Download the PDF version

Feature

Speakers Workshop

by TLAS Staff

The fall semester brings new friends, experiences, classes…and presentations! You may be comfortable in front of a group of people, or you may experience some anxiety when speaking in front of your class or other larger groups. Either way, you can take advantage of the Speakers Workshop (formerly the Speaking Center). Over the summer, the Speakers Workshop welcomed their first full-time director, Dr. Laura Stengrim. With the new director, this essential service will expand upon the previous services and hours the Speaking Center started, making this valuable campus partner available to more students and their different needs.

When asked what she’s most excited about as the new director, Laura said “I’m very excited to expand the Speakers Workshop so that we can better serve the University of Illinois community. The Speakers Workshop is a great resource for students working on class assignments that require speeches or presentations in any discipline or major. Peer-consultants provide individualized assistance and will soon be available for synchronous online and in-person appointments in a variety of locations across campus. In addition, we look forward to working collaboratively with other campus entities such as the University Libraries to offer workshops and other programming.”  In-person and online workshops on different topics such as coping with presentation anxiety and designing effective visual aids will also be offered. While the Armory will serve as the home base for the Speakers Workshop,
satellite locations will also be available at the Main Library, Grainger Engineering Library, and the Funk ACES Library. 

The Speakers Workshop offers a variety of ways to support students in their different needs. What should students know about the Speakers Workshop? Laura said “The Speakers Workshop is a friendly, low-stakes, welcoming space for all. We understand that many people experience apprehension around presentations and speaking to groups! We are here to help you feel more comfortable by giving you time to practice and prepare in collaboration with a trained peer-consultant.” The Speakers Workshop is here to help increase your confidence and skills!

Did you Know?

Voter registration time! In Illinois, the deadline for paper voter registration is October 8th, 2024, and online registration is open until October 20th. Election Day is November 5th, so be prepared! For detailed information on how to register—whether you’re a first-time voter, new to Illinois, or updating your address—visit the League of Women Voters of Champaign County’s Information page: https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/register.html

Space Highlight

Food-Friendly Libraries

Does studying make you hungry?  Take advantage of some of the food friendly study spaces across our campus libraries. The Orange Room is a food-safe environment where you can also use our microwave to re-heat your favorite left-overs. If you’re looking to stretch your food budget, we also host a food pantry, and there are vending machines outside of classroom 66 in the basement.

Moving up a floor, the Scholarly Commons in Room 220 of the Main Library also allows food, other than their computer lab, scanning stations, and self-use media studio.  Food and technology don’t mix!  

Heading over to the Urbana side of campus, the Music and Performing Arts Library (MPAL) is food friendly, with the exception of their computer area.  Please take advantage of the huge trash cans for your food waste, and follow the signs asking you to take other food trash out of MPAL.

Like your tea to be Earl Grey, and hot?  The Grainger Engineering Library and Information Center has an Espresso Royale cafe’ on the first floor, and a food friendly dining space adjacent to it.  Other floors of the library allow drinks in spill-proof containers so you can bring your caffeine with you.

Service Highlight

Voter Registration Event

In collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Champaign County, the Library will be hosting a voter registration drive from September 16-18th at the Main Library. Whether you’re a student, staff, faculty, or a community member, stop by to register to vote, ask questions about the upcoming elections, and learn more about the voting process. This is a great opportunity to ensure you’re ready for Election Day. Keep an eye out for other election and voting-related events at the Library as well. For more details, visit the Library’s Event Calendar at: https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/4092

Events

uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/tlasevents

September 9th 

1:00pm-3:00pm
Taste of Culture
Enjoy some international snacks and drinks with cross-cultural learning activities. Sponsored by International Education and the University Library.

September 10th

Neurodivergent Hangout
Join RSO’s “Actually Neurodivergent” hangout in a hybrid, laid-back setting with passive activities and quiet stimming tools.

September 16th

7:00pm-8:00pm
Mindful Mondays
Experience tranquility with McKinley SMP’s Meditation/Mindfulness Minute! Join us for a calming guided walk-through meditation

Download the PDF Version

Feature

De-Stress Fest
by TLAS Staff

Inject some fun and motivation into your Finals studying! The University Library DeStress fest begins Thursday, May 2nd, at the Main Library, Funk ACES Library, and Grainger Engineering Library. Check out the full offering of De-Stress Fest activities here: https://go.illinois.edu/DeStress24. 

Event highlights (full schedule online):

10:30 am-12 pm (Main Library Gallery) Heartland Mini Hoofs Therapy Horses & Polaroid Pictures  
Noon-9pm (Orange Room) Crafting & Snacks! 
7pm-7:02pm (Orange Room) Donuts!

