What do pinwheels, homeschooling, and building The Studio have in common? Your *star* library!
January 2023 | News
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What do pinwheels, homeschooling, and building The Studio have in common? Your *star* library!
STOP BY SOON to see local artist Adriane Binky Donley’s new lobby installation, Winter Wind, including 1,500 pinwheels cascading down from above. “…This year I decided to make it snow in the library! I hope it reminds people of the magical whimsy of winter and wonderful community we share, and to pause for a moment of peace.” Read more »

mom and child, smiling, working on schoolwork at home
Homeschool Fair
THINKING ABOUT homeschooling? Find out about area organizations who support homeschool families in the Champaign-Urbana area, including activities and resources at the library. The Homeschool Fair (Sat., Jan. 28, 10 am–12 pm) is free and open to all—whether you are homeschooling now or considering your options. For parents, educators, and students.

>> Which organizations will be on site?

The Studio logotype
New! Construction Starts Soon

CONSTRUCTION STARTS soon for The Studio Expansion Project! Have you heard about the new area we are building on the lower level? The first part of the project is cutting through the floor for the new staircase to The Studio and FriendShop Bookstore. Completion in summer 2023. Read more »

Customers who have allergies or sensitivity to fumes or other irritants related to construction may want to use caution when visiting. We are happy to help you get what you need—with curbside service, Book Bundles, ebooks, and other options.

The Studio logotype

Your 4-Star Library!
WE’RE SEEING stars! Your library was awarded Star Library status by Library Journal! Out of 5,359 public libraries in the U.S. that qualified to be rated, Champaign is in the top 3%. The ratings system recognizes public libraries that lead in community engagement. Read more »

3 adults holding award certificates, smiling
Winning Writers Announced
CONGRATULATIONS to our talented 2022 Short Story Contest winners: (from left) Drew Adamek, third place; Bethan Owen, second place; and Jessica Launius, first place. Two are repeat winners! Jessica placed first in 2019 and Bethan placed second in 2020. Their stories were read at an award ceremony in November which included feedback from judges Molly MacRae, Parham Parastaran, and Andrea Sielicki. Read the winning stories on our website.

Writer’s Workshops

This month, you can try hands-on writing exercises with Ekta Garg at Biblio Breakdown (January 4) or join us for Heidi Esther’s workshop, The Unusual Key to Success as a Writer (January 18).

kids walking on curved balance beam, Sensory-Friendly Storytime title
Tue., Jan 17, at 6:30 pm | JOIN US for Sensory-Friendly Storytime, an inclusive and interactive storytime filled with stories, songs, sensory play, and socialization! Our monthly sessions are especially welcoming for children who may need extra sensory support or for families who are looking for a more adaptive storytime experience. Storytime is followed by time for sensory play. Would a Social Story help you prepare for a visit?

4 adults posing, standing on staircase at the library
Proven Benefits to Reading? Yes! The Results Are In. . .

READING IS POWERFUL—and a recent study proves it. Library staff had a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research published recently by scientists from the U of I Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. They showed how  reading for pleasure can strengthen memory in older adults. The researchers relied on Adult Services staff—including then-manager Kristina Hoerner—to advise on the best books to provide to participants.  Learn more on the Beckman Institute website  »

>> Which books? Beckman Study Book List

Above: Beckman Institute researchers (from left) Shuk Han Ng, Giavanna McCall, Ilber Manavbasi, and Liz Stine-Morrow at Champaign Public Library.

Legacy Gifts
YOU CAN ENSURE a strong future for the library by including the Champaign Public Library Foundation in your estate plans. You’ll find sample wording for a bequest on our website. We appreciate your support! Read more »

Spring Reading Challenge
sloth illustration, Hang Out with a Good Book title
THIS MONTH marks the start of Hang Out with a Good Book! Spring Reading Challenge (January 1–April 30). Sign up your infant, child, or teen. Your kids can win a prize book! Do you already use the Beanstack app? Just log in to sign up. Sign up »

Tech Workshops

OUR TECH WORKSHOPS introduce computers, tablets, and more. This month’s focus is on phones and tablets, including introductions to iPhones & iPads (Jan. 10) and Android phones & tablets (Jan. 17). You can also get to know Kindles (Jan. 24) and learn how to take photos with your smartphone or tablet (Jan. 31). Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000. We are happy to help!

Already comfortable with a computer? Sign up for a Specialty Tech Workshop to learn something new:

Promotional image for Intro to Motion Graphics with Adobe After Effects
1/23 · Specialty Tech | Intro to Making Videos: Adobe Premiere Pro, 6:30 pm – with instructor Adam Rahn, owner of Droi Media

Help Reaching Your Goals for the New Year: Business & Career Workshops

DO YOUR GOALS for the new year include launching a business or starting a new job? We offer workshops for entrepreneurs and job seekers, or anyone interested in expanding their skills. This month presenters include marketing expert Scott Clanin (Jan. 12 & 26), local leader Jancie Harris (Jan. 12), and motivational speaker and coach Jenette Jurczyck (Jan. 31).

