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Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 am–12 pm | THINKING ABOUT homeschooling? Find out about area organizations and programs available to support homeschool families, including activities and resources at the library. The Homeschool Fair is free and open to all, whether you are homeschooling now or considering your options. For parents, educators, and students.
>> Participating groups include Anita Purves Nature Center, Champaign County H.O.U.S.E., Krannert Art Museum, Navigating Special Needs Homeschooling, and Parkland College.
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Contest Winners, Writer’s Lounge, and Local Author Fair |
CONGRATULATIONS to the talented 2024 Short Story Contest winners (pictured above, from left): Andrea Alghalith, third place; Claudia Vizcarra, first place; and Deborah Keene, second place. Their stories were read aloud at an award ceremony in November which included feedback shared by judges Heidi Esther, Megan Montgomery, and Ted Sanders. Read the winning stories on our website.
Writers Lounge
Do you write? Come to this month’s Writers Lounge (1/15 at 7 pm) to gain feedback and writing tips, and build a sense of community.
Local Author Fair We will be hosting a Local Author Fair (2/5 at 7 pm). Stop by to meet authors and have a chance to purchase their books. Interested in participating? Sign up »
Writer’s Workshops on YouTube
You can also watch recordings of 50+ workshops on the library’s YouTube channel. Instructors include local authors Jim O’Brien, Ekta Garg, John Milas, and Molly MacRae, plus former New York Times Op-Ed page editor Trish Hall. Writer’s Workshops on YouTube » |
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School’s Out! BIG Games Day |
Friday, Jan. 3, from 1–3 pm | SCHOOL IS OUT and it’s time to play! Work out your throwing arm with lots of active games like cornhole toss, ring toss, and Battle Golf. Plus we’ll have giant-sized games like Jenga, Connect Four, checkers, chess, and Uno to enjoy. Meets in the Robeson Pavilion and The Studio. |
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New Douglass Branch Manager |
WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce the appointment of Thea Green as the new Manager of the Douglass Branch. Thea has been a dedicated member of the Champaign Public Library team for an impressive 31 years. Since 2021, she has made a significant impact at the Douglass Branch by expanding the weekly craft programs for both adults and children—turning them into beloved community staples. Growing up in the Douglass community, Thea exemplifies excellent customer service and is a cherished member of our staff. Congratulations, Thea! |
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Virtual Visits with
Bestselling Authors |
THIS MONTH you can enjoy virtual visits with two unique authors: “Food Guy” Steve Dolinsky, who will dish on Chicago pizza—past, present, and future—and comedian, actress, and podcast host Michelle Buteau. She created and stars in the Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest.” Sign up to get the Zoom link:
Presented in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present, a coalition of 200 public libraries.
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Crafty Adults: Vision Boards |
Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 6 pm | CREATE YOUR OWN personalized vision board to celebrate the new year and your new goals at this month’s Crafty Adults workshop. Space is limited. Sign up starting January 2 » |
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Next Great Author Speaker: Suzanne Selfors on April 8 |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the next Great Authors at the Library speaker: Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of the Wedgie & Gizmo series, will be visiting April 8 during National Library Week. In addition to a family-friendly presentation in the evening, we are also partnering with Champaign Unit 4 Schools for visits to two elementary schools. Meet the Author! An Evening with Suzanne Selfors » |
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READY TO READ and win? This month marks the start of Revved-up Readers! Spring Reading Challenge (January 1–April 30). Sign up your infant, child, or teen. Your kids can win a prize book! Do you already have the Beanstack app? Just log in to sign up. |
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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 Scott Clanin, owner of Clanin Creative (1/9 & 21), Joe Alvarado, founder of Profit Bee Navigators (1/14 & 28), and life coach and author Heidi Esther (1/30).
1/7 · Business & Career Help, drop in 5–7 pm, Douglass Branch
1/8 · Career Help, drop in 11 am–1 pm
1/9 · Business Help, drop in 12–3 pm
1/9 · Advertising with Google Ads, 2 pm*
1/14 · Financial Fitness for Your Business: The Power of the P&L Statement, 6 pm
1/21 · Unlocking Facebook & Instagram Ads, 10 am*
1/28 · Financial Fitness for Your Business: Strategies for Boosting Revenue and Cutting Costs, 6 pm
1/30 · Career Lunch & Learn: Building Resilience, 12 pm
*For webinars, sign up to get the Zoom link.
Business Resources »
Career Resources » |
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TECH QUESTIONS? This month’s Getting Started with Tech series (Tuesdays at 2 pm) includes introductions to Windows 11 computers (1/14), as well as digital file organization (1/21) and storage (1/28). Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000. We are happy to help! |
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We also offer Specialty Tech workshops. This month you can create your own custom keychain at 3D Printing for Adults (1/27). Sign up online or by calling 217/403-2000. |
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THE MAIN LIBRARY and Douglass Branch will be closed January 1 and 20. Book returns and the E-Library are always open! |
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
FOR ALL AGES
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Studio Weekend Hours
• Saturdays, 9 am–6 pm
• Sundays, 12–6 pm
DROP IN during open hours to explore the 8,000 sq. ft. Studio at the Main Library—and create something new! The Studio » |
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The Studio | Thursday Night Drop-in Hours
Thursdays from 5–7 pm
For all ages |
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Yarn & Shenanigans
Mon., Jan. 13 & 27, 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 | Hemp Bracelets
Thu., Jan. 9, at 2 pm
Douglass Branch |
Project READ Tutoring
Fridays at 9:30 am
No meeting Jan. 3 |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
NEW SESSIONS start each month for 375 online Gale Courses. Learn how to use Photoshop, explore a course in human anatomy, or find out how to get published—there’s something for everyone. Sessions run six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Sessions start Jan. 15, Feb. 12, & Mar. 12 » |
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LOOKING FOR something exciting to do after school? Teens are invited to stop by for activities and fun.
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DO YOU KNOW a teen who is interested in starting and growing a business? The Young Entrepreneur Program (February–May, 2025) is free and open to all area high school students. Sign up by January 2. |
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Table Talk Book Club: The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs
Tue., Jan. 14, at 6:30 pm
Meets at Main Library in The Studio during Douglass Branch Makerspace construction.
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DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm*
Douglass Branch
>> Vision Boards, Tech Toys, Bucket Tower Challenge, and Snowflake Suncatcher
*No meeting Jan. 1
Family Fun Night
Thursdays at 6:30 pm
>> Family Game Night, Read to the Dogs, Sock Critters, Velvet Art Posters, and Family Dance Party |
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Make & Take for Preschoolers
Thursdays at 10 am
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Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
11:15 am
1/27 · Douglass Branch
1/29 · Main Library |
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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! |
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