The line formed around the block before 1 pm. Luckily, it was an unseasonably balmy 55 degrees. The new brick and limestone library is on the right, the old library on the left. The old library will be removed soon, then the parking lot will be extended and landscaping added by spring.

Early-arriving patrons are seen through the giant concrete “Library Library” sign near the entry. In the background is the old library.

The excitement showed on patrons’ faces as they waited for the doors to open.

The parade of all ages enters the lobby. It took fifteen minutes for the initial crowd to make its way inside.

Library Director Marsha Grove welcomed patrons in the lobby from a library-appropriate perch: a kik stool.

Patrons passed between two lines of applauding staff as they entered, giving all a royal welcome and thanks for their part in making the library possible.

A view toward the lobby as patrons enter while staff members applaud.

Staff donned black and white to be more easily identifiable.

A young patron enjoys his big entrance.

In no time, chairs were filled with eager readers. Orange accents make the children’s area lively looking.

Patrons enjoyed having more books face-out and easy for children to reach.

The glowing face of the children‘s desk (and another glowing face). The desk changes color and the lights make it easy to find.

There was lots of sharing books, too.

Seats by the building’s many windows were among the most popular, here facing out to Healey Street.

Lots of family members came together for a multi-generational experience.

Marci Dodds and other members of the Champaign City Council were on hand.

A patron seeks help at the Information Desk on the second floor.

Many of the 87 Internet computers were in use already (and that doesn’t count additional computers for catalog access). That’s four times as many computers as the old library had.

This spot for reading along the south wall offers a glimpse of the old library, which will soon disappear from view to be replaced by a more extended parking lot.

The glass in the library is energy-efficient, with a special coating to reflect heat in summer and a layer of argon gas between the panes to keep heat inside in the winter. Light fixtures overhead dim automatically when there is enough daylight, saving energy.

Two jazz combos from Central High School played in the fiction reading area overlooking the lobby, filling the area with upbeat sound for the first hour or so of business.

Patrons browse the fiction area. Many of the 37,000 brand-new items purchased for opening day went out the door immediately.

The orange self-guided tour brochures were in use everywhere. The back cover featured a scavenger hunt to help kids get acquainted with their new children’s area.

Crowds filled the space for much of the afternoon. Waving prairie grass is the inspiration for the mottled pattern of these carpet squares, placed where they can be viewed from above. The lighted Children’s Desk is at the right.

A view of the Checkout Desk, where patrons got to know the new self-check system.

Children’s staffers extended the black and white dress code to include penguin hats, adding to the fun and making them easier for patrons and other staff to spot.

Free programs for children in the Nate & Lillie Story Room included Kate Kuper, pictured, plus Rocky Maffit, Chad Dunn, and David Howie. A magician and ventriloquist also entertained throughout the children’s area.