Breaking News

The Wayback Library - 1953


It was the year that Walt Disney released the animated film Peter Pan. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest. And the following titles were recognized in the field of literature and entertainment:

At The Urbana Free Library, you’ll find things new and popular, fondly remembered treasures from the past, as well as more eclectic offerings. The depth of our collection is thanks to library staff who know our community so well.

You can place a hold request for the above titles through the library's online catalog or by calling Adult Services at 367-4405.


2/03/10

Latté Da! - What's Brewing and New?

Latté Da! at The Urbana Free Library is now serving delicious hot soups, tasty croissants, and wraps. And don’t forget about the Winter Sweets menu. Come in from the cold and enjoy!

  • Turkey Wrap – Oven roasted turkey with zippy salsa cream cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Not your typical turkey wrap. ($3.99)
  • Spicy BBQ Chicken Wrap – BBQ chicken, pepper jack cheese, red onion, and tomatoes. Have it grilled – the warmer it is, the spicier it is. ($3.99)
  • Veggie Wrap – Roasted red pepper hummus, provolone cheese, lettuce, green peppers, red onion, and tomatoes. Light and fresh, yet filling. ($3.99)
  • Tuna Croissant – Tuna salad flavored with sweet Craisins and red onion on a butter croissant with crisp lettuce and tomatoes. ($3.99)

01/22/10

Chinese New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 6 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Lewis Auditorium

Come help us mark the beginning of The Year of the Tiger at the library’s Chinese New Year Celebration for kids and their families!

The festivities will include learning about the Lion Dance – a traditional form of dance in Chinese culture. You’ll also gain experience with the Chinese yo-yo, Chinese music, and other Chinese performing arts.

The Chinese New Year Celebration is made possible through the cooperation of the Chinese Heritage School and The Urbana Free Library. Presenters include Chinese Heritage School students and teachers, Five Animals School of Kong Fu members, University of Illinois students, and local artists.

To learn more about celebrating Chinese New Year, visit the Children's Services Books & More blog.

01/22/10

UFL Reads! Memoirs

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

Sunday January 24 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m
MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

This winter UFL Reads!, our book club for adults, has selected an intriguing collection of memoirs – titles that highlight an author’s personal reminiscences, experiences, and observances.

Three Cups of Tea presents mountain climber Greg Mortenson’s inspiring tale of how he brought education and change to impoverished villages in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Three Cups of Tea is a captivating story of adventure that many readers in our community have embraced and recommended to friend.

On February 28, UFL Reads! will discuss This Life Ain’t Gravy by Dylan Hall, a memoir set locally.

01/06/10

Coming your way in January...new releases by some of your favorite authors.


Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
Release Date: January 5



Sweet, Hereafter by Angela Johnson
Release Date: January 5



Leprechaun in Late Winter (Magic Tree House Series #43)
by Mary Pope Osborne
Release Date: January 12


Wolf at the Door (Sean Dillon Series #17)
by Jack Higgins
Release Date: January 19


You can place a hold request for the above titles through the library's
online catalog or by calling Adult Services at 367-4405.

12/22/09

Books & More – A New Blog for Children and Parents


The library now has a place for parents, caregivers, and children to find out about the latest and the greatest in children’s books, media, programs, crafts, and more. Books & More, a blog by the staff of Children’s Services, will use the blog to tie-in to local community events, let you know about some cool Internet links, and have a few features designed for preschool and elementary teachers. We invite you to visit often and to make comments!

12/22/09

Prairie Breezes Presents Little Oy on the Prairie


Wednesday, January 13 • 6:30-7:15 p.m. • Lewis Auditorium

Children and their families are invited to join Little Oy on the Prairie for a toe-tapping evening of traditional Jewish music from Eastern Europe, tinged with a bit of Gypsy and Arabic influences. The concert will feature Solomon Baer (clarinet), Maria Merkelo (accordion), Josh Houchin (bass), and Bill French (percussion).

All Prairie Breezes concerts take place on the second Wednesday of most months and are made possible by the generous support of The Urbana Free Library Foundation.

12/18/09

Children’s Winter Reading Program


While the snowflakes fall and the temperatures drop, kids and their parents can stay warm as they cozy up together with some great children's books as part of the Children's Services Winter Reading Program.

To join in the fun, come pick up a Winter Reading Program log at the children’s question desk between now and February 28 and take it home along with some books. Readers and listeners can use their log to take a journey along a winter reading path and complete and mark off 11 activities. Some of the activities include reading or listening to a book of your choice, reading or listening to an award-winning book, or reading and listening to a book about an animal.

