New Library to Open on January 6; Current Library Closed Starting December 10
Our last day in our current building will be Sunday, December 9. We’ll be closed for moving until Sunday, January 6, 2008. Plan now to join us that day for the grand opening of your new library, with lively music, self-guided tours, and lots of “oohs and aahs” (details coming soon). We’re sending this special newsletter now to help you through our transition time. Still have questions? Please call 217/403-2000, e-mail librarian@champaign.org, or visit our website.
We’ll Still Be Here to Help
While the Main Library is closed from December 10 to January 5, you can still call 217/403–2000 for help with requests and renewals or 217/403–2070 for reference questions, Monday to Saturday from 12 to 6 pm. You can e-mail us at librarian@champaign.org or use our website; see more about that to the right. Or visit our friendly Douglass Branch at 504 E. Grove St. They’re open 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm Fridays, and 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays. Call the Branch at 217/403–2090.
Returning Items
We encourage you to stock up before we close. Our new drive-up book return off Healey Street (see the diagram below) will open Monday, December 10, the first day we’re closed. All kinds of materials, even book donations, can be returned into a single slot to be sorted automatically — with no need to get out of your car. Due dates will not change while we’re closed.
Reserving/Picking Up Holds
To reserve items while we’re closed, call 217/403–2070 Monday to Saturday from 12 to 6 pm, or use the catalog online. Items for pick-up at the Main Library will be available on the Bookmobile in our parking lot, open Monday to Saturday from 12 to 6 pm. Interlibrary loan requests will not be accepted from November 26 until we re-open.
Parking at the New Library
You’ll use the existing, temporary parking lot when we re-open.
Demolition of the old library (the dashed line shows its outline) should start in mid-December, but will not be complete when we open. The full parking lot, shown above, will be finished by the spring, with entrances off both State and Randolph Streets and landscaped islands with trees. Until it is complete, you’ll walk around the old library site to reach the new building.
Branch and Bookmobile Closed for Holidays
The Douglass Branch Library and Bookmobile (Bookmobile in use only for holds pick-up; see details above) will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 24 and 25, and Tuesday, January 1.
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December 07
Downloadable Books and Movies
This is also a great time to click on the Downloadables link at champaign.org and discover free books, audiobooks, classic Hollywood movies, and popular TV how-to shows to download for almost instant use. All you need is a Champaign library card. We’ll be adding new DVD releases soon.
Bookmobile
The Bookmobile will extend its fall schedule through December 7. Starting Dec. 10, it will not make its usual stops while we’re closed. Instead, we’ll clear it out and use it just to provide access to items on hold, Mondays to Saturdays from 12 to 6 pm in our parking lot.
About the New Library
The new library is three times the size of the building it replaces. Inside, you’ll find a soaring stairway, colorful areas for kids and teens, and an emphasis on energy efficiency and natural materials. There are two designated quiet areas, one with computers, and five public meeting rooms. The Latte Da! coffee shop will serve light meals. Shown above, workers install two doors, one kid-sized, into the children’s program room. The project is funded by a portion of the local home rule sales tax and telephone tax, plus $3 million in private gifts raised by the Library Foundation.
Contact Us
While we’re closed Dec. 10 to Jan. 5, call us from 12 to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday:
Account Information:
217/403–2000
Information Services:
217/403–2070
E-mail:
librarian@champaign.org
Website:
www.champaign.org
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