Great place to relax and read a good book or spend time on the computer. They have cozy seats in every area. Great selection of books, movies, cds. They recently created a space for kids in the basement. Just a wonderful place to spend time no matter your age. read more

Champaign Public Library - Second floor, North side. - Libraries Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I knew this library was great for studying but I never realized how wonderful it was for children. The first floor downstairs has a corner devoted to young children. It's fabulous. There are kid friendly height chairs and tables for the young ones to feel like adults. Books are easily within reach for every young age and the librarians are so helpful. The kids can practice checking out books at a kiosk in the children's section that is lower in height. There are online options for reserving books and looking at the selection available at Champaign and Urbana library. It's so easy to find a book you want and have it reserved for pick up .The library is open 7 days a week which gives ultimate flexibility. read more

Champaign Public Library - Open space for kids to be kids - Libraries Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Beautiful environment with amazing staff. Several floors with a massive collection and easy check out process

The Champaign Public Library far exceeded our expectations. We moved here 3 months ago and I'm so sorry we hadn't visited sooner. I created an account online and then visited the library on a Sunday to show proof of residency and collect my physical library card. The woman on staff who helped us was SO friendly and really went above and beyond to give us plenty of information. She hooked us up with our cards (you even get to choose the color of card you want!), showed us how to check ourselves out at one of the many self-service stations and even gave us two reusable library bags for being new patrons, as well as two coupons for a free book from the Friendshop Bookstore in the basement. Neat! I printed a paper receipt this time showing rental return dates, but I likely won't do it next time. You can sign up for text/email reminder notifications and even login to your account online to look at due dates. Speaking of online account, I find their website to be very user friendly. You can reserve something that isn't in stock and you can click the "find it" button to locate the books you're interested in that are available. Write down the catalog and aisle numbers before you arrive to make your visit that much easier. You can also sign-in to your account on one the library's many computers as well. We were also given information about how long you can check-out each kind of item: books, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs/Blurays and more. The library itself really is beautiful, so organized and well-maintained. I love the privacy of all the reading areas and there's something very peaceful about being in a library---CPL is no different. Nice parking lot with plenty of spaces and it's FREE parking. There's even a cafe inside that seemed to sell al little bit of everything. We were probably most surprised to see the large section of Newly Released Bluray/DVDs. For $2/week you can checkout new releases. This is a far better deal than Redbox or paying membership dues in addition to rental fees at a place like Family Video. This is definitely our new go-to place for new releases, or any DVDs. DVDs that aren't new releases can be checked out with no extra cost. They have a massive amount of DVDs---everything from your favorites to various television series and more. CDs and Audiobooks are also plentiful. There's literally something for everyone here and the library isn't just about books. Checkout their online "events" calendar and you'll see plenty of story time hours to family activities to to trivia nights to special classes like floral arrangement. I really don't understand the complaints about taxpayer money being spent to fund the library. CPL is easily one of the best FREE places Champaign. We're very fortunate to have this asset in our community and you're truly missing out if you don't take advantage of it. read more

Champaign public library is a great place to go. They have two floors.The first floor almost sets up for children .Many small size book shelves and colorful books in there.The library even makes a space for children to have fun. The second floor is a space for adults reading. There stores different series of books and CD/DVD . I saw some readers sitting by the table or on the couches . The hall is quite quiet. If you come Champaign, I recommend you to go Champaign public library ,you will have a nice time. read more

Champaign Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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I've been a loyal CPL goer for many years. The library has so many benefits for families and individuals. As the parent of a five year old, I've been amazed at how much stuff they have for children. The children's book selection is enormous. We often borrow five to ten books at a time, grab a few DVDs from the large collection there, and come back a week later for a new batch. The library is a sleek, modern design with many different nooks and quiet places for you to sit and read or study. They have a large computer area on the second floor, but I cannot speak to the use or abuse of those. There's also a children's computer area next to the play area for kids. The checkout is a breeze with the electronic tags found in every book. You toss them on the electronic mat, wait for the title to appear on the screen, and off you go. Nothing difficult about that. There's always been someone there to ask questions if needed. I've recommended CPL to family members and other parents, since they have so many quality resources. This library is truly awesome and the staff should be proud of the work they put in there each day. Hopefully budget troubles can be figured out and the library will stand when my daughter grows old enough to take her own children there. read more