Funk ACES Library – All Day
Interactive Whiteboard Questions, Puzzles & Coloring, Relaxing Animal Cams

Grainger Engineering Library
All Day
Open PC Gaming, VR Stations, Coloring Books, Puzzles, Origami Stars, Supplies, & Swag, Board Games & Switch Gaming, Trivia & Conversation Cards, Snacks
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Grainger Commons 233/235)
Craft: Paper Flower Bouquet
4 PM – 5 PM (Grainger Commons 233/235)
Craft: Tealight Lantern
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Grainger Commons 233/235)
Craft: Constellation Embroidery

Did you Know?

You may have noticed a new addition to the University Library-our bookmobile! Librarians are using our new golf cart to bring the library to the students in different outdoor campus locations. Some of our pop-up events have included a variety of genre and topics, including fiction, young adult, self-care, student success, and more. 

Space Highlight

Self Care Stations

Both Grainger Engineering Library and Funk ACES Library serve as locations to some of the popular McKinley Self Care Stations. These stations provide over-the-counter self-care supplies, all available to students with their iCard. Supplies include cold medicine, COVID tests, Plan B, condoms, allergy medicine, sleep packs, and Narcan spray. Products are paid for through student’s health service fee, so there is no additional charges to grab something when you need it!

In addition to self care stations, the library provides other health and wellness programs. The Counseling Center and McKinley Health Center host regular programs to help with stress management and mental wellness.

There are also fun, destress, programming events throughout the year to give students a chance to relax, take a step back from school, and let their brains recharge. Our events calendar is a great way to see upcoming events. This past semester, we hosted events for homemade sticker making, watercolor painting, pot-a-plant, and embroidery skills. 

Service Highlight

2024 Presidential Election

Did you know that the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the universities participating in the Big Ten Voting Challenge? This competition involves 14 universities in the Big Ten Conference, competing for two titles: “Greatest Overall Turnout” and “Greatest Increase in Voting Rates.” 

Explore our Elections and Voting Guide at https://guides.library.illinois.edu/electionsvoting  for everything you need to know about registering, researching candidates, and casting your vote in the upcoming presidential Election. 

Your vote matters beyond this challenge—it’s your voice in democracy, shaping local, state, and national decisions. Stay tuned for registration drives and voting events at the Library in the Fall, which will be listed in our comprehensive guide. Make your voice heard—every vote counts!

Events

uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/tlasevents

April 30th 

7:00pm-8:00pm
Neruodivergent Hangouts
Join RSO’s “Actually Neurodivergent” hangout in a hybrid, laid-back setting with passive activities and quiet stimming tools!

May 2nd

Destress Fest
Events start at 10:30am, with a full list on the calendar page linked above.  Plenty of opportunities for brain breaks and activities to keep you engaged and energized as you prepare for Finals!

May 6th

6:00pm-7:00pm
Mindful Mondays
Experience tranquility with McKinley SMP’s Meditation/Mindfulness Minute! Join us for a calming guided walk-through meditation

Download the PDF Version

Feature

Hands-on Art Workshops

by the TLAS Staff

Like to draw, take pictures, write stories, or make fun crafts for your friends and family?  Sign up for our art workshops in April, no experience required!  The first is a Manga creation workshop on Tuesday, April 2nd from 3-5pm in Room 220 of the Main Library. Kofi Bazzell-Smith, Manga artist and graduate student in the School of Art & Design’s New Media program will teach techniques for Manga storytelling and drawing.  Kofi brings a rich and varied experience as both a Manga artist and student in Japan. This hands-on workshop will give you an opportunity to explore the history and culture of Manga as an art form and connect it to your own experiences.  All art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite pencil. 

Seating is limited to 40, so please register at https://uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/tlasevents/mangaworkshop.

Looking for a creative way to share your memories? Join us at the Photozine Workshop on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 3pm-4:30pm in the Main Library Room 220 and learn how to take pictures from your phone and turn them into an artistic gift for friends and family. You’ll learn how to make a hand-crafted zine by printing photos from your phone onto instant film. Turn your memories into graduation gifts, thank you cards, Mother’s Day cards, or a way to remember a key event in your life.

The only material required is your cell phone – all other supplies will be provided by the Library. Bring a friend and make a fun gift for each other!

Registration is limited to 25 participants – please register in advance at https://uiuc.libcal.com/event/12045908

Did you Know?

Admitted students will be touring the Library on April 20th for IlliniFest. Tours will start at 9:30am and end at 2:30pm, and will feature all of the spaces and services the Library has to offer. If you’ve always wanted a tour, please read through your options and submit a request from our tour page: 
https://www.library.illinois.edu/tlas/library-tours

Space Highlight

Family Study Rooms

The Family Study Room in the Orange Room of the Main Library has some new furniture! Bring your little ones to play with the toy kitchen (complete with food and baking materials), or read some books. Have you checked out one of the Family Kits from the Orange Room desk? Your child can use the child-sized table for coloring and puzzles that are included in the Family Kits! While this room is open for use by any student, the room is prioritized for those with children.

