Champaign Public Library Reviews

This is a wonderful library with friendly staff and beautiful spaces for reading, reflecting, and working. The children's area is so kid-friendly. It has a lovely space to get a cup of your favorite beverage and a snack and then you can relax and enjoy the views from the large windows. THis is a perfect place for a family to spend the afternoon.

Me and my husband go there EVERY weekend. With an unbelievable selection of comic books, manga, books, CDs, audio books, and espectacular rooms to study in, this is one of my favourite places in the world.

Just moved from CU: 30 years of weekly visits to library; pages for all ages and BN ... simply an awesome library with outstanding staff and any type of media hardback resource etc available. If staff can't locate it they will obtain it for you!

Champaign built a beautiful, modern library. Even if you don't have a library card to check out books, you can hang out here, have coffee and pastries at the small cafe. There is also a used bookstore in the basement that is open on the weekends. Check out the library's website for events and more info.

CPL is sometimes great, sometimes good, sometimes so-so. Depends on who is at each desk unfortunately. Certain staff value customer-service and strive to meet patron needs, others would rather you didn't interrupt them. The collection is healthy, but again, if you have trouble accessing it at all times, that's a problem.

Huge selection of books and movies. Probably the largest collection of movies at a public library I have ever seen.

I was always able to find the books I was looking for. Great spaces for sitting and reading.

Everyone can find something to read here.

Several seminars during the year, great parking voted one of the best library's in Illinois. Kid friendly.

We are always impressed with the busy parking lot during any day at the library. They go out of their way to serve all age groups in the community. I love to see the children with their young parents making use of the interactive equipment and huge amount of books for them. Everything from their computers to movie selection of CD's is enjoyed and appreciated by our diverse community. I have used the sound-proof study rooms to tutor, I have enjoyed their music programs on Sunday afternoons and the staff is extremely helpful and positive. What a great asset to our town!

I have lived in several places and have used many libraries but I find the Champaign Public Library to be one of the most impressive libraries I've been to. It is well staffed, well maintained and the choices are outstanding. It is a real pleasure to visit.

Champaign’s library is awesome! Very helpful staff, huge selection. I enjoy checking out movies and magazines.

I adore this library. It's beautiful, resource-rich, and staffed by genuinely nice and helpful people. If you're a bookworm and library lover, don't miss this one!

Wonderful place to spend time great collection always spotless and clean friendly staff an asset to our city

The library has a lot of great activities for all ages. I really enjoy all the online books. Great selection of audible and online books.

Lots of comfy chairs. WiFi and desk computers.
Snack bar. Group rooms. Good selection of books.
Volunteer operated used book store in basement.
Great shelter during a storm. LEED approved.

I don't live in Champaign. I live in the other twin city, Urbana. Both cities have its own library. Both are good. Only the one in Champaign is much better. Its book collection and the willingness to help among all librarians should be among the best in the US.

My group of 6 LPN students went to the library to study before finals. We chose a spot on the 2nd floor and pulled 2 tables together. This was a no-no. After several staff walked by an older staff member came n told us we couldn't put tables together. She said we needed to reserve a group study room for $10 an hour with a 48 hour notice. What happened to free library?? She said that this time, and only this time they would let us use a small conference room for free. She also told us she didn't know what we would do the rest of the week. Well we weren't planning on studying there anymore that week. As we moved into the conference room, we were told to not write on the walls. Haha really?

This is a great library. The staff is more than helpful and polite. The collection of DVD's is well maintained and most DVD's are current and free.

Great selection of books, films, magazines, music and more! The staff is always friendly and helpful. A reader's delight :)

Unfortunately, I chose to move to Champaign from Savoy partially so I could use the library. After moving, I was informed that my home is in Champaign County so the library privileges are not free to our family. We would be charged over $300./family member to join the library. This is too much for family members so we do not frequent the library.

I have to admit that I have been a library rat since I was a small child, if I have an hour to blow this library is where I go. If you need help with anything the staff will go out of their way to help you along. Great amount of material displayed well, really nice library.

