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Come see your beautiful new Main Library. See our glowing children’s desk, colorful TeenSpace, quiet rooms, Latte Da! Cafe, and light-filled open spaces. We’re open weekdays 9-9; Saturdays 9-6; Sundays 1-6. more

Our Douglass Branch Library is open Monday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm; Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm. During 2007, the Branch celebrates ten years in its Grove Street location, at one end of Douglass Park. Stop in for a great selection of books, DVDs, and CDs, plus friendly service, free Internet access, and two public meeting rooms.

Our Bookmobile stops weekly at locations all over town, offering a great selection of the newest books, music, movies, and magazines for all ages. Hop on board and check something out -- how convenient! To find the stop nearest you, check our current schedule.

What’s New at the Library

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Babyfest: A Week of Special Events

This week we’re celebrating little ones and the importance of reading to them right away. During Babyfest May 5 to 11, join us for an array of events from Dance a Story with Kate Kuper to Baby Talk, a program about baby communication, to a Wiggle, Giggle, Sing Along! with children’s music expert Carole Peterson, plus Alvin McGovern on guitar.

Biography Fair Winners

Congratulations to the Champaign students in grades 3 to 5 who submitted award-winning entries in this year’s Biography Fair at the library. Grand prize winners were Kathleen T. and Berit R. Honorable mentions went to Ben S., Vikram B., Caroline G., and Bara S. Applause to all of the students at Bottenfield, Barkstall, and St. Matthew who entered. Photos of the entries will be posted soon.

Self-checkout Tips

Here are a few pointers to help you with our new self-checkout system. more

Teens studying

Connect to a Homework Tutor — at Home!

Chat with a professional tutor for homework help any day from 3 to 9 pm. The library offers this free service to all Champaign students, grades 4 to early college. Show a photo ID at the library to get a computer card with your log-in number. more

Tom Ramage

What CU Leaders Are Reading:
Tom Ramage recommends
The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology

“Eventually, smallness and speed reach a point of development with implications that are astounding. Whether you buy into the theory or not, it is an interesting glimpse into a potential future that may not be too far away.”

Read more of this recommendation from the president of Parkland College, plus other book picks by CU leaders.

Noah the Owl

Birdfest!

Join us Sat., May 17, for an afternoon of programs related to America’s number one pastime: birding! We’ll have bird experts, a portrayal of John James Audubon, and a family event with live birds from the Wildlife Medical Clinic. more