Grainger Engineering Library also has a Family Study Room AND a lactation space!  These spaces are limited to patrons with child-care needs. The keys to these rooms at available at the circulation desk on the first floor of Grainger Library. Activity kits are also available at Grainger, with activities organized be themes, including astronomy, magnets, and dinosaurs! Your little future scientist will love coming with you to use these spaces while you study! Reservations are not required to use any of these spaces.

Service Highlight

3D Printing at Grainger

3D printing is a fun and easy way to create. Whether you’re making something for a DnD campaign or prototyping the next great innovation, the IDEA Lab is here for you. No expertise is needed, andyou can typically learn everything to get you started within an hour.

The IDEA Lab’s 3D Printing Studio (within Grainger Library) has the following filament printers: three Lulzbot Taz 5, three Prusa i3 MK3, four Lulzbot Taz Pro, and one Lulzbot Taz Pro XT. They also have an Elegoo Mars resin printer.

To print, submit an .stl file to the IDEA Lab’s print request form. If you’re unsure about your project, you can also ask for a consultation. Once your masterpiece is ready, simply bring your iCard to the IDEA Lab Help Desk.

Learn more about 3D printing in this Libgude: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/3Dprinting

Events

uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/tlasevents

April 2nd

7-8pm
Neurodivergent Hangouts
Join RSO’s “Actually Neurodivergent” hangout in a hybrid, laid-back setting with passive activities and quiet stimming tools!

April 6th

11:30-1:00PM
Edible Book Festival
Make an edible creation based on your favorite book, or just come to eat.

April 10th

3:30-4:30pm
Speaking Center Workshop: Effective Visual Design
Well-designed presentations are about balance. In this workshop, learn practical skills for creating a standout slide deck and more.

April 24th

4:00-6:00pm
Finish Strong! with the Counseling Center
Learn about Finish Strong, a mental health campaign that promotes student wellness, self-care, and suicide prevention at different locations across campus. 

by TLAS Staff

Download the PDF version.

Feature

Valentine’s and Materials!

If you measure time through holidays, you may have noticed retail stores turning pink and red recently. In an incredible slight to Punxsutawney Phil, our nation’s favorite groundhog, as well as several actually important February celebrations, society seems to have skipped straight to Valentine’s Day.

Due to FOMO (fear of missing out), the Library is celebrating as well. However, before the calendar was commercialized, handmade missives were popular (especially in the 1840s). In addition, valentines were more about birds and poetry instead of Hallmark’s trademark hearts and angels that we see today. The Library is re-centering these handmade bird cards in an event we’re calling Alt-Valrentine’s, where you’ll get to make non-traditional cards celebrating your best friend, your favorite odd pairings, or your current hyperfixation. If you’d prefer something more modern, you can make you own stickers inspired by conversation heart candies (with candies provided for inspiration, of course) later in the week.

Alt-Valentines is part of a the Material Means workshop series, presented by the Ricker Library. Envisioned to promote the Ricker Materials Collection, a library of “things,” featuring samples of wood, metals, plastics, fabric, and more, the series provides hands-on experience with a variety of materials and processes. Each workshop will challenge you to think broadly about how materials are developed, used, and how products shape our larger understanding of society, self, and material culture. For more information, contact the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art.

The Alt-Valenties event is on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4–6. The sticker conversation hearts event is on Monday, Feb. 12 from 1–3. Both will be in the Orange Room.

Did you Know?

Did you know that March 19th marks the Primary Election for key offices, including President, Congressional Representatives, Illinois State Senators and Representatives, County Officials, and County Board Members? Stay informed about voting details by visiting: lwvchampaigncounty.org/about-voting.html

Service

Research Consultations

The Library offers numerous avenues to support patrons needing research support, including email, text, chat, and phone. While in-person services are offered on a walk-in basis at the information desk, or by appointment with one of our subject specialists, our research consultation service combines those options to maximize convenience and support. If you’re in a introductory or general studies course, you can work one-on-one with a trained research consultant to recieve personalized support and guidance on your research paper. Consultations are held 3–7pm, Sunday–Thursday. They can be in-person or through zoom, and walk-ins are welcome as long as the consultant is not already booked. Consultations are located in the Orange Box of the Orange Room on the first floor of the Main Library.

Space

Feeling creative? The Scholarly Commons (Rm. 316 Main Library) Self-Use Media Booths are sound isolated, one-room booths designed for audio and video recording of up to two people at once.  Record, produce, and even livestream content straight from a booth.