Nice, clean, roomy library. I could spend the whole day there! Modern. Helpful staff. Clean restrooms. Nice children's section with extensive choices and a little place for the small children to play quietly.

Champaign Public Library is an excellent example of a community library with an excellent array of services, free safe drinking water. It is compartmentalized to serve different age groups and professional aspirations. The building is of good architectural design and can be rated as a green space.

How could a librarian not take a picture at the corner of the 4 ft Library and Library? It's made for a Facebook pic!

Wonderful asset to this community! Great selection of recent releases to check out. Large displays attractively arranged with plenty of comfortable seating. Children's section in separate room. Used books to purchase and coffee shop too! The usual amenities for copying and printing off laptops etc. My daughter spent so much time at this library that the security guard thought she worked here! Not every community is so lucky!

The building is of exceptional architectural design and it has all of the resources of a great library.

I was here to be in a group study room, however, it was very noisy. Even though the room is isolated with glass walls, you can still hear people from other rooms.
The staff is not ready to help you right away. When I came there, I was looking around for a few minutes to get help about study rooms.
In a nutshell, not a fan of this library.

This library is modern, well-stocked, clean, nice coffee area. Plenty of books, movies for rent, audio books. New periodicals. Great reading, studying areas. Nice computer facilities. Plenty of help available.

I was very impressed with the Public Library in Champaign. The building itself is a master piece of architecture, with lots of natural light. The library collections are impressive, especially the newspapers and magazines section. Also, the staff is friendly and helpful.

Has many items for your review and coffee and snacks too. It is also a nice place to meet someone for discussion.

Sometimes it can be a bit noisy and chaotic, but they have a huge selection and lots of places to work.

I check out books from this Library.
You can call the reference desk and tell them what kind of books you need and they will have them waiting at the front desk. They have movies to check out. You can use a computer. They have a room for teens. They have different rooms for workshops that I have attend in the past.
This is a place where you can find a book on anything if they don't have it they will try and find it for you. They also have a small Cafe.
This is a very beautiful Library

Champaign's Library is awesome. It is spacious, well lighted, and has an extensive collection. The online search is very easy to use, and I love the self-checkout. Very much worth my tax money.

Wonderful programs, spacious, technology and accessibility abundant. Friendly staff. There is a café for purchase of coffee and other items.

Large selection of books, and if they do not carry it you can ask to borrow it from another library in the Lincoln Trails system. The used book store in the basement is a fun place to browse, and the online request feature is very convenient. Now the library will auto-renew your items when you pass the due date, unless the item has been requested by another person. Librarians are friendly and the kids section is well laid out; kids reading programs are a hit with younger kids in our family. Many movies are available to rent for free. New releases are available for free check out, but there is typically a long wait list. However, the library allows you to borrow some copies of new releases for a nominal fee - these low-cost rentals are usually available sooner than the free rentals.

Lots of activities for all ages. Will always order something for you. Great movie selection. Friendly staff.

Most of my library time is spent at the Douglas branch of the Champaign Public Library, but the library catalog includes the Douglas branch, main Champaign Branch and Urbana Free Library. Between the three I very rarely have trouble finding a book I am looking for. I just request items I want and have them delivered to the Douglas branch and they are available usually within 24 hours. This is a wonderful service which I use heavily since I can't afford to drive across town to the main branch.

Usually if there's a book of general interest that I need, it's likely to be there. For example, when planning a trip there are plenty of travel books. Also the bookstore is good to make purchases of mostly discards.

There's a small coffee shop, too. If there's a quibble they are somewhat ravenous as to book fines and fees.

This is one of my favorite libraries! The space feels the way you think it should. It's bright and airy where you want it to be and quaint and quiet where it should be. The library works hard to keep it's sections very current. It also offers a wide variety of programs.

So spacious and quiet. Sometimes if I have time to kill I just go there with my book and read in the comfortable chairs. Is bright because of all the windows. A peaceful place to go.

This beautiful building has everything you could need - books, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, video games, internet access, meeting rooms, study rooms, children & teen programming, reading clubs and more. Even a cafe! The librarians are friendly and helpful and they work hard to make the library and inviting place to be. I've been taking our children there since they were little. We've visited other libraries but this one is our favorite!

