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Sun., Jan. 18, from 2–5 pm | JOIN US to watch Wicked (2024), the untold story of the witches of Oz, at the library! Award winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin who has yet to discover her true power. Global superstar Ariana Grande stars as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition who has yet to discover her true heart. |
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Contest Winners and Local Author Fair |
CONGRATULATIONS to the talented 2025 Short Story Contest winners (pictured above, from left to right): Jeni Bushman, first place; Isaac Ryals, second place; Esther Aardsma, third place. Their stories were read aloud at an award ceremony in November which included feedback from this year's judges: Julie Navickas, Julian Parrott, and Zach Simon. Read the winning stories on our website at champaign.org/writers.
Writers Lounge
Do you write? Come to this month’s Writers Lounge (1/7 at 7 pm) to gain feedback and writing tips, and build a sense of community.
Writer’s Workshop
Local Author Fair
We will be hosting a Local Author Fair (1/31 from 2–5 pm). Stop by to meet authors and have a chance to purchase their books. Interested in participating? Sign up »
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IN JANUARY, JOIN US for a fascinating four-week series with Michael Jeffords and Susan Post—biologists, photographers, and world travelers—as they take us on a worldwide journey exploring great cats and other elusive creatures. No fees. No registration. Just socializing and learning something new!
Great Cats & Other Elusive Creatures:
Jan 6, 13, 20, and 27
Tuesdays at 10 am |
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Sat., Jan. 24, from 2–4 pm | JOIN US at Build It! to create structures of all kinds - anything you can dream up - using an exciting variety of building materials. All ages are welcome! |
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Virtual Visit with Bestselling Author Jonathan Eig |
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READY TO READ and win? This month marks the start of Discover New Stories! Spring Reading Challenge (January 1–April 30). Sign up your infant, child, or teen. Do you already have the Beanstack app? Just log in to select a new challenge. |
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DID YOU KNOW? WhaZoodles are fun, pre-loaded, portable, screen-free audio devices for children that provide learning through movement, interactive games, and guided meditation using three modes: Recess, Explore, and Relax. Designed to guide kids ages 3–12, WhaZoodles are available for checkout at both the Main Library and Douglass Branch! |
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LOOKING FOR fun activities on Friday evenings? Look no further! Join us from 6–8 pm for Unbooked, which includes activities like Trivia, Card Games, Bingo, Puzzle Peace, and on special occasion, In Concert at the Library!
On Jan. 30 (6–8 pm), join us for an evening of classical guitar with Guido Sánchez Portuguez, professor of music at the University of Illinois. Don't miss this magical experience with one of the most beautiful-sounding instruments in the world. |
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Wed., Jan. 21, from 6–7 pm | LEARN HOW to use the Bernina sewing machines available in The Makerspace at the Douglass Branch. Sign up starting Jan. 2 » |
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Business & Career Workshops |
NEED HELP with your job search or business venture? Local experts leading workshops this month include Helen Zhang, president and partner at Financial Brilliance Accounting Firm (1/20), and Ranija Turner, owner of Career Pro 217 (1/29).
Business Resources »
Career Resources » |
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This month, join us for a specialty tech workshop “Intro to Podcasting” (1/26). Instructor Maggie Baker will discuss the equipment needed, how to hook it all up properly, and how to record into editing software. |
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Join us for Drop-in Hours in The Makerspace at the Douglass Branch Library on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 12–3 pm. Walk-ins are welcome or reserve tools online. Reserve Makerspace Tools » |
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THE MAIN LIBRARY and Douglass Branch will be closed January 1 and 19. 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
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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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JOIN US for family-friendly fun on Friday evenings at Unbooked Kids at the library! Drop in from 6–8 pm for rotating crafts and activities for kids that are sure to inspire wonder and imagination! |
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DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch
Hands-on activities include Bubble Dough, Tech Toys, Cricut Snowflake Lantern, and Foam Stamps. |
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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 Jan. 1. |
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DO YOU KNOW a teen who is interested in starting and growing 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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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 Jan. 1, 2, 5 or 19. |
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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 Jan. 1 or 19. |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
NEW SESSIONS start each month for 375 online Gale Courses. Learn how to write fiction like a pro, master public speaking, or play guitar—there’s something for everyone. Gale Courses start Jan. 14, Feb. 11, & Mar. 18. |
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Table Talk Book Club
Miss Pearly's Girls by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Tue., Jan. 13, at 6:30 pm, at Douglass Branch |
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Cover-to-Cover Book Club
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Thu., Jan. 8, at 1:30 pm |
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Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
11:15 am For infants to age 6. 1/26 · 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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