Readers and listeners can bring their completed Winter Reading Program log to the children’s question desk anytime before March 15 to receive a children's book. Book prizes for the Winter Reading Program are made possible through the generosity of the Friends of The Urbana Free Library.

For more information, contact Children’s Services at 367-4069.

12/18/09

A Very Special "Noon Year's Eve" for Kids & Their Families


Thursday, December 31 • 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Hey kids! Are you afraid you won't last until midnight to celebrate the New Year? Come celebrate at noon at the library - we'll count down the seconds and ring in the New Year with stories and fun!

12/10/09

Coming your way in December...new releases by some of your favorite authors.


Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson
Release Date: December 1



Decision Time (Kimani Tru) by Earl Sewell
Release Date: December 1



Nanny Returns: A Novel
by Emma McLaughlin
Release Date: December 15


Deeper Than the Dead
by Tami Hoag
Release Date: December 29





You can place a hold request for the above titles through the library's
online catalog or by calling Adult Services at 367-4405.

10/30/09

Coming your way in November...new releases by some of your favorite authors.


The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
Release Date: November 3



Last Words: A Memoir by George Carlin and Tony Hendra
Release Date: November 10



Crocodile Tears: An Alex Ryder Novel
by Anthony Horowitz
Release Date: November 17


Pirate Latitudes
by Michael Crichton
Release Date: November 24




You can place a hold request for the above titles through the library's
online catalog or by calling Adult Services at 367-4405.

10/30/09

Just arrived!

New library T-shirts and tote bags. Get yours today…only at the Latté Da! coffee shop on the first floor of the library. T-shirts are available in adult and children’s sizes and in a variety of colors. Come pick one up – you’ll be stylin’ in no time!

We also have our very popular library thermal drink mugs. Buy one and get a discount each time you purchase a drink at Latté Da!

Price List:

  • Adult T-shirts………$10.00
  • Children’s T-shirts…..$6.00
  • New Tote Bag………$15.00
  • Thermal Mug………..$8.00

10/30/09

Looking for Information to Repair Your Car?
Try ALLDATA Online


Can’t find the diagrams and specifications you need to repair your car? Stop by Adult Services and ask about using ALLDATA Online, the most comprehensive resource for automotive diagnostic and repair information.

Used by thousands of automotive technicians, ALLDATA Online provides up-to-date service and repair information for 1982-to-current vehicles, including manufacturer recall updates, wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins, and service interval data.

Access to ALLDATA Online is only available in the library. For more information, stop by Adult Services or call 367-4405.

10/23/09

UFL Reads! Controversial Books

The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad

Sunday, October 25 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m
MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

This fall, UFL Reads! recognizes Banned Books Week (September 26-
October 3) by reading three controversial books. Our selections were all challenged in libraries during the past year.

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Norwegian journalist Seierstad is one of the first journalists to enter Kabul. She meets bookstore owner Sultan Khan in his shop, and slowly cultivates a friendship. Fascinated, Seierstad decides to write a book about Khan and his unique family; he permits her to move in. What she finds is unexpected.

The Bookseller of Kabul is a memoir – a portrait of a fragment of Afghan culture.

UFL Reads! will discuss The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie on November 22.

UFL Reads! meets the 4th Sunday of most months.

10/07/09

CITES Laptop Clinic

Wednesday, October 21 • 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Lewis Auditorium

Get help making your laptop secure

The University of Illinois CITES Security Group will conduct a free laptop clinic at the library to provide users the opportunity to have their computers checked out and given a clean bill of health.

At the clinic, CITES staff will:

  • Conduct security checks on computers and update system software, including web browsers.
  • Provide assistance installing site-licensed security software for those affiliated with the University of Illinois (you must present your I-Card).
  • Respond to your computer security questions.

The clinic is open to all members of the community – just bring your laptop and your questions.

10/01/09

The Life of Robert Allerton Author Presentation and
Book Signing

Saturday, November 7 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Lewis Auditorium

In their newly released book, Robert Allerton: The Private Man & the Public Gifts, authors Burgin and Holtz pursue the myths and misperceptions about Robert Allerton, dispelling some and confirming others. Facts behind this entertaining narrative are meticulously sourced from correspondence, society page tidbits and insights shared by those who knew him.

You are invited to enter the private world of Robert Allerton and meet Martha Burgin and Maureen Holz, co-authors of this new biography.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the presentation
($24.95 + sales tax).

