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The Champaign Public Library is among the top 100 public libraries in the nation, and among the top 10 public libraries in its population category, according to the 2010 Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR). Read more.

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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New Card Fee for Mahomet & Tolono Card Holders

Starting Nov. 1, Mahomet and Tolono library card holders will need to purchase a Champaign library card to borrow materials from our library. At a time when our usage is growing but our budget is tightening, this policy will help us preserve access for Champaign taxpayers. The greatest growth in use of our library has been among card holders from outside Champaign; some now use our library in place of their home library. We want to encourage those patrons to return to their home libraries. Read more.

Read Your Way to Prizes, Book by Book

Our seasonal reading program for adults, Book by Book, has a new name and a colorful new look to reflect the fun of discovering one great book after another — and maybe win prizes, too! Formerly called Books Unlimited, the program is for adults from high school on up. Each time you read two books, enter our prize drawing. You can register, log your reading, and rate or review your books online.

Everyday Architecture in CU

How does architecture relate to our daily lives here? U of I architecture and design faculty will explore this question in four free programs at the main library this fall. Leading off on Thu., Sep. 9, at 7 pm, Jeff Poss will discuss “Monuments and Meditation Huts: Humanizing Architecture for Central Illinois.” See the full schedule of presenters.

Library Closed Monday, September 6

The library will be closed Monday, Sep. 6, for the Labor Day holiday. Our book returns will stay open for your convenience. A drive-up return is located at the back of the Main Library. Our Douglass Branch has a walk-up return, off Grove St.

"Banjo Gramps" Eyman

Americana Rhythms Series

Travel the back roads of American music this fall with our free Americana Rhythms series, Sundays at 2 pm. On Sep. 12, hear the vintage sounds of CU quintet The Ruthless Goats. Additional events are: Oct. 10 Native American music and dance; Nov. 7 Folk singer-songwriter Ben Bedford; Dec. 5 Bucky Halker plays Woody Guthrie.

Knitting needles and yarn

Knittin’ for Newbies, with Brigitte Pieke

Need a nudge to start knitting? Come to a free beginners’ workshop, led by Brigitte Pieke of Klose Knit, on Tue., Sep. 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Bring your own supplies, or purchase a kit at the program, and start making a skinny scarf. Register by Sep. 12. See more details and register online.

School children and bus

Back-to-School Book Giveaway

Discover a great source for bargain books — and take one home free! Students from grade K through college can get one regular-priced book absolutely free at the FriendShop on Sat. and Sun., Sep. 18 and 19. The shop has books for all ages. No purchase necessary; does not include individually priced “special books.”