I love being able to use the website. It lets you know if a book is out. You can also reserve a book but it sometimes can take longer than if you go get it yourself. It's easy to use and easy to check out. lots of the newest items available. The DVD, CD departments are excellent.

Great service and efficient staff. I wanted to use the computers and it was very quick to get a station. And you can print documents!!!!!

The library is awesome - love the self checkout system...there is a place downstairs where you can buy donated or old library books - you can only get to by elevator and during certain hours. Only thing I would change would be the location of the book return - it gets crowded to get in and out if someone is returning books.

I have been to the library as a alternative for UIUC and Parkland libraries. The CPL has a wide range of books and movies. Great place for studying

I liked working upstairs at the public computers. The scanner is easy to use, and printing is not too expensive.

FREE MOVIE RENTALS! Not to mention huge book selection. Excellent programs! All around amazing library and helpful staff.

I enjoy going to the library and browsing for books. The new library is a great space. very open and spatious. plenty of desks and power connections. nice place to work or study.

my children love to get books and movies from there. they have many programs for babies and young readers. my kids participate in the summer reading program each summer. its great to have a positive way to encourage them to read over the summer.

Fantastic book,video and cd system. Reservations are easy online. Computers, lounge, parking. Unfortunately, when school gets out the parents take up the parking spaces and the middle school students are noisy and rough, even with loaded security.

This library offers something for everyone. From young children's story time and monthly activities to quiet study environments for students or business groups. Books, magazines, movies, Cd's, DVD's audio books and digital downloads if you like the tech rather than the physical book. My entire family loves this library and we all use it for different reasons.

Excellent resources well beyond books. Audio and video offerings are very nice. Ready access to computers works well. Staff are very helpful.

Offers more than you'll ever need. I've enjoyed items that are hard to find from other libraries across the country. I can't praise this service enough. Never expected to be able to request a tape from the Enoch Pratt in Baltimore, Maryland. Staff is exceptional in assisting you with anything.

We were visiting Champaign and someone suggested stopping by the library. It was close to our AB&B so we did. Libraries have changed: noise is permitted and it was fun to see children playing (mostly quietly) but the three large murals were also enjoyable by adults.

I was visiting Champaign for several days and found time to explore the local library. I was very impressed. A variety of work spaces with comfortable chairs, lots of light and helpful staff. There is even an onsite cafe. The library was well equipped with technology and I found many books and DVDs that exceeded my expectations. I live in a large metropolitan area and am envious of Champaign.

This library was just across my apartment. Very nice place to read or study. Clean, quite, spacious and sunny reading areas. Perfect for kids, they have really nice programs for them. I also know that library science students from the university come and do volunteering work there such as giving sessions to elders on how to use the internet, microsoft office...etc.

Love the fact that you can checkout audio books on your phone! I'm in the car a lot and use this feature weekly. Large library with plenty of space to work, helpful and friendly staff. Only problem is they close early during the week. I think it's 6pm.

We came to see the Save A Child's Heart exhibit that was organized by Illini Hillel in the library. The spaces in the library are great - very comfortable and with varying sizes. Because it is so popular it is easy for families to come for events. The exhibit was great and the speaker was very educational. The only thing that was missing was signage for the event.

This library was newly built several years ago. It is large and spacious with good selections. The staff is helpful. It is part of a much larger system of libraries and serves the population nicely.

I have to admit, I'm a library snob, and I wasn't expecting a great deal out of a local library in a town this size. WRONG! What a beautiful facility! Easy parking, the inside it bright, open and airy - lots and lots of natural light. My husband enjoys science fiction, and we were astonished at the huge size of the science fiction collection -- almost unheard of in a public library. Plentiful, comfortable chairs scattered throughout They have a HUGE DVD collection -- probably bigger than the now-defunct Blockbuster. The children's department was charming. And it was BUSY -- it was nice to see so many people and families enjoying this terrific community resource. They have a state-of-the-art checkout system -- insert your card, wave the book over the reader, and voila! Several helpful library clerks were available for first-time users.

