Urbana Free Library: Where Champaign-Urbana history meets the needs of today’s families
Experience a great selection of books and a remarkable selection of diverse programming nestled away in a 100-year-old building, full of historical reference for Champaign-Urbana
Traditional story time for children of all ages, culturally diverse programming, flourishing creative arts and more await at the Urbana Free Library, all while tucked away in a historical Champaign-Urbana building that was recently renovated. We have put together a comprehensive list of the many reasons families will want to visit the Urbana Free Library, a community gem.
Before or after a visit to Market at the Square, cooling off in connection with a visit to Carle Park or after you sip a milkshake at the Courier Cafe, you’ll want to head over to the Urbana Free Library. This historic, 100-year old building doesn’t just look the part — it’s also home to local history and genealogy, too. But since your kids probably won’t want to visit that part of the library unless they’re working on a history research project, let’s get to our list of the top reasons to visit the library with your family.
Here’s our list of the top 10 reasons to visit the library:
1. The creative arts are flourishing here. One of the things we love about the programming at Urbana Free Library is that kids are given regular opportunities to exercise their creative muscles. Look for story writing clubs and young artist’s studio events to gather the creative minds you may have together.
2. Programming also reflects the richly diverse make-up of Urbana. One of our favorite events that happens throughout the year is the Fairy Tale Ball, and all year long you can find culturally diverse events to attend with your children.
3. There are so many great places to gather here to meet with a friend and kids. Grab a nook among the children’s books, pick up some puzzles and take them into “Megan’s Room” or grab a chair somewhere else in the children’s area to supervise your littles before or after story time. You’ll be able to make a whole morning out of your library visit.
4. You can check out books, even if you’re not an Urbana resident. We are grateful that the Champaign Public Library and the Urbana Free Library have such a great relationship that cardholders to either library can check books out from the other. Curious about your options if you live outside Champaign or Urbana? Your best bet is to call or visit the library to get the exact options available for your particular situation. There are a number of other items you can check out from the library, too! (Backpack of goodies pictured below.)
5. You can print in 3D! What!? The instructions are simple and you’ll be charged a flat-job fee along with a per-gram rate for your project. How cool is that?
6. Don’t have your own device? You can borrow one from the library. Things like Chromebooks and tablets can be checked out, along with more specialized equipment such as cameras. To find out exactly what you can check out, you should visit the library or call ahead.
7. Yes, the library plans things in this garden area right outside the library but you can also plan to visit the shaded benches with your kids at your leisure. It’s a special little nook tucked into Downtown Urbana that we know you’ll enjoy.
8. The library has an extensive collection of music. Items like guitars or percussion instruments can be checked out for up to two weeks and renewed up to five times if there are no other patron requests for that item.
9. The Urbana Free Library is home to a breadth of historical information for Champaign County. Books, journals, yearbooks and newspaper dating as early as 1852 can all be found here. Whether you’re a historian or your child is working on a genealogy project, we think that you should know exactly where to find these resources for the community on the second floor of the Urbana Free Library.
10. There’s a seed exchange on site! This is such a unique way to encourage gardening and native plants in our community.
Check the online calendar to see what is coming up at the library and make a visit to the Urbana Free Library. Don’t forget that you may need to pay a meter to park depending on when you visit. And if you plan to get a library card while you’re in, you’ll want a picture ID and verification of your current Urbana residence.
To learn more about other services the Urbana Free Library offers, go to urbanafreelibrary.org.
Urbana Free Library hours
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.
Looking for more places to play around Champaign-Urbana?
- Anita Purves Nature Center
- Champaign Public Library: What Families Can Expect
- Exploring Kids’ Spaces in Champaign-Urbana Public Libraries
- Health and Wellness Center
- Illini Union Rec Room
- Krannert Art Museum
- Martens Center
- Museum of the Grand Prairie
- Prairie Farm
- Spurlock Museum
- University of Illinois Ice Arena
- Urbana Free Library: What Families Can Expect