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Mon., April 8, from 1–2:30 pm | JOIN US for an awe-inspiring experience as we gather for a solar eclipse viewing party! Enjoy music by DJ Silkee, eclipse-themed crafts for kids, and free safety glasses. The NASA livestream will be on view inside.
Looking for eclipse glasses? Free eclipse safety glasses will be available at the library starting April 1. Pick up your glasses at the Main Library an hour before open (April 1–6 at 8 am, April 7 at 11 am). Or stop by during open hours at the Douglass Branch. |
In the Shadow of the Moon |
Partial Eclipse Here in Champaign, we will experience a partial eclipse of 97.9%. This phenomenon occurs when the moon perfectly aligns with the sun, casting a shadow over our planet and turning day into twilight. The solar eclipse will begin here at 12:47 pm and reach its maximum at 2:05 pm.
Totality Totality is a unique experience, quite different from a partial eclipse. If you are planning to travel, totality will be visible to the south and east. The closer to the center of the shadow, the longer the duration of totality. A short distance can make a big difference in your experience. (The next time the US will see a total solar eclipse will be in 2045!)
Tuesdays at Ten Learn about eclipses from Erik Johnson, director of Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College. Stop by Tuesday, April 2, at 10 am, to enjoy his presentation and get your questions answered. |
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Ride MTD for Free with Your Library Card |
Presented in partnership with Champaign–Urbana Mass Transit District, Champaign Public Library, and The Urbana Free Library.
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ENJOY GARDENING? Stop by Tuesdays at Ten during April and May for coffee, socializing, and a chance to learn something new about gardening. Experts include a master naturalist, owners of Chris’ Water Gardens, and St. Louis–based artist Marcella Hawley.
Tuesdays at Ten: Gardening · 10 am
4/9 · Master Naturalist Sandy Newport
4/16 & 23 · Chris’ Water Gardens
4/30 · Sierra Club
5/7 · Therapeutic Gardening – Marcella Hawley |
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DID YOU KNOW you can print from anywhere? It’s easy! We offer same-day service at both locations. We are upgrading this service so it will be easier and faster. Starting April 1, you can use the new email addresses.
Ready to print? Visit the Print from Anywhere page on our website, or send your file by email to:
You’ll receive an email confirming your file has been sent to the print queue. Printouts are available to pick up at the Main Library or Douglass Branch. Can’t pick up same day? Give us a call at 217/403-2000 to schedule a time to pick up your documents.
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Get Free Help with Your Taxes |
LOOKING FOR free tax assistance? We can help! Sign up to meet with IRS-certified volunteers at the library (through April 19). Contact Stevick Senior Center at 217/359-6500 to make an appointment. Presented in partnership with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. Read more » |
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“Penny for Your Thoughts” Live Broadcast |
Fri., Apr. 5, from 9–11 am | BRIAN BARNHART, host of the popular WDWS radio show “A Penny for Your Thoughts,” will broadcast live from the library. He'll be interviewing Library Director Brittany Millington and others in honor of National Library Week (April 7–13) and the Eclipse on Monday, April 8. Barnhart is well known to Illini fans for his announcing during University of Illinois football and basketball games. |
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5 Local Leaders Share Expertise on Starting a Business |
Tue., April 30, at 7 pm | JOIN US for an inspiring discussion with five local business leaders during National Small Business Week. You’ll get to hear stories about the challenges, triumphs, and what it takes to build a thriving business in our community. Featured speakers:
• Kayla Brown, Fire Doll Studio
• Dr. Mila Thomas Fuller, Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Mickie Phetchareune, Sticky Rice
• Armando Sandoval, Maize
• Jenny Shima, The Literary |
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Presented in partnership with Champaign Center Partnership. |
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Thank You, Library Volunteers! |
EACH SPRING during Volunteer Appreciation Week, we like to recognize our volunteers, celebrating their amazing dedication and commitment. This past year 181 community members and 25 groups generously helped the library. Their contributions total 7,065 hours!
We also thank our Library, Foundation, and Friends Board members, and the dozens of helpers who work in our FriendShop Bookstore. |
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TECH QUESTIONS? Our Getting Started workshops introduce computers, tablets, and more. We provide the equipment and materials. So all you need to do is show up! Are you a complete beginner? Start with an Intro to Keyboard & Mouse (4/15). April also includes learning about Google Sheets (4/16), Microsoft Excel (4/2 & 9), and Microsoft PowerPoint (4/23 & 30). Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000.
Already comfortable with a computer? Try something new at a Specialty Tech workshop. This month you can learn how to design a poster using Adobe Illustrator (4/29) with illustrator and designer Liza Wynette. |
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LOOKING for a job or changing careers? Interested in assistance with growing your business or nonprofit? We can help! Workshop instructors this month include nonprofit experts Vanessa Faurie and Joe DeLuce (4/23). You can also Book-a-Librarian for one-on-one assistance.