This Library is great. Wonderful staff, great location, excellent selections. Lot's of great study/reading spaces. Children's area is wonderful. Media section is very good too.

As soon as I moved back to C-U, I applied for my library card. And this place does not disappoint. Helpful staff. Beautiful building. And of course, the selection of the various media forms is fantastic. The online reservation of materials is also easy to navigate.

I am always at the library, since they installed the new electronic systems things are even better. Returns are recorded within seconds, you can go online and reserve an item and be sent an email when it's available to pick up. They also have a good loan system between libraries, which makes it super easy to get an item from another library. I love the library.

All libraries should be so well equipped and welcoming! And it is always full of people. They have programs monthly.

Great selection on books, videos, music, and the like. The atmosphere is really nice and relaxed, with free WiFi.
If you want to check out items you will need an valid ID (driver, state ID, passport, etc.) AND a bill or such showing your residency in the community. This gets you free privileges. We live outside of the city limits, don't pay the incorporated property tax, and so have to pay for our account for the year. If you don't have a computer there are lots available most of the time, including the ones in the "quiet rooms", but there is a time limit (I believe of 1 or 2 hrs). Lots of nice places to study quietly with many tables where you can spread out. The first floor also has some cakes/coffee available as a service, but they are a bit pricey (Dunkin Donuts is just a block east on Green Street). Bathrooms are clean. It is a busy place particularly after 2:15 PM on schooldays as kids seem to come there to chill out until their parents pick them up or so.

Great place to visit.Has lots of resources. Staff is very helpful. All ways busy with customers. We visit weekly.

The Champaign Public Library has pretty much every resource you would need for education projects, family movie night, or enjoyable reading. Through their Computerized program "My Account" you are able to manage your current items, request items that are not available at the present time, and see where you lie on any waiting lists for materials you've requested. Unless you don't check email...it's virtually impossible to have overdue items. The automated check out keeps the lines short but there is always someone there in case you need assistance. I feel it is a safe place for my daughter to hang out with her friends occasionally after school. We love our local library!

Large, modern comfortable building. Latest technology. Outstanding free public presentations, lectures, etc. Excellent wide ranging collection. Being a public library in a world class university town has real advantages.

I love this place.

The staff is wonderful and always happy to help. The children's area is wonderful. Lots of engaging activities and SO many books! It's great.

It's always very clean. It's a beautiful building. The self-service checkout is very user friendly.

I often look up a book and request it. They send you an email when it's ready for pickup. They have a room for requested items. They put your name on it and you just pick it up! SUPER easy! Saves me a lot of time.

I am at the Champaign Public Library at least once a week. Not only do they have a great selection of books, Cd's and DVD's and a helpful staff, but there's also a bookstore where you can purchase items really cheap. They also have bag sales for those who like to own their own books without spending much money. These things are all good but my favorite part is the children's programs. Each day a different age group is focused on with a story/song/learning time. On week-ends they have a variety of programs. Sometimes it's a musical program. Another day it may be a party to celebrate a special day like Halloween. There's computers for both adults and children to use, a special teen room, rooms you can quietly study in, comfy big chairs, great for reading quietly to your child or just for relaxing with a newspaper and so much more. Did I mention the coffee/snack bar? It's no wonder I'm there every week.

As a foreign visitor I did not expect a public library to be so open and extremely valuable especially regarding small kids. The books and all the play stations with building blocks, and educational table games made our stay there a fun and instructive one. And we could use everything for free. Is a nice way to see the hours slip by when in winter weather!

They have a very nice facility, which is very clean and well kept. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

I have not gone to the library for years but since I moved from Urbana TO Champaign I registered for a card. Very easy but be sure to bring a piece of mail to prove you are living in the City. I thought the library was beautiful, clean and well organized. I love how they put a staff choice book at the end of each row. They have all been good.

We are lucky in Champaign to have such a nice Library and services available. So many great programs and services targetting our kids.

What a beautiful library! I have not been to Champaign since the new library was built, but what a lovely facility for Champaign residents. The library staff were very friendly and welcoming and the information desk got me all settled with a temporary computer card in order for me to complete some research for a meeting.

