The Urbana Free Library will celebrate its 150th anniversary for a full year, starting with a 150th Birthday Party on June 15, 2024 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. All members of the Champaign-Urbana community are welcome and encouraged to attend this free all-ages event. The Library will continue celebrating with programs through June 30, 2025, including historical talks, crafts for all ages, a scavenger hunt, and more.
Along with its anniversary celebrations, The Urbana Free Library kicks off its Summer Reading Program, which runs from May 13-August 31, 2024. The program begins in tandem with the Library’s 150th Anniversary Reading Challenge, which runs from May 13, 2024-June 30, 2025. Library patrons can sign up for reading programs and track their progress through the Beanstack app.
Participants of both programs can achieve reading goals and earn prizes. All reading counts for both programs. Prizes for the Summer Reading Program are generously provided by the Friends of The Urbana Free Library. All 150th Anniversary celebrations are generously provided by The Urbana Free Library Foundation.
Founded in 1874, The Urbana Free Library has been serving the Urbana community for 150 years and is one of the oldest public libraries in the state of Illinois. The Library encourages learning and enriches lives by providing access to a wide collection of materials, technology, programs, and services. The Library is led by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
For more information on the Library, its programs, and more, please visit urbanafreelibrary.org.