Champaign Public Library - The spacious children's section. - Libraries Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Landmark Review: CPL = the new barnes and noble. I have not been to the library in a long time but I am amazed by the experience. I realize that this place may have a lot of rules based on prior yelp reviews, but I did not have a issue at this time. It sort of stinks that you can't put your head down to rest like you can at a college library, but the other pro's are off the chart. Let me list them here 1. It is super easy to get a card. You hop on a computer and put in your information to obtain a card. You go to the desk with your ID containing your address and they give you a non-photo library card 2. Electronic resource galore: they have zinio, hoopla for online movies and cd rental 3. Computer stations everywhere and in the kids section they allow video games to be played 4. Large DVD, blue ray, and video game section. Unfortunately no free video game rental but at 1 dollar per week that is super cheap. DVD are free unless you get the rent it now feature which is 2 dollar per week 5. Large library catalog, you can find likely anything here 6. Children story time, great socialization for parents with kids and it is all free or at least you paid for it with your tax payer dollars Hidden deal: Everything above and more! read more

Champaign Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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Let's put my qualifications out on the table first, shall we? Started reading newspapers out loud at age 2 (granted, they were upside down and I was speaking complete gibberish), toted storybooks with me in the car at age 5 (thereby ruining my eyes for life), devoured nearly the entire kids floor of the beloved Lisle Library, then proceeded to decimate both my Jr. High and High School libraries. So yes, I have probably spent 80% of my life in either a) a library or b) a book. That said... the first time I stepped foot in CPL I was left breathless and giddy with excitement. In a dinky little town like Champaign, CPL is an architectural oasis with its high ceilings, beautiful use of glass and steel, and clean, well-lit areas. Looks aside, the library is filled with everything a bibliophile could hope for. Shelves and shelves of books, organized so intuitively and neatly. An easy access section right off the entrance for new releases of books and DVDs. Computer terminals at all the right places for catalog searching. Huge tables and quiet areas for studying and researching. And the cherry on top? A small cafe downstairs to supply a book's Best Companion - coffee. What more could I want??? Oh yeah, the amazingly awesome super cool checkout system. Maybe I'm just easily impressed but the fact that you drop your card in a little slot, spread all your books out on a small platform and hit the OK on the touchscreen and YOU'RE DONE - this system easily earns a spot in my personal list of Wonders of the World. Honestly, I've been so spoiled by CPL that when I moved to NYC a few months ago, I ended up being sorely disappointed by the NYPL. It's like reverting to the Stone Age after riding around in a flying car - it really is enough to make a grown woman cry. (Which I did, quietly in a dirty bathroom in NY's Mid Manhattan Library upon my first visit - but let's keep that between you and me, ok?) read more

This place has EVERYTHING. You want books? BIF. You want movies, both foreign and domestic? BANG. You want music and other stuff? POW. You want a place to chill? BOOOOSH. Love it. read more

My little girl loves going to this library, it's beautiful and big and everyone that works there is soooo nice! They have a children's area so she can play while I pick out some books for her. And the upstairs for adults is nice, they have a bunch of computers and IPads enough that I have never had a problem with being able to use one read more

This is definitely one of the best libraries I've been to and here's why: - TONS of window light - Cafe with tasty treats and lattes - Free wifi - Lots of table space - Great book selection - Lots of DVDs/BDs I've spent a lot of time at this library rather than the one in Urbana, even though it was further away. It's easy to connect to the internet, get work done and not feel crowded by bookshelves or people. Also, the checkout process is all automated, which makes it much smoother to get out when you're ready to go. read more

