Discover fun, learning, and imagination in Champaign-Urbana’s best library spaces for kids
The library has so much more to offer than weekly story times. Find kid-friendly spaces your children will love to visit any time you are looking for something to do
If you follow chambanamoms.com for any length of time, you will find many consistent patterns over the years. One of the things you’ll notice is that we love our local libraries … of which we have many options! Aside from the obvious reason to visit the library (checking out books), you’ll notice dozens of events on our family-friendly calendar every week at our local libraries. Some of these are story-time events, while many others are creative, engaging, entertaining opportunities to simply be in a room with other families — for FREE!
Whether it is raining, sweltering hot, freezing cold or anything else, the library makes a great place to take your kids for a (free) change of scenery.
We are going to specifically focus on library areas for kids/teens, but know that our libraries offer so much more than what is in the children’s sections. Visit each library’s website to learn about the many other services they provide day in and day out.
First, a reminder that our libraries welcome visitors from all communities. Even if you don’t have a library card at a particular library, you are welcome to enjoy the space, attend programs and be an active and engaged patron of the library.
Champaign Public Library
The main location of the Champaign Public Library located at 200 W. Green St. provides a spacious, multi-level building full of books, technology, meeting spaces, a cafe and more. The children’s section is found on the main level of the library, along with the teen/young adult book section. The Studio — a new makerspace/teen hangout area — is found in the basement level, accessible by elevator and stairs.
The children’s section features:
- themed play areas where kids can interact with one another while playing with magnatiles, duplos, a mock “store,” blocks and more. These activities rotate regularly to provide a continually engaging space for guests.
- computers, iPads and other kid-friendly technology, like LaunchPads (pre-loaded tablets with educational games and books) and WonderBooks (print books with a built-in audiobook)
- story time room (conveniently with family bathrooms right next to the room)
TeenSpace and Teen Lounge are geared toward 11- to 18-year-olds on school days, though you might find programming during the evenings and weekends that is open to younger ages. Find technology like 3D printers, Cricut machines, two recording booths, photo/video equipment and more. Read our review of The Studio here.
For more information on the Champaign Public Library, visit its website, Facebook or Instagram.
Douglass Branch Library, Champaign
The Champaign Public Library has a second location at 504 E. Grove St. You’ll find story times, play spaces, teen tech, and many of the things you enjoy at the main location, just on a scaled-down level.
Urbana Free Library
Found in the basement of the Urbana Free Library, the children’s area has a land all its own in Urbana. There are multiple areas set up to invite play and exploration. Toys include magnatiles, puppets, animals, a dollhouse, a kitchen, puzzles, and more. Plus, watch the craft table for rotating self-led crafting, which changes weekly. Kids will also often find a board game or activity set up for independent play; make sure to get your sticker from the librarians after trying those out! The “stage” in one of the activity spaces is bound to be a hit if you are visiting when no programming is taking place. Oh, and make sure to help your little ones clean up before you leave — they’ll get a sticker for that, too.
One lesser-known offering at TUFL: the take-home backpacks, available for checkout to any cardholder. Backpacks hang in the children’s area and are organized by developmental level, theme, or subject. From educational board games and STEM activities to baby toys and musical instruments, there’s something for every kid to enjoy.
For more information on the Urbana Free Library, visit its website, Facebook or Instagram.
Mahomet Public Library
A magnatiles table; foam blocks to stack up and cozy into; coloring supplies; puzzles; and other rotating activities can be found at the Mahomet Public Library. A huge hit in this Chambanakid’s house: the ever-changing scavenger hunt, with a sticker prize at the end. Kids of all ages enjoy the children’s area, nestled among the books, making it easy to grab books and enjoy them together. Children’s programming includes story times, crafty events, Preschool Playdate (Friday mornings during the school year) and many other special events.
For more information on the Mahomet Public Library, visit its website, Facebook or Instagram.
Tolono Public Library District
A short drive south of Champaign and Savoy takes you to the Tolono Public Library. This library district covers a few nearby towns. Though smaller than some of our other local libraries, the Tolono Public Library’s children’s area still offers much to enjoy.
For more information on the Tolono Public Library District, visit its website, Facebook or Instagram.
More libraries you can find near Champaign-Urbana:
- Allerton Public Library District, 4000 Green Apple Lane, Monticello
- St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library, 2o1 N. Third St., St. Joseph
Looking for story time events coming up this month?
Get the list of story time events happening soon right here.