Always something here! Check the calendar and look at their maker center in the basement. Sometimes I just go there for ideas from others using the gloforge, cricut, or their big printer. Besides having a great spirit and being a place to not spend money, their resources like consumer reports, audio book and tv show streaming keep me from giving money to places I'm not familiar with like Amazon or Paramount.

We went there, specifically, to check out the Friend's Bookstore. The Bookstore is in the basement, with shelves and shelves of well organized books for sale. Fiction is alphabetized by author. The non-fiction is broken down into tons of meaningful categories.

Upstairs, there is an unbelievable number of DVDs to borrow. There is also a coffee shop, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

A very impressive Library!

The staff is nice and it's a nice facility, but they don't have everything you might want. Their selection is somewhat slim. However, if you need a quiet place to work, the second floor has some good spots.

The library is great. I spend a lot of time in the "quiet room" where there are no disturbances or noise.

The library has about 100 computers for use by patrons and most of them are in use most of the day.

Library staff are very friendly and always willing to help. Parking is free. I am a retired U of I faculty and going to the library is easier than going to the office on campus.

Too bad they have financial challenges! They have had to cut hours and now charge of fee to non-profits for use of the meeting rooms!
Let's hope that changes.
There is adequate parking, completely accessible and great resources.
The computers are always in use.
Even has a nice little coffee-bar.

Great new building with everything available in a library. Video rentals, books, audio rentals, pc's to use there, and a used bookstore in the basement.

Ever since Champaign Public Library withdrew from the local catalog consortium it has taken a long, long time to receive the new popular material. Especially since Urbana Free Library, CPL's partner in screwing their own patrons, will not interloan their new materials.

Aside from this lack of consideration for its own customers, I still use the public library almost weekly.

Plus, can't you strategically place waste baskets somewhere inside the library where I can easily find them? Sheesh.

We have been going here forever. I love the size of this place and all that they have to offer. There is a little cafe that I also recommend. Great place for families.

This library has lots of seating around the edges - as in, by the large windows. Great place to sit and read or study.

I've been an active patron of Champaign's "new" library since it was built to replace the old one on an adjacent lot. The library facilities are first class; the collection - especially with interlibrary loan - is first class. The amenities include internet access and printing/copying fascilities AND a coffee shop. The used book store in the basement is source for many a fine addition to our own personal library.

If you are a visitor to Champaign, I strongly recommend you take the time to visit our library. The building is a very pleasant place to relax. The librarians are always pleasant and very helpful. (As I've found librarians to be all over the world.) There is a nice play area for young children and a great collection of children's books.

Love going to this library, I could spend hours in this place. The only draw back is when you are out of county you are limited of what you can check out.

Family friendly with lots of activities and lots of free classes. The Staff is always helpful and willing to order materials if not available at their site. Our family visits at least once a week. or more, Sometimes , we just like to sit and read in the wonderful chairs in sun windows. The book store in basement has a huge selection of used books, cd,s and videos .

This is a jewel that all of the community should utilize. I wish every city could have a library like this one.

I'm a bookworm and just love hunting around for a good book to read. CPL has a massive collection that's well-organized and really easy to look through using their online tools. They also offer a variety of online books/newspapers/magazines to read, as well as pre-loaded Kindles for kids (they're hard to get though). The library is very modern and they have community events that encourage people to come there. Plenty of parking space and a drive-in return slot if you don't want to enter the building. They also have a monthly newsletter with good book suggestions. Overall, one of my favorite places in Champaign!

Granddaughter always want's to stop by the CPL.
Really like the books for sale in basement. She always goes home with a box full.

Efficient friendly staff. Building very clean and spacious.
Has everything you need including a snack bar. Plenty of parking alson

This library is one of my favorite places in town. It is spacious, has a very friendly staff, and lots of materials to choose from. The resources here are always in abundance for topics I'm looking to find. I also enjoy being able to easily reserve materials if necessary. Their website is very informative regarding the extra activities/services they have to offer.

