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Great Authors at the Library: Candace Fleming |
Wed., May 1, at 7 pm | JOIN US for an evening with acclaimed children’s and young adult author, Candace Fleming. She has delighted and informed countless young readers—and adults!—with her more than 40 books, ranging from the bestselling picture book favorite Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! to award-winning nonfiction titles like The Family Romanov, Giant Squid, and Honeybee. Her latest book, The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II (March 2024), is already receiving accolades for superb research and storytelling.
A book signing will follow the presentation and books will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments.
>> Candace Fleming books at the library
Part of the Great Authors at the Library series. Made possible with support from the Library Foundation.
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LIVE MUSIC * GIANT GAMES * ROBOTS!
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Summer Reading Kickoff Party! |
Sun., May 19, from 12–3 pm | YOU’RE INVITED to an all-ages community celebration to kick off the Read for the Stars! Summer Reading Challenge (May 15–Aug 15). Enjoy live music on the lawn, including local favorites, the Church Street Ramblers (12–1 pm) and Merry Travelers (1:30–3 pm). You’ll get to meet robots and play giant Jenga! |
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Teens from Ctrl-Y Robotics team will demonstrate the capabilities of two robots they built! |
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Virtual Visit with Kal Penn |
Tue., May 7, at 7 pm | ENJOY A VIRTUAL VISIT with Kal Penn, actor, writer, producer, and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair’s The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and the Christmas comedy The Santa Clauses for Disney+. Sign up to get the Zoom link.
Presented in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present, a coalition of 200+ public libraries.
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Author & Firefighter Bo Chaney |
Fri., May 10, at 10 am & 4 pm | MEET CHILDREN’S BOOK author and firefighter, Bo Chaney. Mr. Chaney will share The Adventures of Rob and Rocky, as well as fire safety tips. He’ll be at the Main Library at 10 am and at the Douglass Branch at 4 pm. Mr. Chaney has been a teacher in urban schools and currently serves in the Rockford fire service. He is passionate about mentoring young people in his community. Watch “The Adventures of Rob & Rocky – Our City, Our Story | Bo Chaney” (2 min) |
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ENJOY GARDENING? Stop by Tuesday, May 7, at 10 am, for coffee, socializing, and a chance to learn about Therapeutic Gardening from artist, author, and gardener Marcella Hawley. (That’s her lush backyard in the photo!) |
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Wed., May 8, at 6 pm | HAVE YOU HEARD of seed “bombs”? Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making your own! You’ll get to take home a supply of seed bombs—plus the knowledge of where and how to plant them. The Grand Prairie Friends group will share their expertise about native pollinator-friendly plants. Sign up starting May 1. |
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TECH QUESTIONS? Our Getting Started workshops introduce computers, tablets, and more. We provide the equipment and materials—all you need to do is show up! This month includes an introduction to Google Slides (5/7) and Windows 11 computers (5/13), plus workshops on how to send and receive email using Microsoft Outlook 365 (5/14) and Gmail (5/21). Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000.
Already comfortable with a computer? Try something new at a Specialty Tech workshop. In May, you can learn how to edit and manage photos using Adobe Lightroom (5/6) with Monticello-based photographer Mike Heiniger. Reserve your spot. |
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LIKE TO WRITE? This month author John Milas will lead a hands-on workshop on Story vs. Plot (5/1). Interested in connecting with other local writers? Gain feedback and writing tips—and build a sense of community—at the next Writers Lounge (5/15). Find details about the Writer’s Workshop series and read recent Short Story Contest winners on our website. |
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Business & Career Workshops, including Networking 101 |
LOOKING FOR A JOB or changing careers? Interested in growing your business or nonprofit? We can help! Find out how to build confidence and connect with other community members at Networking 101 (5/7). We invite you to return the following week to practice your new skills at Let’s Network! (5/14), a relaxed meetup and tour of the library. You are also welcome to Book-a-Librarian for one-on-one assistance with business or career questions.