Launch at the Library | Business Workshops »
1/12 · VIRTUAL: What’s in a Brand, 10 am
1/19 · Get Your Business on Google, 12 pm
1/26 · VIRTUAL: Digital Marketing Essentials, 2 pm
1/31 · Creative Communication—with Improv!, 7 pm

Get that Job! | Career Workshops »
1/3 · Career Help | Drop-in Hours, 11 am – 1 pm
1/12 · New Year, New Opportunities, 6:30 pm

illustration, fox holding umbrella, bird, flowers, information about shop
FriendShop Bookstore Specials

DURING JANUARY, mystery titles are 50% off at the FriendShop Bookstore. Open to everyone, the shop includes more than 20,000 nearly new books, movies, and audiobooks, and is located on the lower level of the Main Library. 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, and Saturday, 12–3 pm
Jan. 11, 13, 14 · Members’ Half-Price Sale
Jan. 25, 27, 28 · Tag Bag Sale

January 2023
illustration of snowflakes and cozy town below
BOTH LOCATIONS will be closed January 1 and 16. January calendar pdf »
Event Calendar
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
KIDS & FAMILIES
2 kids in shorts, playing with a giant Connect 4 game

School’s Out! BIG GAMES Play Day
Tue., Jan. 3, from 1–3 pm

LEGO Club
Sat., Jan. 14, at 3 pm

C-U Connect Schools & Parents Coming Together | Keeping Your Kids Present & Engaged
Thu., Jan 19, at 6 pm
@ Douglass Branch

Homeschool Fair
Sat., Jan. 28, from 10 am – 12 pm
Read more »

BOOK DISCUSSIONS
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Table Talk Book Club: The Violin Conspiracy
by Brendan Slocumb
Tue., Jan. 10, at 6:30 pm
@ Douglass Branch
Ice Walker by James Raffan book cover
Cover-to-Cover Book Club: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Thu., Jan. 12, at 1:30 pm
What Should My Book Club Read Next? We have 23 recommended reads available for your next get-together.
FOR ADULTS
portrait of woman, smiling, arms crossed, T-shirt
El proceso: Comprar o vender su casa hoy día
Mon., Jan. 30, at 6:30 pm
Con Melixa Rivera Sanchez (pictured above)
en español | In Spanish
illustration of hand holding colorful microphone
Friday Night Jam Session
Fri., Jan. 27, from 6–8 pm
Every fourth Friday
Sign up to perform »
@ Douglass
Coffee and a Craft: Spotted Wine Glass
Thu., Jan. 12, at 2 pm
@ Douglass

Project READ Tutoring
January 13, 20, 27
Drop in 9:30–11:30 am
Project READ Tutor Training Introduction
Fri., Jan. 20, at 10 am
Sign up »
man teaching in classroom, screenshot of start screen for video training
Gale Courses Start Monthly
NEW SESSIONS start each month for 375 online Gale Courses. Learn about travel writing, how to play guitar, or take a grammar refresher—there’s something for everyone. Sessions run six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Gale Courses start Jan. 18 »
FOR TEENS
Teen Lounge title with colorful pattern behind text

LOOKING FOR something fun to do after school? Middle and high school students are invited to  stop by!

Teen Lounge
Every day after school,
3–4:30 pm

Teen Lounge | Early Edition
Mon., Jan. 9 & 23, from 1–4:30 pm

Teen boy lying by a lake reading a book, Spring Reading Challenge for Teenstitle
TIME TO sign up for the ​Spring Reading Challenge (January 1–April 30)—so you can read to win!
FOR SCHOOL-AGE KIDS
snowy scene paper craft

DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch

Activities include:
• Snowy Day Crafts
• Tech Toys
• Slime Time!
• Craft Stick Nightlight

Beaded snowflake closeup – Family Fun Night promotional image

STOP BY 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.

1/5 · Altered Tins
1/12 · Read to the Dogs: Greyt Readers
1/19 · Lunar New Year Lanterns
1/26 · Snow Much Fun

FOR PRESCHOOLERS

10 Storytimes Every Week!
For infants to age 5

Make & Take for Preschoolers 
Thursdays at 10 am

Sensory-Friendly Storytime
Tue., Jan. 17, at 6:30 pm

Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
For infants to age 6. Meets at 11:15 am: 
1/25 · Main Library
1/30 · Douglass Branch

New Releases button
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!

E-LIBRARY | COOL TOOLS
colorful patterns and drawings in sketchbooks
1,000+ Crafting Classes to Spark Your Creativity
THE NEW YEAR is a great time to focus on sparking your creativity and trying something new. Sign in with your library to get started with Creativebug and explore 1,000+ free art and crafting classes taught by experts. Start anytime! Try painting, crocheting, cake decorating, or even bookbinding.
Get started with Creativebug »
P.S. Creative Boot Camp: Six Exercises to Spark Artistic Discovery (pictured above) is a series taught by Creativebug instructor Lisa Congdon.
Main Library
217/403-2000
200 W. Green St.
Champaign, Illinois
Mon–Thu 9–9
Fri–Sat 9–6 | Sun 12–6

Douglass Branch
217/403-2090
504 E. Grove St.
Champaign, Illinois
Mon–Thu 10–8
Fri 10–6 | Sat 10–4

FriendShop Bookstore
Elevator to lower level, Main Library
Wed, Fri, Sat 12–3
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Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St.
Champaign, IL 61820
217/403-2000
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