Looking Forward to Author and Astronaut Visits, and an Eclipse! |
WE ARE THRILLED to announce upcoming Great Author visits and out-of-this-world events. 2024 is shaping up to be a stellar year!
On May 1, we will welcome acclaimed children’s author, Candace Fleming, as part of the Great Authors at the Library series. Candace is the author of more than 40 books, including the bestselling title, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! |
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We are taking the unique opportunity to incorporate “space” as a theme for reading challenges this spring and summer—plus a chance to be inspired by retired NASA astronaut, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, when she visits on June 6 (pictured below playing flute aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1993). |
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With the space theme in mind, we selected science fiction and fantasy author, Ken Liu, as our fall Great Authors at the Library speaker. Ken is the author of The Paper Menagerie and winner of a Nebula and several Hugo Awards. (You can watch his talk at the Singapore Writers Festival on YouTube.) |
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Speculating Our AI Future |
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Virtual Visits with Bestselling Authors |
Thu., Jan. 11, at 7 pm | ENJOY A VIRTUAL VISIT with New York Times bestselling sci-fi authors Cory Doctorow, Ken Liu, and Martha Wells (pictured above, from left), as part of the Illinois Libraries Present series. They will be talking about “Speculating Our AI Future.” Sign up to get the Zoom link. The spring season includes award-winning authors and experts: graphic novelist Jerry Craft (2/6), #1 NYT bestselling author of Bridgerton, Julia Quinn (2/20), two-time Oscar winner, costume designer Ruth E. Carter (3/20), renowned neurodiversity expert Dr. Temple Grandin (4/3), and writer and former White House staff member, Kal Penn (5/7). |
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Winning Writers Announced |
CONGRATULATIONS to our talented 2023 Short Story Contest winners: (from left) Simon Johnson, third place; Yael Zeiri, second place; and Josh Loomis, first place. Their stories were read aloud at an award ceremony in November which included feedback shared by judges Maisie Sparks and Kallan Buss. Read the winning stories on our website.
Local Author Fair
We will be hosting a Local Author Fair on Saturday, January 6, from 2–5 pm. Stop by to meet 16 authors and have a chance to purchase their books. |
Writers Lounge
Do you write? Come to this month’s Writer’s Lounge (1/17) to gain feedback, writing tips, and build a sense of community. You can also mark your calendar for upcoming Writer’s Workshops.
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Sun., Jan. 21, at 2 pm | DO YOU HAVE a child who would benefit from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? Have you found it frustrating to work through the red tape in order to provide the best learning environment for your child? Join expert Juli Kartel for help navigating the world of IEPs and 504 plans. Juli is regional coordinator for the State of Illinois Community and Residential Services Authority, a free resource for families. |
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WELCOME TO Lauren Gramly, our new Business Specialist! Lauren helps connect local entrepreneurs and nonprofits to the resources they need in order to launch and grow. Lauren managed and owned small businesses for over 18 years, before earning her MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her decades of experience include working with a number of nonprofits and serving on nonprofit boards. Lauren will be leading the next Start & Grow Your Business workshop (1/23, 5:30 pm for networking; presentation starts at 6 pm).
Find out more about Launch at the Library business resources » |
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TECH QUESTIONS? This month’s Getting Started with Tech series (Tuesdays at 2 pm) includes hands-on workshops where you can learn how to use Windows computers, and how to organize and store your digital files.
If you’re already comfortable using a computer, try something new at a Specialty Tech Workshop. This month, you can find out Scanning and Editing Photos using Adobe Photoshop (1/29). |
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Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000. We are happy to help! |
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New Year’s Goals: Looking for a Job? Launching a Business? |
NEED HELP looking for a job or launching a business? Local experts leading workshops this month include Lauren Gramly, the library’s Business Specialist (1/23), Tom Bidstrup, human resources consultant at ADP (1/25), nonprofit advisor Shari Fox (1/30), and Mark Wolters, award-winning entrepreneur and U of I Gies College of Business professor (1/30).
Career Workshops »
1/9 · Career Help, drop in 11 am–1 pm
1/25 · Lunch & Learn: What Does HR Look For in a Candidate?, 12 pm
Business Workshops »
1/8 · How to Develop a Marketing Strategy for eCommerce, 1 pm*
1/11 · Advertising with Google Ads, 10 am*
1/11 · SBDC Office Hours, from 12–3 pm
1/18 · IRA & Retirement for Self Employed & Business Owners, 6 pm
1/22 · Virtual: Auditing Your Digital Existence, 1 pm*
1/23 · Start & Grow Your Business, 5:30 pm
1/25 · Unlocking Facebook & Instagram Ads, 1 pm*
1/30, Nonprofit Fundraising 101, 1 pm
1/30 · Social Media Basics for Businesses, 7 pm
*Sign up to get the Zoom link. |
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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 $2 or less. And the best part? All the money you spend goes right back to the library since the items sold are donations and the store is staffed by volunteers. Joining the Library Friends is easy. Thank you for supporting the library!
Open Wednesday through Saturday, 12–3 pm
• Jan. 10–13 · Members’ Half-Price Sale
• Jan. 24–27 · Tag Bag Sale |
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR ADULTS
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New!
Yarn & Shenanigans
Jan. 8 & 22
Mondays at 6 pm
@ Douglass Branch
COME HANG OUT at the Douglass Branch every other Monday evening with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. Bring your own project or start a new one with us! |
Coffee and a Craft | Lucky Star Jar
Thu., Jan. 11, at 2 pm
@ Douglass Branch |
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Money Matter$ | IRA and Retirement for Self-Employed and Business Owners
with Helen Zhang
Thu., Jan. 18, at 6 pm |
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Bingo Blast!
Sat., Jan. 20, from 2–4 pm
ENJOY a wonderful afternoon filled with prizes, popcorn, and fun for the whole family!
For all ages
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Project READ Tutoring
Fridays, drop in 9:30–11:30 am |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
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Table Talk Book Club: Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick by Zora Neale Hurston
Tue., Jan. 9, at 6:30 pm
@ Douglass Branch |
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LOOKING for something exciting to do after school? Meets in The Studio!
Teen Lounge
Every day after school
3–4:30 pm
Resumes January 10
Teen Lounge | Early Edition
Mon., Jan. 22 & 29, from 1–4:30 pm |
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School’s Out! Cozy Crafternoon
Fri., Jan. 5, from 1–3 pm
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Build It!
Sat., Jan. 27, from 2–4 pm
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LEGO Club
Sat., Jan. 13, at 3 pm
For ages 5 and up
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DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch
• Snowy Day Crafts
• Tech Toys
• Build a Snowman Game
• Balloon Hovercraft
• Paper Chain Challenge |
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Family Fun Night
Thursdays at 6:30 pm
For school-age kids
Activities include Peaceful Puzzling, Read to the Dogs, Wobble Egg Ninjas, and Glowing Campfire Craft. |
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Make & Take for Preschoolers
Thursdays at 10 am |
Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
• Mon., Jan. 29, at 11:15 at Douglass Branch
• Wed., Jan. 31, at 11:15 at Main Library |
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DID YOU KNOW? New Releases hit the shelves every week on Tuesday morning. Reserve your copy now 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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The Studio at the Library
• Saturdays (9–6)
• Sundays (12–6)
Open weekends or by appointment. |
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