read, relax, repeat

Outstanding authors are coming! See our calendar for details. Columnist John “the Penguin” Bingham says running is for mortals, too (3/25). David Lubar writes hilarious bestsellers for teens (4/5). Sally M. Walker digs up history for kids (4/16). And Luis Alberto Urrea is a Pulitzer finalist of exceptional talent (4/18).

See our glowing children’s desk, colorful TeenSpace, quiet rooms, Latte Da! Cafe, FriendShop used book store, and light-filled open spaces. The library, at 200 W. Green St., is open weekdays 9-9; Saturdays 9-6; Sundays 1-6. read more

Our Douglass Branch Library, on the edge of Douglass Park, is open Monday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm; Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm. Stop in for a great selection of books, DVDs, and CDs, plus friendly service, free Internet access, and public meeting space.

What’s New at the Library

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St. Patty’s Specials at the Cafe

Our Latte Da! Cafe has a menu of special beverages inspired by St. Patrick’s Day, but available throughout March. Try a Shamrock Smoothie, Irish Maiden, Peppermint Paddy, and more.

Second Weekends Mean Big Savings at the FriendShop

Become a member of the Library Friends and you can enjoy “buy 1, get 1 free” savings on almost everything at our FriendShop used book store on the second weekend each month. Save on books, DVDs, audiobooks, and CDs, regularly priced at just 50 cents to $1.50. Member fees start at just $10 a year. Shop hours are Sat. and Sun. from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. See more details.

Learn to Scan Old Photos & Documents

In this hands-on class for beginners, learn to use the library’s scanners to digitally save your family photos and more. Bring a photo, piece of fabric, document, or other ephemera to practice with. This free 90-minute workshop will be on Thu., Mar. 18, at 7 pm. Registration is required; please call 403–2070.

Overdue Notices No Longer Mailed

To save money and help the environment, are no longer mailing overdue notices as of March 1. We encourage you to get due date reminders by e-mail instead. Click “My Account/Renew” at the top of this page, and add e-mail to your “Profile.” Or call us at 217/403–2000 and we’ll do it for you.

Event Reminders by E-mail

We have a new event calendar that can send you e-mail notices about library events. Choose any event, then click on “Remind Me;” you’ll get a message two days before that event. Or choose “Notify Me,” and get e-mail every time there’s an event for the same age group.

Don't Ask, klezmer band

Who Is That Klezmer Band? Don’t Ask!

Join us for rousing folk music from the villages of Eastern Europe. The band Don’t Ask features Frances Harris, Michael Shapiro, Jenina Kenessey, and Michael Meadows on fiddle, guitar, cello, and bass. Bring the family for free fun on Sat., Mar. 13, at 2 pm.

John Bingham

Running for Mortals: An Evening with John “the Penguin” Bingham

Think you don’t have what it takes to run? Think again! Popular Runner’s World columnist John Bingham is coming here to encourage and entertain you with his commonsense approach to running for a happier, healthier life. Join us on Thu., Mar. 25, at 7 pm. Once a dedicated couch potato, Bingham is the author of several books on running for the joy of it.

Schnucks card

Your Schnucks Card Can Support the Library

Schnucks stores will give the library up to 3% of your purchase every time you buy groceries and present your Schnucks eScrip customer card to the cashier. There’s no cost to you. Use your current Schnucks card (“gas card”), or get one at their customer service desk. Register your card online or by phone. Read more.