MORE INFORMATION

09/30/09

Coming your way in October...new releases by some of your favorite authors.


Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
Release Date: October 12



The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell
Release Date: October 20



What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures
by Malcolm Gladwell
Release Date: October 20






You can place a hold request for the above titles through the library's
online catalog or by calling Adult Services at 367-4405.

09/29/09

UFL Reads! Controversial Books
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Sunday, September 27 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m
MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

This fall, UFL Reads! recognizes Banned Books Week (September 26-October 3) by reading three controversial books. Our selections were all challenged in libraries during the past year.

Now in current release as a motion picture, My Sister’s Keeper tackles the controversial topics of ethics and genetic engineering. Anna ‘s birth wasn’t just a happy accident—she was planned as a potential bone marrow donor who might save her sister’s life. Thirteen years later, Anna feels her whole existence is defined by this continuing role, and she takes steps so that she can finally be her own unique person. Will she succeed?

UFL Reads! will discuss The Bookseller of Kabul by Seierstad on October 25 and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie on November 22.

UFL Reads! meets the 4th Sunday of most months.

09/10/09

Traditional West African Drumming Performance and Instruction by Master Drummer Bolokada Conde

Saturday, October 3 • 1:00 - 2:30 p.m
Lewis Auditorium • Ground Floor
Free Concert

Come see legendary Master Drummer Bolokada Conde, from Guinea, West Africa, perform traditional Mande Drumming with Rhythm Manding, his local drumming ensemble. Following the concert (approximately 1:45 p.m.), Bolokada will offer a free drumming class for children (ages 6 and up) and adults. Drums will be provided, but bring one if you have it.

Sponsored by an Envision 365 grant from the Urbana Public Arts Commission

09/08/09

Coming your way in September...new releases by some of your favorite authors.


True Compass: A Memoir by Edward M. Kennedy
Release Date: September 14



The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Release Date: September 15



Hardball by Sara Paretsky
Release Date: September 22









You can place a hold request for the above titles through the library's
online catalog or by calling Adult Services at 367-4405.

09/04/09

The UFL Welcomes Cardholders from All Public Libraries in the Area

People often ask us if they can use a library card from another local public library at The Urbana Free Library.

The answer is, yes!

Cardholders from all local public libraries are welcome to check out items from The Urbana Free Library’s diverse collection, where you will find not only new and popular titles, but also timeless classics.

Come try us out! We think you will find out why Urbana native Roger Ebert calls us “The Urbana Free and Wonderful Library!"

09/01/09

Friends of The UFL Summer Book Sale during the
Urbana Sweetcorn Festival

Lewis Auditorium • Ground floor

  • Thousands of great books donated by the public
  • Sorted and displayed by volunteers
  • Sold at prices to encourage reading
  • Most items $1.00 or less!

Members Night • Regular Price Sale
Thursday, August 27 • 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.
(Memberships available at the door for $10.00)

Regular Price Sale
Friday & Saturday, August 28-29 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Half-Price Sale
Sunday, August 30 • 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Free Giveaway
Monday, August 31 • 9:00 a.m. - gone

08/25/09

UFL Reads! Strong Women

Sunday, August 23 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

They face challenges. They are bright and determined. They are women we can relate to, admire, or criticize. Spend the summer with UFL Reads!, our book club for adults, and meet several unique women through literature.

On Sunday, August 23 we’ll discuss The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz. Take an intriguing journey into a world enshrouded in mystery - the Japanese imperial family. Haruko is a tennis player, a skill that provides her entry and introduction to the crown prince of Japan, whom she later marries. As the first commoner turned royal, the marriage tests Haruko's spirit and dedication to the crown.

Starting in September, join us as UFL Reads! Controversial Books.

UFL Reads! meets the 4th Sunday of most months.

08/21/09

FREE Online Tutors for Urbana Students!

tutor.com
  • Live one-on-one homework help with a certified tutor at Tutor.com Learning Suite
  • From 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week
  • All grades, college intro, and adult learners—Math, Science, English, and Social Studies
  • Matemáticas y Ciencias en Español, Domingo – Jueves

It’s Easy to Log in!

  • Go to urbanafreelibrary.org
  • Click on the Tutor.com icon(s) until you reach the login screen
  • Enter your 14-digit Urbana Free Library card barcode (no spaces)
  • Enter your grade level and subject and wait briefly to be connected to a tutor

For a barcode available to any Urbana student or if you have further questions, please call Adult and Teen Services at 367-4405 or Children’s Services at 367-4069.

