Champaign Libraries Big and Small

A couple stories in the last couple weeks about Champaign's big library and little library using a neighborhood grant. WCIA had coverage (including video segment) of the little library here:

Southwood Drive neighbors decided to use grant money on a library.

The library is located right behind of one of the Champaign homes where people casually walk and can pick up a book and read by the front of the house where there's a bench...

The Neighborhood Small Grants program was created for neighborhood groups to feel a part of their communities and decide what they want to be seen in their blocks.

Some have used the $5,000 for block parties, others for street lights and now some for libraries. Neighrbohood Coordinator John Ruffin says neighbors can use those $5,000 towards anything, but they must not go over that mark if approved.

In order to qualify, all residents must pertain to a neighborhood group. If not, they must apply and wait until the application goes through.

More at the full blurb here. More information about the Neighborhood Small Grant Program and application here at the Champaign City website.


In big library news, the main branch of the Champaign Public Library is offering entrepreneur seminars for younger residents. From the News-Gazette today:

Sixteen teams of high-schoolers and young adults will be pitching their startup ideas Sunday at the Champaign Public Library for a chance to win up to $5,000 in seed money.

The pitch competition marks the completion of the library’s first Young Entrepreneur Program, which is part of its recent effort to offer more business services...

The library also took over from the Champaign school district the Young Entrepreneur Program geared toward high school students throughout the county.

It started in the fall, accelerating in January with an eight-week program to help students develop a pitch...

From March 2018 to March 2019, more than 1,000 people have attended the Launch seminars and workshops, [Donna Pittman, the library’s director] said. 

More information at the full article here. WCIA had a short overview of the details here:

Students are divided into age divisions: high school (13 - 18) and young adult (19 - 25). Each entrepreneur is given four minutes to present his or her pitch. Judges will provide three minutes of feedback and critique to each contestant.

The first prize winner in each age group will receive $5,000; second prize, $1,000; and third prize, $500.

In addition, there’s a Community Impact award for best pitch with a community focus. The prize is a signed helmet donated by Ronnie Lott, who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He has local ties as an investor and has been interested in supporting YEP and seeing the benefits in our community.

Many of the contestants have been working on their ideas for years.

Champaign Public Library
Sunday, May 5
2 - 5 pm

Full blurb here.