Author David Lubar: Creepy, Clever Fun
David Lubar writes the kind of scary but funny stories that kids and teens love. His “Weenies” series has sold more than a million copies, and his third book about “Nathan Abercrombie: Accidental Zombie” is due out in April.
The author will present a free program at the library on Mon., Apr. 5, at 7 pm. A book signing will follow his hourlong talk, which is aimed at teens and older elementary school students. While in town, Lubar will also meet with students at Champaign’s middle schools. Read more.
Kanfers to Speak at Friends’ Annual Spring Luncheon
Photographer Larry Kanfer and his wife, Alaina, will talk about their new book, Barns of Illinois, as featured speakers at the spring luncheon of the Friends of the Champaign Public Library.
The annual event, which includes a brief meeting to elect new officers and board members, will be on Tue., Apr. 27, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Champaign Country Club. The cost is $15. Friends who wish to attend, watch your mail for an invitation and RSVP by Thu., Apr. 22. Send a check, payable to Friends of the Champaign Public Library, to Clyde Smith, 24 Willow Ct., Champaign, IL 61822. Questions? Call Clyde at 217/359–5866.
The Big Read Goes to Mexico
The Big Read goes south of the border this year with a focus on Sun, Stone & Shadows, a collection of Mexican short stories. Our library is a partner with the U of I Library in bringing you outstanding related events, including these in our Robeson Pavilion. Read more.
The Big Read Meets Global Rhythms: Sandunga Cuban music played by a six-member ensemble Sun., Apr. 11, at 2 pm
“Children in No Man’s Land” Documentary film on immigration Thu., Apr. 15, at 7 pm
Keynote: Luis Alberto Urrea Novelist & Pulitzer Prize nonfiction finalist (pictured) Sun., Apr. 18, at 2 pm
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
More Computers at Douglass Branch Library
Interior remodeling of the Douglass Branch Library, set to begin this summer, will create a new computer room and double the numbers of public computers to 20. The new space will help meet the growing demand for computer time and allow the library to offer free instruction on searching the Internet, applying for jobs online, and more. Partial funding for the project is provided by a matching grant of $112,465 from the 2010 Live and Learn Construction Grant Program, through the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State. New computers will be purchased with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and funds provided by the Friends of the Champaign Public Library.
Volunteer Time Tops 12,000 Hours
Volunteers work for so little — and accomplish so much! As National Volunteer Week approaches (April 18 to 24), we thank the hundreds of volunteers who make a critical difference in our ability to provide top-notch service. Last fiscal year, they gave a record 12,492 hours. Find their names on our website.
Shipwrecks, Supercrocs & Sea Horses: Author Sally M. Walker
Author Sally M. Walker loves to dig up facts. Bring the family to the library to hear this engaging author talk about her research and writing on Fri., Apr. 16, at 7 pm. In Walker’s new book, Written in Bone, she looks at skeletons of early colonists to learn more about the doomed Jamestown settlement. The book has just been named an ALA Notable Children’s Book. Her work has also been recognized by the National Science Teachers Association.
Especially for Seniors: New Program Series
We’ve handpicked topics of interest to retirees, and are calling these free programs Especially for Seniors. Drop in at the library this spring for:
Give & Receive: Volunteering & Support Services in CU 10 am Wed. Apr. 7
Meet Representative Naomi Jakobsson (pictured) 10 am Thu. Apr. 8
Bon Voyage: A Travelogue of France 6:30 pm Fri. May 7
Books, Games & Friends 10:30 am Wed. May 26
And join us for Lifelong Learners @ the Library, a free lecture series on the second Wednesday each month. Coming up, Parkland College instructors will talk about the history of viruses (Apr. 14), and how to read a poem (May 12). Drop in at 9:30 am for refreshments (thanks to the Library Friends); each talk starts at 10 am.
Enter the “Woman’s Day” Annual Library Essay Contest
What makes the library special to our community? How does it enrich the lives of you and your neighbors? Write an essay of 700 words or less, and enter by May 9. Up to four women’s stories will be featured in Woman’s Day magazine. See the official rules and how to enter. And send a copy of your entry to us at comments@champaign.org. The contest is co-sponsored by the American Library Association.