08/20/09

UFLive! presents Tom Turino, Ben Smith, & Randy Cordle

Sunday, August 16
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
3rd Sunday every month • Busey-Mills Reading Room

Join us for original and traditional old-time style music, featuring fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and banjo.

08/11/09

Parking Information

Thanks to the extraordinary cooperation of the City staff, the library now has 16 additional parking spaces!

  • Additional parking spaces are now located in the small lot on the west end of the library block (follow the signs just past our outside return bins).
  • All meters on the block remain only 25 cents per hour (five-hour limit!) and include the meters on Elm Street.
  • Enforcement on the entire library block now ends at 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and YOU NEVER PAY ON WEEKENDS.
  • Additional library parking options include the Busey Bank lot (Thanks, Busey Bank!) after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. The City parking deck is located just one block to the east(toward the post office), and the Cunningham Township lot is directly across Green Street. You have unlimited parking in the deck, and it is free on weekdays after 6:00 p.m. The township lot has one-hour meters that end at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and rental spaces that end at 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. ALL OF THESE ARE FREE ON WEEKENDS.

07/23/09

Bubble Blast!

Friday, July 17 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. • Cherry Alley
For children of all ages

Bubbles, bubbles, everywhere! Come join us at the Children's Services annual Bubble Blast. See how many bubbles you can make and have some good clean fun!

07/10/09

UFL Reads! Strong Women

Sunday, July 26 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

They face challenges. They are bright and determined. They are women we can relate to, admire, or criticize. Spend the summer with UFL Reads!, our book club for adults, and meet several unique women through literature.

On Sunday, July 26, we’ll discuss Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows. In the days after WWII, writer Juliet Ashton searches for inspiration for her next book and finds herself intrigued by a book club on the Isle of Guernsey. For this is no ordinary book club—it was formed as an alibi to protect members from arrest by the occupying German forces.

UFL Reads! will meet a fictional doppelgänger—Crown Princess Haruko—on Sunday August 23, when we discuss The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz.

07/10/09

E-Notification of Events @ Your Library

Keep in touch with all library events with The UFL Online Events Calendar. The online calendar displays the date, time, and information about children's programs, book discussions, concerts, community meetings, and more for the current month and in months to come.

To receive email notification of future library events, CLICK HERE. Enter your email address, your name, and use the drop-down menu to select which event types that might interest you.

To subscribe to UFL events via RSS, CLICK HERE.

Keeping in touch with UFL events just got easier!

07/10/09

UFLive! presents a Singer / Songwriter Showcase

Sunday, July 19
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
3rd Sunday every month • Busey-Mills Reading Room

    Lyrics that hook you, melodies that move you – come pull up a chair and spend the afternoon with two talented local singer / songwriters:
  • Angie Heaton – a cowgirl diva with heartbreak songs and an irreverent flair
  • Kevin Elliott – a guitarist extraordinaire whose songs are by turns humorous, dark, and tender
  • Michael Kammin – a special guest who will accompany Kevin on acoustic guitar

07/07/09

NEW - City of Urbana Battery Recycling Requirements

Thanks to the City of Urbana, The Urbana Free Library is now a battery recycling drop-off location for single-use and rechargeable batteries. You will find the library's battery recycling collection tube on the first floor near the circulation desk.

Effective immediately: All single-use and rechargeable batteries must have their terminals taped before they are deposited into the battery recycling collection tube.

For more information about the City of Urbana's recycling program CLICK HERE

06/30/09

Alt Flicks Film Series: Great Films for Mature Minds

Wednesday, July 8, 15, & 22 • 6:30 p.m.
Lewis Auditorium

Offered as a sophisticated and eclectic antidote to the big-budget summer blockbusters, Alt Flicks is a series of films, each one a deeply felt and thought-provoking work of art.

  • Wednesday, July 8 • Le Roi de Coeur (The King of Hearts)
    A whimsical cult classic set in the French countryside during World War I. A Scottish soldier sent to a small village to disarm a bomb discovers the townspeople have fled, leaving only the inmates of the local insane asylum to greet him.
  • Wednesday, July 15 • Le Cage aux Folles
    Renato, the gay owner of a Saint-Tropez drag-revue nightclub, and Albin, his star attraction and partner, learn that Renato’s son is planning to marry and will be bringing the ultra-conservative parents of his fiancé to meet them.
  • Wednesday, July 22 • 8 Femmes (8 Women)
    In the 1950's, at an isolated country residence, a family and its servants are preparing for Christmas. When the master of the house is discovered dead, each of the eight women in the house becomes a suspect – and each has a tale to tell and a secret to hide.