I'd like to thank the Champaign Public Library for its major hand in my reading 10 books (for pleasure!) so far this year. I'd also like to thank them for their huge dvd supply, which has allowed me to watch entire seasons of Project Runway, Frasier, Sex and the City, and Bridezillas. I got a b.s. late fee one time so far....but $1 for all that goodness? Done and done. read more

When I visited with my friends the building itself, tall and full of light, took my breath away. Inside is a nice cafe with delicious snacks. Upon further investigation, there wasn't a wide range of books. Also, there are no foreign language books at all, aside from learning languages. There weren't even any foreign newspapers or magazines. Come on! When I pulled out my laptop, the wifi was pretty slow too, and I got yelled at for slipping my feet out of my flip-flops (they weren't smelly or anything, and there isn't a big difference in wearing flip-flops and not wearing them). read more

I love the library. They have a great selection of books and DVDs and you can of course request things they don't have. It takes a while to get popular items like some TV shows on DVD, but then again, I guess I'm glad that they aren't using their resources to buy 15 copies of Big Bang Theory. The little coffee shop isn't bad, and adds to library's appeal as a study location. Like some previous reviewers wrote, they tend to enforce cleanliness rules strictly, but I'm okay with that. I've been told to keep my feet inside my ballet flats while studying, but I guess it's kind of gross to have exposed foot-age just hanging out. read more

The Lincoln Trail Library system is well-designed, and if the Champaign Pub Lib doesn't have what you need, they'll find a way to connect you with someone that has the book or whatever material you want/need. Also, they have a rather fantastic collection of CDs. This is a great place to study on a quiet afternoon, but also near finals, it can be a nice place to escape from campus and your apartment. It's also wonderful to be there when working on a paper or project where a seemingly endless number of resources are needed. Big tables are great for spreading out. All of this said, be careful because they are rather strict about which library you've got a card to (it all depends on where you live) and they are also a little strict about cleanliness, etc. Lots of money was spent on this library, though, so I believe it's warranted. Also: WiFi is free, but only if you have a library card. Not sure how it works if you do not have a library card. read more

Beautiful, huge & modern. When I move, I'm going to miss the free DVD rentals. Tip: Be careful where you park. Most of the spaces are tiny and jam-packed with cars inches from one another. To protect your car, cruise to the back of the lot where it's less packed with SUVs and walk a bit farther to the entrance. read more

i love coming here its fun to just sit and read and its a nice way to relax and study.but the kids..please remove the kid area...

I just love this place---easily accessible, generous supply of computer monitors to check for selections, self checkout, and a spacious building. And never once have I encountered a less than polite staff member. read more

Love this place! Who would've thought I'd be reviewing a library? The building is so cool and modern inside. So many places to lounge, a cafe, an outdoor area to chill, and the best thing of all for me is that there is a huge play area in the children's section! With toys, puzzles, and books galore. I haven't had to buy too many books for my little one (she's 1 now!). Instead, I check out 6 to 8 books per every 4 weeks for her to enjoy and they are all usually in good shape. Plus they have a free baby time class there where we can bring our babies. The instructors are so talented. They sing and read books to our babies. They also bring toys for them to play with. My little girl loves it! And loves to be with the other babies as well. Awesome! read more

This library is AMAZING! It's brand new and has pretty much anything and everything that you would ever want to borrow. I do a lot of "holds" online and get updates via email when things are due or are ready to be picked up. The kids area is AWESOME! They have a TON of books and a great area for kids to play in. Their media section is also huge. Check out is fast and easy with the "self checkout" stations. It's the best library i have ever been to - seriously. read more

The gentleman that works on the children's department is amazing. My 4yo daughter loves when he does story time. The reading programs keep my daughter wanting to come back every week. read more

Live across from this place. Beautiful library with very aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior designs. Surprisingly, there always are a lot of scheduled events throughout different seasons. Huge DVD selection. Easy self-service check out. Friendly and helpful staff. The ONLY drawback is that, occasionally, they don't have every book or media you might want. But the URBANA library will have it. So you'll have to make another trip to the other side of town. Without a car, this can be a bit of a hassle. That being said, the location for this library patron is perfect. read more

