Families/All Ages

Beth & Hanni: Safe and Sound

Beth Finke, accompanied by her guide dog, Hanni, will share what it‘s really like to be blind and sign copies of her new book at a program for families. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room A&B
March 1 | Saturday | 2:00-2:45 pm

Fiddle-i-fee!

Bob Bovee and Gail Heil will explore the heritage and heroes of American folk music with tunes on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica, and autoharp at this program for families. Main Library, Nate & Lillie Story Room
March 8 | Saturday | 2:00-2:45 pm

Meet Astronaut Joe Tanner

Meet a real astronaut and find out what it‘s like to float in space. Joe Tanner began his NASA career as an engineer and pilot trainer before starting astronaut training in 1992. Tanner, a Danville native and U of I graduate, has now logged more than 1,000 hours in space and performed 7 space walks on a variety of Space Shuttle missions. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room A&B
March 30 | Sunday | 2-3 pm

The Whip Guy

Two-time Guinness World Record — holding whip cracker Chris Camp will amaze all ages beyond belief with his 900 miles-per-hour, 222 cracks-a-minute bullwhip. Inspired by the Indiana Jones character, Camp researched his hobby at his local public library. Stop by the library‘s Bookmobile Open House in the parking lot, too. Main Library, Parking Lot
April 26 | Saturday | 2:00-2:45 pm

Presenting Mr. Frederick Douglass: Early Life and Selected Speeches

The nineteenth-century escaped slave, abolitionist, journalist, champion of racial and gender equality, and heroic namesake of our own Douglass Branch Library comes alive in a compelling performance by professional actor Fred Morsell.

Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
April 27 | Sunday | 2-4 pm

Douglass Branch Library, Meeting Room
April 28 | Monday | 2-3 pm

Biography Fair Awards Celebration

All ages are invited to celebrate with the winners of this competition for grades 3 to 5, focused on the lives of inspiring artists, leaders and scientists. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room A&B
May 3 | Saturday | 2:00-2:45 pm

Preschoolers

Super Special Storyshop: Crazy for Clifford

Meet a Hero @ Your Library through stories, songs, and crafts. For preschoolers and their parents or caregivers only. The program is repeated at 10:30 a.m. Main Library, Nate & Lillie Story Room
Wednesday | February 6 | 9:45-10:15 am

Super Special Storyshop: Silly for Safety

Meet a Hero @ Your Library through stories, songs, and crafts. For preschoolers and their parents or caregivers only. The program is repeated at 10:30 a.m. Main Library, Nate & Lillie Story Room
Wednesday | March 5 | 9:45-10:15 am

Community Heroes

Meet a Hero @ Your Library including a veterinarian, police officer, fire fighter and nurse. Each preschooler attending will take home a free book.
Main Library, Nate & Lillie Story Room
Wednesdays | March 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10:00-10:45 am

Super Special Storyshop: Superhero Spectacular

Meet a Hero @ Your Library through stories, songs, and crafts. For preschoolers and their parents or caregivers only. The program is repeated at 10:30 a.m. Main Library, Nate & Lillie Story Room
Wednesday | April 2 | 9:45-10:15 am

Teens

Middle Pages Book Club

Heroes are in the spotlight during this round of book discussions for students in grades 6 to 8. Snacks are provided. For discussion: Wabi: A Hero's Tale by Joseph Bruchac. Main Library
Monday | February 4 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Super Wednesdays

Teens are invited to create superhero-related masterpieces with craft queen and library staffer Trish Ohlsson. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
February 6, 13, 20, 27 |3:00 - 3:45 pm

Heroic Fridays: TMNT

Grab some free popcorn and catch “TMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” on the big screen. For middle and high school students. Main Library

February 8 | Friday | 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Kick Back & Read

Which characters inspire you? That‘s the question in this monthly book discussion for high school students. For discussion: Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai. Newcomers welcome. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
Monday * February 11 | 6:45 - 7:30 pm

The Write Stuff

How do you define a hero? Come look at different kinds of heroism including superheroes, J.K. Rowling characters, and everyday heroes you might know. Newcomers are welcome in this writing club for middle and high school students. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
February 11; March 10; April 14; May 12

Mondays | 7:45 - 8:30 pm

The Legacy of Black Magicians

Walter King, a.k.a. The Spellbinder, will take teens on an amazing journey exploring the history of African American magicians. Prepare to be wowed as he levitates a woman in mid-air! Partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room A&B
February 17 | Sunday | 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Heroic Fridays: Superman

Grab some free popcorn and catch the original “Superman” film on the big screen. For middle and high school students. Main Library
February 22 | Friday | 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Middle Pages Book Club

Heroes are in the spotlight during this round of book discussions for students in grades 6 to 8. Snacks are provided. For discussion: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. Main Library
Monday * March 3 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Wednesdays @ Hogsmeade

Remember the heroic characters from J.K. Rowling‘s world by enjoying Harry Potter-inspired crafts, costumes, computer games and treats every Wednesday in March. For middle and high school students. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
March 5, 12, 19, 26 | Wednesdays | 3:00 - 3:45 pm

