20+ LOCAL EMPLOYERS & RESOURCES
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Tue., Feb. 18, from 5:30–7:30 pm | NEW YEAR, NEW JOB? Stop by the Community Job Fair for an opportunity to meet with local employers, learn about career resources available at the library, and enter for the chance to win prizes, including a Chromebook. Participants include Carle Health, ClarkLindsey, and Northwestern Mutual. Part of the Get that Job! series.
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20th ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BOOKS |
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20 Years of Celebrating Black History by Reading Great Books |
Sat., Feb. 22, from 11 am–4 pm | STUDENTS IN GRADES 3 to 5 will celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in our 20th Battle of the Books. This year’s Battle of the Books list includes 20 Great Books Linked to Black History. Teams will compete at the main location in the morning (11 am) or afternoon (1:30 pm), with winners advancing to the finals (3 pm). Each year, the Battle of the Books draws 400+ kids, teachers, and family members. Call 217/403-2090 by February 1 to sign up your team.
Above: Judah Christian School’s team took home the trophy in 2024.
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Black History Month
Spotlight: Douglass Branch |
DOUGLASS BRANCH LIBRARY was named for American abolitionist and journalist Frederick Douglass, who escaped from slavery and became an influential statesman. He visited Champaign on February 15, 1869. The Champaign County Gazette reported that “His wit was keen and sparkling, his humor dry and effective, and his logic and argument as clear as that of the most polished orator in the land.” Illinois artist Preston Jackson’s sculpture Frederick Douglass: In Remembrance stands by the Branch entrance.
Construction is underway for the new Douglass Branch Makerspace, scheduled to open Spring 2025. Creative tools will include VR headsets, Cricut machines, a Glowforge Aura laser cutter, 3D printing, sewing machines, and a recording booth. Similar to The Studio, the new makerspace will offer a combination of workshops, drop-in hours, and Book-a-Librarian appointments.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the second annual Local Author Fair (2/5), featuring 20 local authors. Don't miss this chance to talk to local authors one-on-one about their books and writing journey. Books will be available for purchase. |
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LIKE TO WRITE? Local author Ekta Garg will lead a hands-on workshop sharing tips and excercises at Biblio Breakdown (2/19). Find details about the Writer’s Workshops series on our website. |
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Virtual Visits with
Bestselling Authors |
THIS MONTH you can enjoy virtual visits with two #1 New York Times bestselling authors: James McBride and Amy Tan. Sign up to get the Zoom link:
Presented in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present, a coalition of 200 public libraries. |
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Opening Reception for “The Art Connection” |
Sun., Feb. 9, at 3 pm | CELEBRATE A NEW EXHIBITION, “The Art Connection: Schools to Library,” with kids, teens, and art teachers from Dr. Howard Elementary, Garden Hills Elementary, and Central High School. This series showcases artwork by 150 students from Champaign Unit 4 schools each year. Enjoy cookies and lemonade in the FriendShop Bookstore. The artwork will be on display through April in the FriendShop on the lower level and in the Children’s area on the first floor. |
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STOP BY for coffee, socializing, and a chance to learn something new at Tuesdays at Ten. Each week this month, art expert Dr. Ian Wang will share his knowledge and passion for the arts at “Art = Life” (February 4–25). |
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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 (February 3–April 16). 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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Job Seekers & Entrepreneurs |
LOOKING FOR A JOB or launching a business? We can help! Local experts presenting this month include Founder of Fox Philanthropic Advisors Shari Fox (2/4), and President of Clanin Creative Scott Clanin (2/27) 2/4 · Understanding the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act, 1
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2/4 · Business & Career Help, drop in 5–7 pm,
Douglass Branch
2/5 · Career Help, drop in 11 am–1 pm
2/6 · The Power of AI for Your Small Business, 10 am
2/13 · Business Help, drop in 12–3 pm
2/18 · Community Job Fair, 5:30–7:30 pm
2/20 · Writing a Business Plan, 10 am
2/25 · Small Business Taxes 101, 6 pm
2/27 · How to Grow & Respond to Your Online Reviews, 10 am
2/27 · Career Lunch & Learn: Strategic Support for Career Growth , 12 pm
Business Resources »
Career Resources » |
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TECH QUESTIONS? This month’s Getting Started with Tech series (Tuesdays at 2 pm) includes introductory workshops on Apple computers, Chromebooks, and streaming services. An introduction to Microsoft Word will be offered at 7 pm (2/10). Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000. We are happy to help! |
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In addition, staff from the Illinois Attorney General’s office will be on site to share strategies for staying safe online with Common Scams & Identity Theft (2/24). Open to everyone, no experience necessary. |
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BLACK HISTORY titles will be on display during February. See something you’d like to read? Reserve online or give us a call at 217/403-2000.
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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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Thursday Night Drop-in Hours | The Studio
Thursdays, from 5–7 pm |
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Yarn & Shenanigans
Mon., Feb. 10 & 24, at 6 pm
Douglass Branch |
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Money Matter$ | Food Budgeting Made Easy
Thu., Feb. 20, at 6 pm |
Coffee and a Craft | Melting Crayons
Thu., Feb. 13, at 2 pm
Douglass Branch |
Project READ Tutoring
Drop in Fridays from 9:30–11:30 am |
Project READ Introduction to Tutor Training
Fri., Feb. 14, at 10 am
Sign up » |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
NEW SESSIONS start each month for 375 online Gale Courses. Learn how to grow an edible garden, design games in different platforms, or write effective grant proposals—there’s something for everyone. Sessions run six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Feb. 12, Mar. 12, Apr. 16 » |
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Teen LoungeEvery day after school, 3–4:30 pm *No meeting Feb. 17
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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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Table Talk Book Club: Mrs. Wiggins by Mary Monroe
Tue., Feb. 11, at 6:30 pm
Meets at Main Library in The Studio during Douglass Branch Makerspace construction. |
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Black History Bingo
Wed., Feb. 5, at 4 pm |
Family Fun Night
Thursdays at 6:30 pm
>> Giant Paper Bag Stars & Snowflakes, Let It Snow, Dino Snow Globes, Remarkable Reptiles |
DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
Douglass Branch
>> Black History Bingo, Tech Toys, Mancala Board, Spaghetti Tower Challenge |
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Bilingual Storytime: Portuguese & English
Tue., Feb. 25, at 6:30 pm |
Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
For infants to age 6. Meets at 11:15 am:
2/24 • Douglass Branch
2/26 • Main Library |
Make & Take for Preschoolers
Thursdays at 10 am |
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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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