What do author Candace Fleming, the Milky Way, and a Summer Reading kickoff party have in common? You library!

May 2024 | News

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What do author Candace Fleming, the Milky Way, and a Summer Reading kickoff party have in common? Your library!

grinning girl in library lobby, with swirling art installation hanging above
LOOK UP! Thank you to Dana Baker for sharing this wonderful photo of Addison, who is a big fan of the library—and the new artwork in the lobby. Artist Adriane Binky Donley created a spectacular space-themed installation, entitled “Space. The Milky Way, Two Ways.” Made possible with support from the Library Friends.

Candace Fleming portrait, book covers, event info
Great Authors at the Library: Candace Fleming

Wed., May 1, at 7 pm | JOIN US for an evening with acclaimed children’s and young adult author, Candace Fleming. She has delighted and informed countless young readers—and adults!—with her more than 40 books, ranging from the bestselling picture book favorite Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! to award-winning nonfiction titles like The Family Romanov, Giant Squid, and Honeybee. Her latest book, The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II (March 2024), is already receiving accolades for superb research and storytelling.

 

A book signing will follow the presentation and books will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments. 

 

>> Candace Fleming books at the library

 

Part of the Great Authors at the Library series. Made possible with support from the Library Foundation. 

LIVE MUSIC * GIANT GAMES * ROBOTS!
cats reading illustration, event info
Summer Reading Kickoff Party!

Sun., May 19, from 12–3 pm | YOU’RE INVITED to an all-ages community celebration to kick off the Read for the Stars! Summer Reading Challenge (May 15–Aug 15). Enjoy live music on the lawn, including local favorites, the Church Street Ramblers (12–1 pm) and Merry Travelers (1:30–3 pm). You’ll get to meet robots and play giant Jenga!

robotics team members in orange jumpsuits, closeup of robot box with wheels
Teens from Ctrl-Y Robotics team will demonstrate the capabilities of two robots they built!

Kal Penn portrait, book cover, event info

Virtual Visit with Kal Penn

Tue., May 7, at 7 pm | ENJOY A VIRTUAL VISIT with Kal Penn, actor, writer, producer, and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair’s The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and the Christmas comedy The Santa Clauses for Disney+. Sign up to get the Zoom link.
 
Presented in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present, a coalition of 200+ public libraries.

Bo Chaney photo, firetruck in background, 2 book covers, event info
Author & Firefighter Bo Chaney
Fri., May 10, at 10 am & 4 pm | MEET CHILDREN’S BOOK author and firefighter, Bo Chaney. Mr. Chaney will share The Adventures of Rob and Rocky, as well as fire safety tips. He’ll be at the Main Library at 10 am and at the Douglass Branch at 4 pm. Mr. Chaney has been a teacher in urban schools and currently serves in the Rockford fire service. He is passionate about mentoring young people in his community. Watch “The  Adventures of Rob & Rocky – Our City, Our Story | Bo Chaney” (2 min)

lush backyard flower garden, brick path, Corgi dog
ENJOY GARDENING? Stop by Tuesday, May 7, at 10 am, for coffee, socializing, and a chance to learn about Therapeutic Gardening from artist, author, and gardener Marcella Hawley. (That’s her lush backyard  in the photo!)

purple wildflowers, brown seed
Wed., May 8, at 6 pm | HAVE YOU HEARD of seed “bombs”? Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making your own! You’ll get to take home a supply of seed bombs—plus the knowledge of where and how to plant them. The Grand Prairie Friends group will share their expertise about native pollinator-friendly  plants. Sign up starting May 1.

