANCH LIBRARY will be a featured location on the new Champaign County African American Heritage Trail. This historic route traces 170 years of rich cultural history and building community.
The Douglass Branch was named for American abolitionist and journalist Frederick Douglass, who escaped from slavery and became an influential statesman. He visited Champaign on February 15, 1869. The Champaign County Gazette reported that “His wit was keen and sparkling, his humor dry and effective, and his logic and argument as clear as that of the most polished orator in the land.” Illinois artist Preston Jackson’s sculpture “Frederick Douglass: In Remembrance” stands by the Branch entrance.
The dedicated and friendly staff at the Branch share more than 100 years of combined experience!
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LOOKING FOR free tax assistance? We can help! Sign up to meet with IRS-certified volunteers at the library (February 1–April 18). Contact Stevick Senior Center at 217/359-6500 to make an appointment. Presented in partnership with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program.
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Tuesdays at Ten | Two Trails West | JOIN US for a five-week journey (2/7–3/7) led by local historian Fred Christensen as he takes us along the National Road and Oregon Trail. Each week will be a new topic related to the unique and historic trails that early pioneers traveled in covered wagons. Meets at the Main Library on Tuesdays at 10 am.
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Art Connection Exhibit & Opening Reception
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Sun., Feb. 12, at 3 pm | CELEBRATE THE NEW EXHIBITION, “The Art Connection: Schools to Library,” with kids, teens, and art teachers from Barkstall Elementary, Centennial High, and Franklin STEAM Academy. This series showcases artwork by 100+ students from Champaign Unit 4 schools each year. For the opening reception in the FriendShop Bookstore, take the elevator to the lower level. The exhibit will be on view through May in the FriendShop and the Children’s area on the first floor.
Above, from left: Artwork by Serena, Grade 9; Natan, Grade 6; and Ava, Grade 2.
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Discussing Books at the Douglass Branch…Since 2001!
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TABLE TALK BOOK CLUB, based at the Douglass Branch, has been meeting monthly since 2001 to discuss books by contemporary African American authors. Table Talk has also hosted visits by #1 New York Times bestselling authors Terry McMillan and Colson Whitehead, as part of our Great Authors at the Library series. This month’s conversation on Tuesday, February 14, at 6:30 pm, will be about The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
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Business & Career Workshops
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LOOKING FOR A JOB or launching a business? We can help! This month’s presenters include marketing expert Scott Clanin (2/7 & 21), educator Melissa Iverson (2/15), and business owner Monica Beasley (2/28).
In addition, don’t miss the Community Job Fair (2/20) where you can talk to local career coaches and employers to help you land your next job!
Business Workshops » 2/7 · VIRTUAL: Google Business Profile, 10 am 2/15 · VIRTUAL: Board Bootcamp | Understanding Nonprofits in Central Illinois, 12 pm 2/21 · VIRTUAL: Social Media 101, 2 pm 2/28 · Tax Basics for Business, 7 pm
Career Workshops » 2/7 · Career Help | Drop-in Hours, 11 am – 1 pm 2/9 · Resume Basics, 6:30 pm 2/20 · Community Job Fair, 5:30–7:30 pm
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FriendShop Bookstore Specials
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DURING FEBRUARY, you’ll get 50% off romance at the FriendShop Bookstore. Open to everyone, the shop offers 20,000 used books, movies, and audiobooks, plus gift certificates. Most items are $2 or less!
And the best part? All the money you spend goes right back to the library since the items sold are donations and the store is staffed by volunteers. Joining the Library Friends is easy. We appreciate your support!
Open Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday, 12–3 pm February 8, 10, 11 · Members’ Half-Price Sale February 12 · Special Hours, open 2–5 pm February 22, 24, 25 · Tag Bag Sale
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THE STUDIO EXPANSION PROJECT began in January and is scheduled for completion this summer. There’s a lot to look forward to! Sketches and project updates »
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FOR ADULTS
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Crafty Adults: Handmade Scrapbook Journals Wed., Feb. 8, at 6 pm
Sign up starting February 1. (30 participants) Sign up »
Main Library
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Coffee and a Craft: Soy Candles Thu., Feb. 9, at 2 pm Douglass Branch
C-U Connect: Schools & Parents Coming Together | Tips for Housing Searches Thu., Feb. 16, at 6 pm Douglass Branch
Money Matter$ | Budget Friendly Travel
Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 pm
Mark Wolters of Wolters World
Main Library
Tax Basics for Business Tue., Feb. 28, at 7 pm
Main Library
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Friday Night Jam Session Fri., Feb. 24, from 6–8 pm Every fourth Friday
For adults & teens Sign up to perform »
Douglass Branch
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Project READ Tutoring February 3, 10, 17, 24 Drop in 9:30–11:30 am
Main Library
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Gale Courses Start Monthly
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NEW SESSIONS start each month for 375 online Gale Courses. Learn about nutrition, Speed Spanish, or starting your own business—there’s something for everyone. Sessions run six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Gale Courses start Feb. 15, Mar. 15, & Apr. 12 »
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Table Talk Book Club: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray Tue., Feb. 14, at 6:30 pm Douglass Branch
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FOR TEENS
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LOOKING FOR something fun to do after school? Middle and high school students are invited to stop by Teen Lounge. Offered every day after school from 3 to 4:30 pm. On early dismissal days (2/6 & 13), Teen Lounge meets from 1 to 4:30 pm. Meets at Main Library.
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Black History Bingo | DIY Kids Wed., Feb. 1, at 4 pm Douglass Branch
LEGO Club Sat., Feb. 11, at 3 pm Main Library
Opening Reception for “The Art Connection” Sun., Feb. 12, at 3 pm Elevator to lower level, FriendShop Bookstore
Main Library
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18th Annual Battle of the Books Sat., Feb. 25 11:00 Morning Playoffs 1:30 Afternoon Playoffs 3:00 Finals Main Library
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DIY Kids Wednesdays at 4 pm Douglass Branch
Activities include Black History Bingo, Tech Toys, Mancala Board, and 100 Penny Bridge Challenge.
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STOP BY the Main Library on Thursdays at 6:30 pm for weekly games, crafts, STEAM activities, and more! Family Fun Night is designed especially for families with school-aged kids.
2/2 · Desk Pets 2/9 · Read to the Dogs: Greyt Readers 2/16 · Sock Hop! 2/23 · Neotropical Frogs
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East Asian Bilingual Storytime Sat., Feb. 11, at 10 am
Chinese & English
Main Library
Sensory-Friendly Storytime Tue., Feb. 21, at 6:30 pm Main Library
Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime For infants to age 6. Meets at 11:15 am: 2/22 · Main Library 2/27 · Douglass Branch
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WHAT’S NEW? Reserve New Releases online or give us a call at 217/403-2000. We’ll let you know when your hold items are ready for pickup!
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