This is not your typical library. In fact, Champaign Public Library reminds me more of a library you'd see on a college campus. It's really not that surprising since Champaign-Urbana is home to the University of Illinois. And it has Parkland. Students flock here to study and the library fits their needs. It has lots of study rooms, a couple computer labs and more than enough study tables to go around. They have extra-wide chairs that are comfortable and lots of places for you to plug in your computer. The book stacks are always well organized. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. They are more than willing to help you find any book you need. They could use a few more chairs around the cafe, but other than that really no complaints. read more

This is the fanciest library I've ever seen! I haven't really been to many but compared to what this library used to look like before the expansion and compared to what I'm used to seeing back home, the Champaign Public Library is pretty cool. My favorite things about this library are: - Plenty of seating. There are lots of open couches to sit on and read or tables to work on. There are even quiet rooms if you need the extra silence. - The children's area. I bring my son with me most of the time and he enjoys playing with the toys in there. I'm still trying to get him interested in the actual books though. They also have story time in a separate room there. The rainbow lights of the librarian's desk also entertain my son. - The checkout area. It's electronic and fully automated so that all you have to do is stick your library card in the slot, stack your books on the rubber pad, and get a receipt of what you checked out. I've never seen anything like it. What's comforting is that there are still some clerks at the checkout desk so that if you're like me and can't quite figure it out on your first try right there to help you. - The outside book return. It's so simple and fun to watch (or maybe I'm just easily entertained...LOL!) It's not right in front of the entrance, it's on the opposite side of the building, but that makes it easier to return your stuff because all you have to do is drive around to the other side. You don't have to park or get out of your car. You just drive up and hold your book up to the return slot and it opens automatically. Then you just put your things on the conveyor belt and the slot closes and you're done. Easy! read more

I'm in this library as I type. It's the fourth time since it's been remodeled. It feels like I'm at the Amsterdam Muziekgebouw aan't IJ (http://www.muziekgebouw.nl/) Mezzanine every time I step in. Plenty of large tables to get down and dirty with calculus on. There is a Cafe. The audio visual rental selection is quite large too. Whatever. I haven't written a review for a very long time since I have been (happily) living in the middle of a cornfield and tending to grapes and other plants. So, yeah. Here's a review. I should study now. read more

Love the library. It is easy to walk to if you live in old town area. Great to just hangout there with a book and a cup of coffee from coffee shop; relaxing on big modern looking upholstered chairs upstairs in the stacks. read more

This is a wonderful library! The children's section has a small play area and a lot of children's books/comics/DVDs to choose from. I love that you can rent DVDs and CDs for free. The employees are always very helpful and informative. read more

I am a student at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, and I went here with a friend of mine who grew up in Champaign. He couldn't believe the changes. It's a beautiful building with plenty of space and friendly staff. We were able to easily reserve a room so that we could do his fantasy football draft. All of the natural light and comfortable chairs really create a space that is extremely inviting. I'm required to volunteer somewhere for a class of mine, and I chose this library if only to spend more time here. Now if only I could get a library card! I just have to prove I live here...hm... read more

Terrific space, decent selection of new books, can request a title without a fee...this is all to like. The automated checkout system is fantastic. I've only waited in a line once, ever, which is quite a contrast from many public libraries. One drawback is noise level. I guess I'm a bit old-school in that I expect a library to be kind of quiet. Both patrons and employees talk at a loud volume; more than once (incredibly), I have tried to peruse shelves with patrons singing *very* loudly in the next aisle. Loud cellphone conversations are as common here as anywhere. read more

I'm a stalker of modern architecture, so I am biased about this library. Other than the carpet that has been permanently muddied up by the unwashed masses seeking free DVD movies and internet access, this place is downright fabulous. read more