Tech Workshops

TECH QUESTIONS? Our Getting Started workshops introduce computers, tablets, and more. We provide the equipment and materials—all  you need to do is show up! This month includes an introduction to Google Slides (5/7) and Windows 11 computers (5/13), plus workshops on how to send and receive email using Microsoft Outlook 365 (5/14) and Gmail (5/21). 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. In May, you can learn how to edit and manage photos using Adobe Lightroom (5/6) with Monticello-based photographer Mike Heiniger. Reserve your spot.
portrait of smiling instructor, man editing photo of plants on computer

portrait of smiling instructor, notebook, glasses

LIKE TO WRITE? This month author John Milas will lead a hands-on workshop on Story vs. Plot (5/1). Interested in connecting with other local writers? Gain feedback and writing tips—and build a sense of community—at the next Writers Lounge (5/15). Find details about the Writer’s Workshop series and read recent Short Story Contest winners on our website.

4 people sitting together, smiling and talking
Business & Career Workshops, including Networking 101

LOOKING FOR A JOB or changing careers? Interested in growing your business or nonprofit? We can help! Find out how to build confidence and connect with other community members at Networking 101 (5/7). We invite you to return the following week to practice your new skills at Let’s Network! (5/14), a relaxed meetup and tour of the library. You are also welcome to Book-a-Librarian for one-on-one assistance with business or career questions.

5/7 · Career Help | Drop-in Hours, 11 am –1 pm 
5/7 · Networking 101, 6:30 pm
5/8 · Writing a Business Plan, 10 am
5/9 · SBDC Office Hours in Launch Business Center, drop in 12–3 pm
5/14 · Let’s Network! | Community Meetup & Library Tour, 6:30 pm
5/14 · The Art of Visual Storytelling, 1 pm*  – Live webinar
5/30 · Navigating Google’s Latest Updates for Business, 10 am* – Live webinar
5/30 · Career Lunch & Learn: Managing Stress in the Workplace, 12 pm

*Some events require registration.

Friday Night Jam Sessions

Friday Night Jam Sessions Outside in Douglass Park

Fri., May 24, from 6–8 pm | Douglass Branch | ARE YOU A PERFORMING ARTIST? We want to give you the chance to shine. Just bring your talent, materials, and instruments—we’re going to jam! We meet fourth Fridays, after hours at the Douglass Branch Library. Open to instrumentalists, singers, producers, DJs, and spoken word artists. Starting this month, we will meet outside in Douglass Park when the weather is welcoming. Sign up to perform—or just drop by to listen.
 
Made possible with support from the Champaign County Community Coalition, Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, and the Champaign County Mental Health Board.

young students staring at the sky wearing eclipse safety glasses, with crowd behind on library steps
WHAT A THRILL! We had such a good time celebrating the eclipse on April 8, 2024, with 2,000 community members—including students from Champaign Unit 4 Schools Restore program. Thank you for joining us! View photo album on Facebook »

illustration of fox walking on hillside with hearts bursting over the horizon

DURING MAY, save 50% off kids’ and teen titles at the FriendShop Bookstore. Most items are $2 or less—and children’s items are priced at only 50¢ (at half off this month, only 25¢!). The store is staffed by volunteers, so every purchase benefits the library. Joining the Library Friends is easy. We appreciate your support! Now open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 to 4 pm.  

 

FriendShop Monthly Sales
May 8–12 · Members’ Half-Price Sale
May 22–26 · Tag Bag Sale

May 2024

girl jumping up toward giant hanging artwork in library lobby
WE LOVE this photo of Annie jumping for joy in the lobby! Thank you to Ivy Tian for sharing with us on Facebook.
Event Calendar

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ALL AGES

KABOOM!, explosion burst illustration

Free Comic Book Day!
Sat., May 4, from 10 am–12 pm

ENJOY FREE COMICS for all ages at the Main Library, Douglass Branch, Urbana Free Library, and Dark Tower Comics. Costumes welcome! 

smiling dad holding up daughter who points to her artwork in a frame

Opening Reception for “The Art Connection”
Sun., May 5, at 3 pm
Artwork by 40+ students:

• Bottenfield Elementary
• Dr. Howard Elementary
• International Prep Academy

FOR KIDS & FAMILIES

man smiling, with 2 red yo-yo's flying from his fingertips

Yo-Yo Champion Mark Hayward
Sat., May 25, at 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm

MARK HAYWARD has traveled the globe with a yo-yo on his finger, appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman and America’s Got Talent. Don’t miss his awe-inspiring show!

