Family Man Librarian

When I was a kid growing up in east central Illinois, Champaign-Urbana was “the big city” (actually, they are two separate cities). Ever since I can remember, my mother would took us to the public libraries in both cities (Urbana Free Library, and the Champaign Public Library). The current buildings for both libraries have been in desperate need of upgrades and expansions for decades. The current facility for Champaign was built in 1978. I can remember the previous building for the Champaign Public Library particularly for its insulated glass floors in the stacks. I thought they were pretty cool as a kid. (The building is still in use, but not as a library.) When the new facility opened in ‘78 with a Bauhaus style design, we thought it was amazing and futuristic, “cool.” We used it all the time to check out books, magazines, and Super 8 mm. movies. (Yeah, this was in the days of 8 track stereo tapes and before VCRs were in widespread use. In other words, ancient history.) Both libraries were key in developing my love for books and libraries as I was growing up.Unfortunately, the “new” facility for Champaign quickly became outdated and worn out. I was really pleased when I read recently that a new, $29 million facility was approved and that construction will begin soon. I can’t wait to see the design and to read more about it. My family, who live in the area, still use that library quite a bit.Urbana is also nearing completion of an even more desperately needed expansion to its old facility. I’ve driven past it a few times when visiting family and like what I see.Long may library expansion continue, for these, and other, public libraries!