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Short Story Contest, Awards Ceremony, & Reading |
DO YOU WRITE? Entries are due by November 7 for the seventh annual Short Story Contest. Three top stories will be read aloud at the Awards Ceremony & Reading and published on the library website. The grand prize includes a one-on-one consultation with author Ted Sanders, a headshot for your portfolio, and a yearlong membership to MasterClass. Get contest details and read stories by previous winners on our website. Read more » |
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Sun., Nov 2, at 2 pm | CELEBRATE A NEW EXHIBITION, “The Art Connection: Schools to Library,” with kids, teens, and art teachers from Barkstall Elementary School, Centennial High School, and Franklin STEAM Academy. This series showcases artwork by 150 students from Champaign Unit 4 schools each year. Enjoy lemonade and cookies in the FriendShop Bookstore. The artwork will be on display through January in the FriendShop on the lower level and in the Children’s area on the first floor. |
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Celebrate Dinovember with us! |
During the week of Nov. 16–22 all children’s events at both locations will be dinosaur-themed. |
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Sat., Nov. 22, from 2–4 pm | JOIN US for the Dinovember Party! We will celebrate Dinovember and all things dinosaur, including dino-themed puzzles and games, a prehistoric make & take project, and even a Jurassic scavenger hunt! |
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INTERESTED IN THE CIVIL WAR? On Nov. 4 & 11, historian Fred Christensen will present about Valverde and Glorieta Pass—two battles that occurred in 1862, leading to the end of the Confederate attempt to conquer New Mexico.
WANT TO LEARN ABOUT historic downtown Champaign? On Nov. 18, CEO of Royce & Brinkmeyer Collin Carlier and Champaign County History Museum board president TJ Blakeman will walk through the history of The Inman, through its 2025 renovation, and intended future uses.
No fees. No registration. Come socialize and learn something new!
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Virtual Visit: A Journey Through Food and Science with Kenji López-Alt |
Tue., Nov. 18, at 7 pm | ENJOY A VIRTUAL VISIT with award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration. As the Culinary Director for Serious Eats, Kenji is known and loved for his thoroughly-tested and explained recipes and food features. His James Beard Award-winning cookbook, The Food Lab, uses evidence-based testing to show you the best ways to cook things. A former chef and restaurant worker, Kenji is also the author of The Wok, a best-selling children’s book, Every Night is Pizza Night, and co-hosts “The Recipe with Kenji and Deb,” a podcast that helps you discover your own perfect recipes with his friend Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen.
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Tue., Nov. 18, from 6–7:30 pm | LOOKING TO EXPAND your professional circle? Join our Career Librarian, Cat Purcell, and Business Specialist, Lauren Gramly, for an evening to expand your network in a relaxed and welcoming space. You'll gain expert advice and practical networking tips and tricks to help you make a great impression, foster meaningful conversations, and follow up effectively. |
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NEED HELP applying for Medicare? Call 217.403.2000 or sign up online to get your questions answered by Nicole Mitchell, Senior Services Specialist for Champaign County Health Care Consumers. Appointments available on Tuesday afternoons through December 2. |
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LOOKING FOR fun activities on Friday evenings? Look no further! Join us Fridays from 6–8 pm for Unbooked, which includes activities like Trivia, Card Games, Bingo, and Puzzle Peace.
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Experiencing Financial Stress? We can help. |
Thu., Nov. 20, at 6 pm | IS FINANCIAL STRESS causing you burnout and relationship conflict? Come learn how to identify harmful patterns and apply strategies to help reset your mindset so you can approach your finances with greater ease. You'll leave with a better understanding of Financial Self Care. Presented by clinical financial therapist and lifestyle coach Jaelyn Vickery (LSW), in partnership with Dimensional Wealth LLC . |
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Sign Up Opens Nov. 1 for the Young Entrepreneur Program |
Want to start and grow a business? The Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) engages, educates, and empowers area high school students through entrepreneurship. The program runs from February through early May 2026 and is free and open to all area high school students! More About YEP » |
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Business & Career Workshops |
NEED HELP with your job search or business venture? Local experts leading workshops this month include Scott Clanin, owner of Clanin Creative (11/6, 12, & 18), Sarah Colomé, Founder of Collective Futures (11/12), and Kevin Martlage, President of Nextiers Advisors (11/20).
*Some events require registration.
Business Resources »
Career Resources » |
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Both locations will be closed Friday, November 7, for staff training, and Thursday, November 27, for Thanksgiving Day. |
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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
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Drop-in Hours in The Studio
Thursdays and Fridays from 5–8 pm
On Friday evenings, beginner-friendly crafts for all ages are available to create at your own pace! |
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DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch
Hands-on activities include Watercolor Tape Art, Tech Toys, Paper Cup Articulated Grabber, and a Drawing Tablet. |
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Family Fun Night
Thursdays at 6:30 pm
Stop by on Thursday evenings for games, crafts, STEAM activities, and more, especially for families with school-aged kids.
*No event on Nov. 27. |
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Unbooked Kids
Fridays from 6–8 pm
Drop in for rotating crafts and activities for kids that are sure to inspire wonder and imagination!
*No event on Nov. 7. |
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Teen Lounge
Every day after school* from 3–4:30 pm
LOOKING FOR something exciting to do after school? Middle and high school students can stop by the library for activities and fun. Meets at Main Library in The Studio. On early-out days, activities start at 1 pm.
*Does not meet on Nov. 7 & Nov. 26–28. |
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Club Fred
Mon., Tues. & Thurs. from 4–5 pm at the Douglass Branch
Hang out with us after school for games, activities, and more!
*Does not meet on Nov. 27. |
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Teens, you can read and win prizes! The Fall Reading Challenge for Teens runs until Dec. 15. Sign up » |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
NEW SESSIONS start each month for 375 online Gale Courses. Learn conversational French, start your own home-based business, or discover journaling—there’s something for everyone. Sessions run six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Gale Courses start Nov. 12 & Dec. 17. |
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Table Talk Book Club
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Tue., Nov. 11, at 6:30 pm, at Douglass Branch |
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Cover-to-Cover Book Club
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Thu., Nov. 13, at 1:30 pm |
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Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
11:15 am For infants to age 6. 11/24 · Douglass Branch
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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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