The library is spacious, inviting, and a great place for families. The staff are very helpful. The atmosphere is conducive for studying, reading, and research, and there is a coffee/snack bar if one gets hungry. There are also multiple community rooms for meetings and events.

I would come to this library when I needed a different study environment. I loved it. My classmates and I would study in the personal study rooms. They are a decent size, climate-controlled, quiet, for the most part, and clean. The only downfall is that you can only reserve the room for 2 hours and must extend every 1 hour after that but if someone else wants the room you have to give it to them, which can be a little distracting when you are studying but it isn't a huge problem. I learned to deal with it.

This is so modern. They have like everything one would want in a library. Ther is a cafe, cafe seating, a book store and more!

Outstanding architecture and design. I enjoy sitting in the coffee shop area and just looking at the lines of the building.

An organization I belong to recently had an event in one of the meeting rooms. Things went well, and the building is stunning. I love the atrium/lobby...Made me feel happy!!

I wouldn't really recommend this to travelers, since there isn't too much to enjoy, besides some beautiful architecture. However - this is a great spot for locals to check out books and enjoy some coffee. Not too many students venture out, even though it is relatively close to campus. A good place to study - although Sundays are very busy. Plus - free parking and plenty of bike racks! Definitely a nice perk!

great place for kids with lots of fun activities throughout the week. Excellent collection of books for kids (@GF) and adult section at the first floor. There were food trucks on a weekday but not of the schedule. Great food especially the Jalapeño ice cream is a must try.

The library has no "new" books and constantly wants you to rent their books. They have raised their overdue fees consistently for the last few years. No such thing as a free library. If you need to renew a book and there is a request for that book or audio CD on the list you cant renew it. No convenience for the people who use this facility.

Champaign-Urbana public library underwent a huge make over some years ago. It was a childhood favorite before, now it is a family or anytime favorite place to spend time studying, reading, researching, or relaxing with my kids. There are play tables for kids and the library offers events that are usually low cost or free from time to time. Huge selection of books, very modern open design. Great lighting and atmosphere. I love when they hang paper lanterns in the entry way high ceilings-it looks really cool and makes for great photos.

This is not a library you had as a child. The parking lot is well laid out. Good lighting, clean and landscape is welcoming. The entrance includes a ramp. Walking into the library you are greeted with a friendly environment. Everything is well maintained, very clean and inviting. We had young children with us. The kid areas are stocked with all types of games and activity. They didn’t want to leave.
The staff and volunteers are the best. This is the place for you.

This is once of the nicer library i ever been to.. Lot of light, a sit out, wifi, quite study room. But on some days it does get a lil noisy, But then the quite room are really good...I love the in floor build in plug in socket...Lots lots of parking and free parking, Cafe is good they have good section of food and drinks....

Helpful staff, great resource that is good for educators. They have a great room for meetings and also have a small coffee section to purchase items if you wish. REALLY nice children's department

This is where you'd want to take the kids to learn, explore reading, and meet new friends. The staff here are always willing to help you and they listen. Huge!

My women's group had several meetings in the conference room of the library. It was very easy to make a reservation and the staff was cordial. The room was well lit and clean. I had to use the computers to print out some documents and the computers were pretty fast and staff was available to assist or answer any questions regarding printing. Overall, my experience has been excellent at the Library. The exception is the snack bar. The customer service at the snack bar is terrible. Every staff member that works at the snack bar is rude or mean. Please consider offering customer service training to the snack bar staff.

place to explore and full of knowledge.did find books of very rare collections specially about the history.no wonder there was a large gathering of people who am sure too loved this place and ambience

Great fairly newly built library with lots of space, lots of DVDs, books to download on electronic devices, books and magazine, coffee shop, meeting space and lots of parking. It continues to receive awards each year. Very heavily used.

Great library; especially if you want to relax and read or use a computer. Always helpful staff will assist with any needs and will order materials if they are not already there. This is a wonderful asset to the community.

My grandchildren were very impressed with the large selection of young reader books. They were so excited that day they each checked out five books and are anxiously awaiting our return.

I love this place. Everyone is so helpful and friendly! I always find what i need. I especial love that i can reserve a dvd or book online and they save it for me and email me!

