By Ahmad | Week 3 | Tuesday | 17 June 2025

Our visit to the Champaign Public Library was truly inspiring from the very beginning. We were warmly welcomed by the dedicated team, including Jordan Neal (Adult Services Manager) and Susan Winkler (Technology Librarian), who began our tour with an engaging presentation that highlighted the library’s commitment to connecting with the community, providing access to information, and sparking inspiration through its programs, services, and spaces.

The team guided us through the library’s impressive programming and services, strategic partnerships, thoughtfully designed facilities, a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility, and ongoing staff training all part of their mission to serve a diverse and growing community.

The Champaign Public Library serves its community on an impressive scale over 1.5 million items are borrowed annually, more than 2,000 visitors walk through the doors each day, and over 10,000 meeting and study rooms are booked every year. On top of that, the library hosts more than 120 events each month, reaching 5,200 children, teens, and adults, and proudly distributes 17,000 books annually to children to help build their own home libraries.

The Champaign Public Library truly offers programs for all ages, making it a vibrant hub for the entire community. From infants to adults, there’s something engaging for everyone. For kids and families, the library hosts a variety of fun and educational activities, including the Summer Reading Challenge for infants through 4th grade graduates, monthly storytimes, exciting programs like Science Magic with Magnets and the Big Bang Bubbles Show, as well as live music celebrations and free ice treats during summer events.

Teens can enjoy their own Summer Reading Challenge, hang out in the Teen Lounge complete with games, crafts, and coding take part in Studio drop-in hours, and even jam out during Friday Night Jam Sessions. Adults aren’t left out either. There’s a Summer Reading Challenge for them too, along with Intro to Sewing classes, craft workshops, engaging book clubs like Cover to Cover, and even nature appreciation sessions. The variety and creativity of these programs show just how committed the library is to serving every corner of its community.

Susan Winkler gave us an insightful tour of the library’s thoughtfully designed and highly functional spaces. One of the first things we noticed was the flexible furniture tables and chairs with wheels that can easily be rearranged to fit different user needs. In the children’s area, everything is tailored to young readers, from low-height shelves and interactive tablets to colorful, cozy furniture that even includes comfortable sofas for parents.

The adult and computer areas are spacious, accessible, and equipped with the latest technology, creating a welcoming and efficient environment for learning and productivity.

We also appreciated the glass-walled discussion rooms, which offer a perfect setting for small group meetings or collaborative work. For larger needs, the library provides well-equipped conference rooms ideal for formal gatherings, workshops, or presentations. The entire space reflects smart planning focused on the user experience, striking a balance between comfort, flexibility, and functionality.

One of the standout highlights of our visit was The Studio, located on the lower level of the Main Library. This dynamic, hands-on space is a creative haven for people of all ages. It’s fully equipped with 3D printers, Glowforge laser cutters, Cricut machines, sewing machines, recording booths, a computer lab, and even a gaming area.

But The Studio is more than just a space it’s an experience. It hosts after-school programs for teens, evening workshops for adults, and open studio hours that welcome everyone to explore, experiment, and create. Whether you’re interested in technology, art, design, or multimedia, The Studio is a true hub of innovation, learning, and community creativity.

Overall, our visit to Champaign Public Library left us inspired and full of ideas to take back to our own libraries. It’s a shining example of how libraries can evolve with the times while staying rooted in community, creativity, and connection.