David Howie in Concert & Kate Kuper Workshop: BabyFest Finale
Two great events cap off BabyFest, our weeklong celebration of babies and reading from Apr. 19 to 24. Throughout the week, you’ll find special BabyFest themes at our regular story programs for babies and toddlers. Then, on Sat., Apr. 24, bring the whole family at 10:30 am, as popular local guitarist and vocalist David Howie presents Baby Boogie Woogie! This hourlong concert will feature songs from the library’s own Baby Boogie! CD, part of a packet the library distributes to newborns at CU hospitals. The free packet also includes reading tips for parents and a book for their baby.
Then, from 1 to 3 pm, Kate Kuper will present Dancetalk, a creative movement and language development workshop for early-childhood educators. Participants should register for the workshop by Apr. 17; call 217/403–2030.
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April 2010
Event Calendar
See all of our events on our website calendar; use the month selector to view other months. Click on an event to sign up for convenient e-mail reminders. Also see this month’s events on our print-friendly PDF.
Your Schnucks Card Can Support the Library
Local Schnucks stores will donate up to 3% of your purchase to the library every time you buy groceries and present your Schnucks eScrip customer card to the cashier. There’s no cost to you. You just need to register your card to support the Champaign Public Library Foundation. Use your current Schnucks card (also called a “gas card”), or get one at their customer service desk. To register, call 800–931-6258, or go online to champaign.org/schnucks and follow the simple steps there.
BOGO Sale: Books on Tape & Nonfiction
It’s a BOGO sale: buy one, get one free on all regular-priced books on tape and nonfiction at our FriendShop during April. Discover some treasures for your home library at the great little used book store on our lower level. The FriendShop is open every weekend afternoon from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. If you are a member of the Library Friends, you can also get BOGO savings on all regular-priced items on the second weekend of each month.
Job Hunting for Boomers and Beyond
Older job seekers are invited to come hear valuable job-hunting tips from the staff of Experience Works, the Parkland College Adult Re-Entry Program. A question-and-answer session will follow. Drop in for this free talk at the library on Thu., Apr. 15, at 7 pm.
Go Right...to the Cafe!
If your path through our lobby always goes left, you’re missing our great little Latte Da! Cafe! Turn right, and grab a beverage to enjoy anywhere in the library. Or stay and have a snack in one of the most mod cafe spaces in town — or on our stylish patio.
Young Entrepreneurs: Panel Discussion
Hear from three young local entrepreneurs as they discuss what led them to start their own businesses — and how they’ve succeeded in the current economy. Millenial Entrepreneurs: Making It Happen will be on Wed., Apr. 7, at 7 pm. Guest speakers will be: Audra Martin, creator of Toffee by Audra; Dustin Stuart of Board Boutique, a skateboard shop; and Amanda Bates of Cakes on Walnut.
Robert Allerton: The Private Man
Allerton House and gardens is a favorite public playground for area residents — but it was created by a very private man. In a new biography, Robert Allerton: The Private Man and the Public Gifts, authors Martha Burgin and Maureen Holtz used extensive research to paint a vivid picture of a man whose real story is even more interesting than the local lore. Join us on Thu., Apr. 8, at 7 pm, for a presentation by the authors, followed by a book signing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Elsinore at the Library
Yes, you read that right: at the library. Popular local indie rock band Elsinore will give a free concert on Sat., Apr. 17, at 4 pm in our Robeson Pavilion. A leader on the CU music scene, the group offers a goodie bag of sounds including vocal harmonies, dance punk beats, and retro organ. Their sound has been compared to Arcade Fire, Wilco, and Death Cab for Cutie. Elsinore features Ryan Groff, lead vocals; Dave Pride, drums; Mark Woolwine, piano; Chris Eitel, bass; and Cole Robenort, guitar.
Rentals: The “Get It Now” Option
Among our bestsellers and DVDs, you may have seen some with green stickers that say “Rental: $1/week.” Rentals give you the choice of paying a little to get an item right away. Rental fees are used to purchase these extra copies of the most popular items, so your dollars go directly toward providing more books and DVDs.
Get Clean the Green Way
Go green just in time for Earth Day! Experts from the downtown Champaign shop B. Lime will demonstrate great ways to clean your home without harming the environment. Join us on Wed., Apr. 21, at 7:30 pm.
Home School Fair
Come to the library on Sat., Apr. 10, from 10 am to noon, for our Home School Fair. Hear from other parents at two panel discussions, connect with local nonprofits and homeschool groups, and learn about online research and homework resources. All parents are welcome, whether you’re currently home schooling or looking at your options.
Wowee! Winner
Kathie Kading in our Adult Services department is this month’s winner of the library’s WOWEE! staff award for Wonderfully Outstanding Work, an Excellent Example.
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