5/7 · Career Help | Drop-in Hours, 11 am –1 pm
5/7 · Networking 101, 6:30 pm
5/8 · Writing a Business Plan, 10 am
5/9 · SBDC Office Hours in Launch Business Center, drop in 12–3 pm
5/14 · Let’s Network! | Community Meetup & Library Tour, 6:30 pm
5/14 · The Art of Visual Storytelling, 1 pm* – Live webinar
5/30 · Navigating Google’s Latest Updates for Business, 10 am* – Live webinar
5/30 · Career Lunch & Learn: Managing Stress in the Workplace, 12 pm
*Some events require registration. |
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Friday Night Jam Sessions Outside in Douglass Park |
Fri., May 24, from 6–8 pm | Douglass Branch | ARE YOU A PERFORMING ARTIST? We want to give you the chance to shine. Just bring your talent, materials, and instruments—we’re going to jam! We meet fourth Fridays, after hours at the Douglass Branch Library. Open to instrumentalists, singers, producers, DJs, and spoken word artists. Starting this month, we will meet outside in Douglass Park when the weather is welcoming. Sign up to perform—or just drop by to listen.
Made possible with support from the Champaign County Community Coalition, Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, and the Champaign County Mental Health Board. |
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WHAT A THRILL! We had such a good time celebrating the eclipse on April 8, 2024, with 2,000 community members—including students from Champaign Unit 4 Schools Restore program. Thank you for joining us! View photo album on Facebook » |
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DURING MAY, save 50% off kids’ and teen titles at the FriendShop Bookstore. Most items are $2 or less—and children’s items are priced at only 50¢ (at half off this month, only 25¢!). The store is staffed by volunteers, so every purchase benefits the library. Joining the Library Friends is easy. We appreciate your support! Now open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 to 4 pm.
FriendShop Monthly Sales
May 8–12 · Members’ Half-Price Sale
May 22–26 · Tag Bag Sale |
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WE LOVE this photo of Annie jumping for joy in the lobby! Thank you to Ivy Tian for sharing with us on Facebook. |
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Free Comic Book Day!
Sat., May 4, from 10 am–12 pm
ENJOY FREE COMICS for all ages at the Main Library, Douglass Branch, Urbana Free Library, and Dark Tower Comics. Costumes welcome! |
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Opening Reception for “The Art Connection”
Sun., May 5, at 3 pm
Artwork by 40+ students:
• Bottenfield Elementary
• Dr. Howard Elementary
• International Prep Academy |
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Yo-Yo Champion Mark Hayward
Sat., May 25, at 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm
MARK HAYWARD has traveled the globe with a yo-yo on his finger, appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman and America’s Got Talent. Don’t miss his awe-inspiring show! |
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ON THURSDAYS in May, stop by for Family Fun Night at 6:30 pm:
5/2 · Remarkable Reptiles
5/9 · Tape Resist Watercolor Art
5/16 · Read to the Dogs |
DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
@ Douglass Branch
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES include Lava Lamps, Tech Toys, Hoppy Days, Straw Tower, and Kaleidoscope. |
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Money Matter$ | Legal Advice on Property Buying & Renting
Thu., May 16, at 6 pm
Attorney Joe Souligne will share his real estate expertise. Presented in partnership with Webber & Thies, P.C. |
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Yarn & Shenanigans
Mon., May 13, at 6 pm
@ Douglass Branch |
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Studio Workshop | Sewing 101
Wed., May 22, at 6:30 pm
Learn how to use the Bernina sewing machines available in The Studio. Sign up starting May 1 » |
Coffee and a Craft | Potato Bag
Thu., May 9, at 2 pm
@ Douglass Branch |
Project READ Tutoring
Fridays, drop in 9:30–11:30 am |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
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ENJOY Teen Lounge at the Main Library every day after school from 3 to 4:30 pm. On early dismissal days, May 6 & 20, Teen Lounge meets from 1 to 4:30 pm. Final meeting on May 28.
Look for Teen Studio drop-in hours in the summer!
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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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LIBRARY CLOSED
The Main Library and Douglass Branch will be closed on Monday, May 27. Book returns are always open. |
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