Films from the Alt Flicks series also are available for checkout on DVD from the library’s extensive collection of films.

06/30/09

Game Days @ The Urbana Free Library

Saturday, July 11
Noon - 5:00 p.m.
For all ages

Any table at the library is fair game for fun on the last two Saturdays in June. Bring your favorite game and meet new friends during a casual afternoon of drop-in gaming for all ages. Pull up a chair to tables throughout the library and join us for Checkers, Magic cards, Scattergories, Pictureka, and more. Families with young children can join us in the Lewis Auditorium–we’ll have fun and games just for you!

UFL Reads! Strong Women

Sunday, June 28 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

They face challenges. They are bright and determined. They are women we can relate to, admire, or criticize. Spend the summer with UFL Reads!, our book club for adults, and meet several unique women through literature.

On Sunday, June 28, we’ll discuss American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. Rumored to be loosely based on the life of former First Lady Laura Bush, the book tells the tale of Alice Blackwell, who is married to the president of the United States. As you explore the changes in Alice’s life, from childhood to the White House, you will discover how she got there and if she is happy. American Wife depicts an intelligent, yet frustrated woman dealing with the changes in her life.

UFL Reads! will discuss books about other strong women on Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 23. Stay tuned for future titles!

4-WEEK LOAN!

In response to public input, the library is very pleased to announce a change in loan periods for many library materials.

  • All new books and new audiobooks will remain at a 2-week loan period, but all other books and audiobooks may now be borrowed for 4 weeks.
  • All adult and children’s educational DVDs and videos may now be borrowed for 2 weeks.
  • All adult and children’s entertainment DVDs and videos remain at a 1-week loan period.
  • All magazines and compact discs remain at a 2-week loan period.
  • All library materials may be renewed 2 times if other users have not requested them.

What’s playing at the Family Film Fest this summer?

Come beat the heat this summer while you experience extraordinary animation and dazzling special effects at the Family Film Fest! Join us in the Lewis Auditorium from 2:00 – 4:15 p.m. on the following dates:

  • May 3 - The Tale of Despereaux
  • June 7 - Space Buddies
  • July 5 - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

We think you’ll find the Family Film Fest a family fun event…and it’s FREE!

The Urbana Free Library now accepts credit and debit cards for library fines, fees, and merchandise!*

  • We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
  • Please have your credit or debit card present to process the transaction.
  • For your security, we cannot accept payment by phone.
  • Payment through the library’s website is not available at this time, but will be coming soon.

*We cannot give cash back under any circumstances.

Friends of The UFL Spring Cleaning Book Sale
Thursday - Monday, April 23 - 27

Mark your calendars and come join hundreds of treasure seekers at the Friends of The Urbana Free Library Spring Cleaning Book Sale in the library’s Lewis Auditorium on April 23 - 27. The book sale will feature a large number of undamaged titles weeded from the library’s VHS collection, but please note—VHS titles will not be available for sale until Friday, April 24.

Book Sale Hours

  • Thursday, April 23: 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Members Night)
  • Friday, April 24: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 25: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 26: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Half-price Sale)
  • Monday, April 27: 9:00 a.m. - gone (Free Giveaway)

Members of the Friends are invited to a special presale on Thursday evening, April 23. Not a member of the Friends yet? Click here for a PDF version of the Friends Membership Form and Volunteer Opportunities checklist.

Each week, generous supporters donate to the library hundreds of used books and other items. While the majority of donations are placed in the Friends book sales or the Rinehart Library Shop, items of current or local interest, those in excellent condition, and recent publications are added to the library’s collection. While some donations fill gaps or boost a subject area in the collection, others are added to replace older or damaged items with a fresh new face. Gift items are an important addition to the library’s collection. We thank you!

Five for Seven! Borrow more DVDs, keep them 7 days, and place holds!

Did you know that you can borrow 5 DVDs in each category? In response to public comment, you can borrow 5 entertainment films and 5 educational films in Adult Services and 5 of each in Children’s Services too! All DVDs are checked out for a 7-day loan period and renewed for an additional 7 days if no one else is waiting.

All DVD titles accept hold requests through the online catalog. You may also call Adult Services at 367-4405 or Children’s Services at 367-4069.

International Language, Anime, TV Series, and Music Performance DVD s – finding your favorite movies just got easier!

New this month! All Adult Services International Language, Anime, TV Series, and Music Performance DVDs are now conveniently located in separate selection books. Finding your favorite movies just got easier!

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