Career Workshops »
4/2 · Career Help | Drop-in Hours, 11 am –1 pm
4/12 · Professional Headshot Sessions with Sweet Lemonade Photography, 11 am–1 pm*
4/25 · Career Lunch & Learn: LinkedIn Lessons, 12 pm
Business Workshops »
4/11 · Mastering Instagram Reels, 10 am
4/11 · SBDC Office Hours at Launch Business Center, drop in 12–3 pm
4/23 · Board Bootcamp: Basics of Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, 4 pm
4/29 · VIRTUAL: Small Business Marketing Essentials, 1 pm*
4/30 · So You Want to Start a Business? Panel Discussion, 7 pm
*Some events require registration. |
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FriendShop Bookstore Sales |
DURING APRIL, save 50% off fiction at the FriendShop Bookstore. Open to everyone, the FriendShop includes more than 20,000 nearly new books, movies, and audiobooks. 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!
New Hours! Wednesday–Sunday, 1–4 pm
• April 10–14 · Members’ Half-Price Sale
• April 24–28 · Tag Bag Sale |
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
KIDS & FAMILIES
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Out of This World with Dino O’Dell | Live Music for Kids!
Sat., Apr. 6, at 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm
Rock out with Dino O’Dell and learn all about eclipses, the solar system, and NASA. Three shows! |
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Fantastic Foam & More Science Show
Sat., Apr. 27, at 3 pm |
Gwendolyn Brooks Magnetic Poetry Kits
Tue., Apr. 9, at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch
Learn about Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks and create your own poem! Presented in partnership with the U of I Rare Book & Manuscript Library. |
Family Fun Night
Thursdays at 6:30 pm
Enjoy activities designed especially for school-age kids, including a Dog Man Party, Magnetic Poetry Kits, Artifact Discovery, and Aquarium Terrariums. |
DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch
Activities in April include Poetry, Tech Toys, Stop Motion Movies, and Animal Puppet Menagerie. |
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Tuesdays at Ten | Eclipse Magic!
Tue., Apr. 2, at 10 am
Erik Johnson, director of Staerkel Planetarium, will share his expertise on eclipses, as part of the Tuesdays at Ten series. |
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First Aid at Home | Helping Parents Keep Kids Safe
Sun., Apr. 14, at 2 pm
Learn life-saving techniques and get your questions answered by Carle Health staff. Part of the Growing Together series for parents. |
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CU Spinners & Weavers: From Fleece to Scarf
Sun., Apr. 14, from 1–4 pm
Drop in to see demonstrations, as part of Boneyard Arts Festival. |
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Yarn & Shenanigans
Apr. 1, 15, & 29
Mondays at 6 pm
Bring your own project or start a new one with us!
@ Douglass Branch |
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Coffee and a Craft | Plastic Canvas Keychain
Thu., Apr. 11, at 2 pm
@ Douglass Branch |
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Studio Workshop | Wood Keychains
Wed., Apr. 24, at 6:30 pm
Learn how to use the Glowforge laser cutters. Sign up starting April 1 »
(10 participants) |
Project READ Tutoring
Fridays, drop in 9:30–11:30 am |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
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Joint Discussion: Table Talk & Cover-to-Cover Book Clubs: Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson
Tue., Apr. 9, at 6:30 pm
@ Douglass Branch |
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LOOKING FOR something fun to do after school? Middle and high school students are invited to stop by Teen Lounge. Activities include sewing, 3D printing, making jewelry, gaming, designing stickers, science experiments, coding, and ping pong.
Offered every day after school from 3 to 4:30 pm. On early dismissal days (4/1 & 15), Teen Lounge meets from 1 to 4:30 pm. |
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ENJOY 50 STORYTIMES in April! Bring your child to the library for shared songs, stories, and activities designed to build early literacy skills. |
📚Sensory-Friendly Storytime
Tue., Apr. 16, at 6:30 pm |
📚Bilingual Storytime: Portuguese & English
Tue., Apr. 23, at 6:30 pm |
📚Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
• Wed., Apr. 24, at 11:15 am @ Main Library
• Mon., Apr. 29, at 11:15 am @ Douglass Branch |
📚Babies Love Books
Mondays at 9:45, 10:15, and 10:45 am
📚Toddler Tales
Tuesdays at 9:45, 10:15, and 10:45 am
📚Ready, Set, Read!
Wednesdays at 9:45 & 10:30 am
📚Babies Love Books
Thursdays at 10:30 am
@ Douglass Branch
📚Toddler Tales
Fridays at 10:30 am
@ Douglass Branch |
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WANT TO TRY something new? Book-a-Librarian to learn how to create your own project using Cricut machines, Glowforge laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, or the new recording studios. |
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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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