Well it's a nice building and all, with plenty of desks, chairs, tables and couches. I usually only go to libraries for the WiFi, and I have to say, this is the absolute worst place for internet. Let me say that again: ABSOLUTE WWOORRSSTT!!!!! The speed is that of Dial-Up connection speed. It's in the KILOBYTES PER SECOND!!! You cant even listen to pandora!!! I mean, I know it's because there are so many people here, but they should have more WiFi connections to help deal with the traffic. The library, because of it's nice design makes it seem like it's a better place than it really is. It's a decent place for books and magazines, but not for internet based tasks. Thats why I'm giving them 2 stars. Oh and it's usually as loud as a mall inside so that's not a great highlight. read more

The Champaign Public Library is the best public library that I have ever seen. It has a huge selection of books, CD's, movies, etc and also access to computers, printing, copying, scanning, etc that is almost always available. The hours are a little strange for me on Thursday and Friday by closing at 6pm and the weekend could have more open hours, but really this is the only kind of negative about it. The staff has always been helpful if I had any questions or issues checking out items or reserving items. The online app is also great for quickly checking your account or renewing items. Their renewal policy is also great. If you live in Champaign I highly recommend setting up an account and utilizing the great resources the public library has to offer! read more

Sure the building is somewhat pretty. With their big glass walls, their cozy cafe, and their different seating options. However, that doesn't make up for the rude service. I completely agree with the reviews that say the professionals that work at this library are very anal and strict for NO. GOOD. REASON. They are constantly hovering around groups. If they notice that your feet are crossed in the slightly way that might be touching their precious couch cushions or chairs, they will come over and rudely tell you to reposition yourself. I had the heel of my foot sticking out of my sandal and a librarian came over and rudely glared me down and told me to put my shoes back on.. They will make it point to let you know they aren't pleased with you. A community public library should be friendly and open, however the staff her can be described as downright rude and anal for no apparent reason. The library is slowly losing it's funding and not making much profit. I now understand why. read more

I absolutely love this library. The space is beautiful, it's well lit and it has a great selection of items. There is also a lot of space...most of the parts don't feel too cramped. I could spend weeks here. For a town this size, it has a pretty remarkable library. read more

This library is lucky having a visionary library director, Marsha Grove. Nancy Lee from Indiana read more

The location is terrible if you don't want to have to drive. It's a very unpleasant walk from downtown. It's a lovely library otherwise, and it's a shame it wasn't built on the edge of downtown. read more

This place is the worst. Of course, it's beautiful and has a great selection of books...so long as you don't mind living under the most tyrannical librarian regime ever to live. Every time I walk into this library, I feel like I'm walking on eggshells wondering what rule I might break next. And God forbid they catch your child with a Goldfish cracker in the kids section...off with their heads! Additionally, once it was off limits to Savoy/Mahomet residents, I felt unwelcome there and totally uncomfortable. I do have a grad student friend who had her feet slightly outside her sandals and got yelled at for it. Who the hell are these librarians to tell people how they need to sit or wear their shoes? And the children's librarians are not friendly or nice with the kids, but generally seem annoyed that anyone is even there. I thought that was the point of a library? To excite people about reading and give FREE ACCESS TO ALL. Champaign "Public" library (which it really isn't anymore) is truly the most unfriendly library I have ever been to and I will never go back there again. read more

I like the layout of CPL. Only concern is that the internet is awful. I also got yelled at for sitting cross-legged on the chairs. The tables are nice. I love sitting next to the big glass windows because the natural light is really nice. read more

I love going to the Champaign Public Library. The staff are always friendly and helpful. The place is clean, and the collection of books almost always what I need. I like that they have an easy online account and that I can search there and find some books that they'll save for me; very helpful when I have limited time and cannot browse. The children's book selection is amazing and we love it since it offers us a wide variety of books to read to them. It's a very comfortable library. Parking is easy, and the outside book drop behind the building is also very convenient for dropping off books after hours if need be. I really have no complaints with this library. read more

The staff here is very rude. Especially the ones upstairs. I have had a terrible experience here. The staff really needs to learn to smile and be courteous ! They can be really rude !!!! Unfortunately, I have to come here because of the quiet room. I have had other bad experiences with the ppl who come there. If I could, I would write the entire story, but I think Ive covered the main points. read more