Family Fun Night

ON THURSDAYS in May, stop by for Family Fun Night at 6:30 pm:
5/2 · Remarkable Reptiles
5/9 · Tape Resist Watercolor Art
5/16 · Read to the Dogs

DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES include Lava Lamps,  Tech Toys, Hoppy Days, Straw Tower, and Kaleidoscope. 

FOR ADULTS

stacks of coins, increasing in size with sprouts growing

Money Matter$ | Legal Advice on Property Buying & Renting
Thu., May 16, at 6 pm
Attorney Joe Souligne will share his real estate expertise. Presented in partnership with Webber & Thies, P.C.

colorful balls of yarn and flowers

Yarn & Shenanigans

Mon., May 13, at 6 pm
@ Douglass Branch

The Studio logo

Studio Workshop | Sewing 101
Wed., May 22, at 6:30 pm
Learn how to use the Bernina sewing machines available in The Studio. Sign up starting May 1 »

Coffee and a Craft | Potato Bag

Thu., May 9, at 2 pm
@ Douglass Branch

Project READ Tutoring
Fridays, drop in 9:30–11:30 am

Tutor Training for Project READ
Fri., May 17, at 10 am
Sign up with Project READ »

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. Brush up on your French, create an edible garden, or learn to write a screenplay—there’s something for everyone. Sessions run six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Gale Courses start May 15,  June 12, and July 17 »

BOOK DISCUSSION

West with Giraffes book cover

Cover-to-Cover Book Club: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Thu., May 9, at 1:30 pm

Razorblad book cover

Table Talk Book Club: Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
Tue., May 14, at 6:30 pm

What Should My Book Club Read Next? We offer 22 suggested books available for your next get-together.

FOR TEENS

orange pattern, Teen Lounge title
ENJOY Teen Lounge at the Main Library every day after school from 3 to 4:30 pm. On early dismissal days, May 6 & 20, Teen Lounge meets from 1 to 4:30 pm. Final meeting on May 28.
 
Look for Teen Studio drop-in hours in the summer!

FOR PRESCHOOLERS

baby smiling, parent nearby, circle of families on carpet behind
10 Storytimes Every Week!
For infants to age 5
• Babies Love Books
• Toddler Tales
• Ready, Set, Read!

 
Sensory-Friendly Storytime
Tue., May 21, at 6:30 pm
Mother Goose illustration, with series name, Mother Goose on the Loose
Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
Wed., May 29, at 11:15 am

New Releases button

WHAT’S NEW? New Releases hit the shelves every week on Tuesday mornings. 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!

LIBRARY CLOSED
 
The Main Library and Douglass Branch will be closed on Monday, May 27. Book returns are always open.

couple smiling on blanet, looking at a phone, listening
Save Money & Get Free Access to Millions of Books & Movies
DID YOU KNOW you can stream Taylor Swift’s latest album for free? Listen to Rebecca Yarros’s audiobook, Fourth Wing—in English, Spanish, or French? Watch Oscar winners like Everything Everywhere All at Once? These titles are all available via the Hoopla library app. Your library card gives you free access to millions of audiobooks, ebooks, movies, music albums, TV shows, and magazines—without any ads! Library apps like Hoopla, Libby, and Kanopy, will save you money on monthly fees for subscription services. Questions? We are happy to help!
 
>> Hoopla is an instant-access collection of 1.5 million books, movies, music, TV shows, and comics. 
 
>> Libby | OverDrive collection includes 70,000 audiobooks and ebooks, plus 4,000 magazines.
 
>> Kanopy is a movie streaming app for accessing 30,000 films, including The Criterion Collection.

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
Lower level, Main Library
Wed–Sun 1–4

 

The Studio at the Library
Lower level, Main Library
Sat 9–6 | Sun 12–6

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Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St.
Champaign, IL 61820
217/403-2000

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