From Hip Hop to the School House

South Side School teacher Jaime Roundtree will perform some of his hip hop music and answer questions about his life in music and his decision to dedicate his life to teaching at this program for teens. Part of the “Tune In @ Your Library” week for teens. Main Library, Busey Bank Computer Room
March 6 | Thursday | 3:00 - 3:45 pm

Anime/Manga and Superheroes Drawing Workshop

Chicago-area artist Addie Afable will show you how to draw popular manga characters (11 am) or superheroes (2 pm). Bring a drawing
pencil, eraser, and paper. Registration begins February 11; call 403–2070. Choose one workshop; you can be on a waiting list for the other. Main Library, Foundation Conference Room, Room 215
March 8 | Saturday
Anime/Manga Workshop: 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
Draw a Superhero: 2:00 — 4:00 pm

Kick Back & Read

Which characters inspire you? That‘s the question in this monthly book discussion for high school students. For discussion: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Newcomers welcome. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
Monday | March 10 | 6:45 - 7:30 pm

Wizard Rock

See our photo album from the concert
Read a review of the concert in the Uni High Gargoyle
Two bands will travel to Champaign to perform original songs about Harry Potter characters: The Remus Lupins, all the way from LA — and among the headliners at the Wrock Chicago concert this summer, and Ginny & the Heartbreakers, an award-winning Oklahoma band. Middle and high school students can dress up for music and fun! Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
March 14 | Friday | 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer‘s Stone

See the first Harry Potter movie again, dress up as your favorite Rowling character and get a prize. Free popcorn served. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
March 28 | Friday | 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Inspiring Wednesdays

Join us after school for crafts and games that aim to inspire every Wednesday in April. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 3:00 – 3:45 pm

Middle Pages Book Club

Heroes are in the spotlight during this round of book discussions for students in grades 6 to 8. Snacks are provided. For discussion: The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C

Monday | April 7 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Kick Back & Read

Which characters inspire you? That‘s the question in this monthly book discussion for high school students. For discussion: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Newcomers welcome. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
Monday | April 14 | 6:45 - 7:30 pm

Volunteer Fair

Want to help your hometown and beef up your resume, too? Teens and adults are invited to visit our first-ever Volunteer Fair. Meet representatives from local agencies and apply on the spot. Raffle prizes awarded.

Agencies planning to be there include:
C-U One-to-One Mentoring
Circle of Friends Adult Day Center
Make a Wish Foundation
CU Theatre Company
Salt and Light (clothing and food pantry)
Champaign Park District

Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
April 19 | Saturday | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hero Ball

Dress up as someone you admire then dance the night away. For middle and high school students. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
April 25 | Friday | 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Middle Pages Book Club

Heroes are in the spotlight during this round of book discussions for students in grades 6 to 8. Snacks are provided. For discussion: East by Edith Pattou. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
Monday | May 5 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Kick Back & Read

Which characters inspire you? That‘s the question in this monthly book discussion for high school students. For discussion: Far and Beyon' by Unity Dow. Newcomers welcome. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
Monday | May 12 | 6:45 - 7:30 pm

Adults

First Tuesdays Film Series: Glory Road

Texas Western coach Don Haskins challenged the system with the first African American basketball lineup. Rated PG. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
Tuesday | February 5 | 7 - 9 pm

The Age of Lincoln: Author Vernon Burton

Vernon Burton, 2007 winner of the Chicago Tribune‘s Heartland Prize for nonfiction for his book The Age of Lincoln, will discuss the political, social and economic conditions in the years surrounding Lincoln‘s presidency. Vernon will sign books after the program. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
February 7 | Thursday | 7:00-8:00 pm

Author Elizabeth Berg: Home Front Heroines

New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Berg will talk about the home front heroines of her World War II novel, Dream When You’re Feeling Blue. Her talk will conclude with a book signing. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
February 10 | Sunday | 2:00-4:00 pm

Impact of War on Warriors: CU Veterans and Author Ray Elliott

How does war affect those who fight, as well as loved ones left behind? Author Ray Elliott will share a literary and personal view, then lead a discussion with local veterans of conflicts from World War II to Iraq. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
February 21 | Thursday | 7:00-8:30 pm

First Tuesdays Film Series: October Sky

A student in a West Virginia mining town, inspired by Sputnik, attempts to build a rocket in his backyard. This 1999 film stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Laura Dern. Rated PG. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
March 4 | Tuesday | 7 - 9 pm

First Tuesdays Film Series: Mad Hot Ballroom

Hard work pays off for New York City fifth graders in the inter-city ballroom dance competition. Rated PG. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
April 1 | Tuesday | 7 - 9 pm

Volunteer Fair

Want to help your hometown and beef up your resume, too? Teens and adults are invited to visit our first-ever Volunteer Fair. Meet representatives from at least ten different local agencies and apply on the spot. Raffle prizes awarded.

Agencies planning to be there include:
Rape Crisis Services
C-U One-to-One Mentoring
Circle of Friends Adult Day Center
Make a Wish Foundation
CU Theatre Company
Salt and Light (clothing and food pantry)
Champaign Park District

Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
April 19 | Saturday | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

First Tuesdays Film Series: Always

A pilot who dies in a plane crash returns as a guardian angel who guides a young flyboy’s romance. This 1989 film was directed by Steven Spielberg. Rated PG. Main Library, Robeson Pavilion A&B
May 6 | Tuesday | 7 - 9 pm