Surprised at the size of this library its quite spacious easy to walk round and there is seating if needed.

Of course if you are a resident this library is worth a visit to obtain one of the fiction or non-fiction titles. However, this library is worth a visit to experience the openness of the contemporary building. The exterior has a rain garden, the interior has a number of sustainable materials, e.g. bamboo flooring, There is a coffee shop and pleasant indoor eating area. There is a pleasant patio where you can sit in the fresh air. Free Wi-Fi might make it a convenient stop for a number of reasons.

one of my favorite lazy things to do is to hang out at the library. Not only do they have an awesome staff, large number of resources for students and community members like, but the atmosphere there is great. love the place.

Great programs, amazing staff. Full-service community library - in every way. Follow them on FaceBook to see their amazing event calendar.

Best community library in Illinois. Excellent programming. Easy to find information and to check out and return books and other materials.

Great library. Tons of great book selections for adults,teens and kids. The DVD and CD area is a must see. This too has a great variety of new and old.

The Champaign library is an incredible community resource. The staff is amazing and always so helpful.

Even though we are limited to two books per person because of where we live, we frequently make trips to this library. The reason we love the Champaign Public Library is because they have such WONDERFUL children’s librarians. They are truly helpful and have given our child so much encouragement with his reading. The amount of time and attention they spend which each child is amazing. They take our child’s reading level, interests, age and maturity into account when helping him select books. These librarians help to foster a love for reading in the children that visit! I really can’t say enough good things about the staff in the children’s area at this library!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this library immensely. It is always nice there is always activities going on, and everyone there is always helpful.

The Champaign Library is one of the best around. Clean, fresh, helpful staff, and a multitude of programs each week for all ages. Almost everything is free! The only things you have to pay for are the new-release movies, but they're cheaper than the video store or renting online. There's a little café as well to buy a snack or coffee if you need. Multitude of spaces available for use - study rooms, kids area, conference rooms, etc.

Abeaitiful new building but a totally wrong person in charge of volunteer work. Came offering to volunteer. Have two masters in education. The woman in charge offered s cleaning position!!
Idiotic.

Excellent offerings. Cab take videos out on loan for no fee to city residents. A community gem, worth the visit.

I love this library. The selection is extensive, the facility is clean, the staff are helpful, and there's a coffee shop in the lobby. The rooms you can rent are quality, and sound-proof. The only drawbacks are the noisiness and the price. There is a middle school right across the street, and kids will be at the library until their parents pick them up. (Note the increase of visible security during these times) The price is only an issue if you aren't a resident of the city of Champaign. They are paid for by taxes. All others have to pay a substantial fee.

Great place to choose media & books, also perfect accommodations for studying and reading. Free and plentiful parking that is located close by.

Try to avoid the afternoon post-school. Lots of middle school kids = significant commotion. But they do an admirable job policing them. All in all, a great library

I recently had the honor of taking care of my 2 year old grandson so we decided to go get some books -- I hadn't had reason to visit the children's area in a very long time and was so pleasantly surprised with their play area -- great toys, lots of space, all clean! We had a snack first (thanks for the kid friendly applesauce pouches) and had a great time. The staff was so friendly and my grandson didn't want to leave!

Great FREE community resource! The library is spacious, clean, plenty of seats, tables, beautiful and has an amazing staff! There are plenty of computer terminals to help you search for what you are looking for or a staff member can be approached to help with your search. Your search can be books, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, etc....you will find it at the library. On-line you also have free access to learn a new language!

I'm not from this area originally and I am so impressed with the availability of items and the design of the library. It is comfortable and practical, children's section is outstanding.

A fantastic library with fantastic staff. Wish they had more games for kids to play. Our kids love visiting the place.

The Champaign Public Library is just a few years old. It sits on the site of the former building. It is a really great space making use of lots of natural light, a coffee shop, self-checkout stations, etc. You can reserve rooms and computer time for whatever you might need or you can easily find a comfortable, quieter space to relax and read. Materials can be reserved online as well as being able to check out music CDs and DVDs. Plenty of parking is available as well and there is an automated materials return at the back of the building.