The rooms are versatile for a variety of class projects and career development needs.  Practicing for a vocal performance?  The spaces are sound-isolated, and private.  Need to conduct an interview for a class?  You can easily fit another companion in the space for your journalism class, oral history, or other creative project.  

Creating your own podcast? High quality microphones and media editing software are available in each booth to write, record, edit, and produce a podcast to highlight your own unique voice.

Book a space now: https://www.library.illinois.edu/sc/spaces/self-use-media-studios

Events

UIUC.LIBCAL.COM/CALENDAR/TLASEVENTS

FEBRUARY 14TH

NOON-2PM
Valentine’s Kits for Kids
Are you a student with little ones? Do you babysit? Stop by and grab a kit from the Volunteer Illini Projects RSO.

FEBRUARY 15TH

2:00PM-4:00PM
Tastes of Culture
Enjoy some international snacks and drinks with cross-cultural learning activities. Sponsored by International Education and the University Library

FEBRUARY 20TH

7:00PM-8:00PM
Nerudivergent Hangouts
Join RSO’s “Actually Neurodivergent” hangout in a hybrid, laid-back setting with passive activities and quiet stimming tools!

FEBRUARY 21ST

3:30PM-4:30PM
Coping with Presentation Anxiety (virtual)

The Speaking Center presents strategies and mindsets to help cope speech and presentation anxiety. Sign up at the URL above.

Download the PDF version.

Feature Story

De-Stress Fest

by TLAS Staff

We invite you to join us in the Main Library on Thursday, 12/7 for a study break anytime between 10:30 am-9 pm for our end-of-the-semester tradition, De-Stress Fest! No matter your preferred method of stress relief, there’s a study break activity for everyone. From miniature horses and calming crafts, to academic support, photo booths, snacks, donuts, and more, take a moment to relax and return to your studying refreshed, supported, and refocused. Studying at ACES or Grainger? Check out the full offering of De-Stress Fest activities.

Event highlights (full schedule online):

10:30 am-12 pm (Library Gallery) Heartland Mini Hoofs Therapy Horses & Polaroid Pictures
11 am-12 pm (Orange Room) Research Consultations
12 pm-1 pm (Orange Room) Make-A-Button; Free Snacks
1 pm-2 pm (Orange Room) Citation FAQs and Creative Brainstorm with the Writers Workshop
2 pm-3 pm (Orange Room) Recycled Book Page Greeting Cards & Card Catalog Art; Citation FAQs and Creative Brainstorm with the Writers Workshop
2 pm-3 pm (Library Gallery) Green Screen Photo Booth with the Scholarly Commons
3-4 pm (Room 346) Holiday Party & Reading Day Relaxer with The Rare Book and Manuscript Library
4-5 pm (Orange Room) Make-A-Button
5-6 pm (Room 106) Live Guided Drawing Tutorial
6-7 pm (Orange Room) Recycled Book Page Greeting Cards & Card Catalog Art; Free Snacks
7-8 pm (Orange Room) Donuts!
8-9 pm (Orange Room) Paper Snowflakes; Free Snacks

Library Space Spotlight

Family and Lactation Spaces

If you have little ones in your life, bring them to the library! Both the Main Library and Grainger Engineering Library have Family Study Rooms with activities for children to be entertained while you study. The Family Study Room in the Main Library is located in the Orange Room, with Family Kits filled with games and books, as well as a pack-n-play and kid tablets available for check out at the Orange Room Desk. Children will enjoy using the play kitchen in the space to cook you up a study break meal!

Grainger Engineering Library’s Family Study Room is located on the 4th floor, complete with a child sized table and chairs! There is also a lactation space available nearby for those who need to feed their little scholars. Talk to the Front Desk for the key, and to learn about materials available tailed to your child’s interests for use while you study.

Library Service Spotlight

The newest item in the Orange Room is our new microwave! This is available for use by anyone who needs it. If you need a food break, or aren’t able to run back to your living space to heat up food between classes, the library has you covered.

The microwave is located next to the Student Food Pantry in the hallway leading to the Writers Workshop and is available when the Orange Room is open. Stop by, fuel up, and get back to studying or taking a well deserved break!

As a reminder, the Orange Room is a food-friendly space, where we encourage everyone to stay hydrated and nourished to prepare for classes and lengthy study sessions.

Events

Event Calendar

DECEMBER 7TH

Destress Fest

Events start at 10:30am, with a full list on the calendar page linked above. Plenty of opportunities for brain breaks and activities to keep you engaged and energized as you prepare for Finals!

DECEMBER 11TH

3:00PM-4:00PM

Drop-in Counseling: International Student Circle

In Study Room 13 of the Orange Room. Stop by to learn about Counseling Center services for students. International Student Circle is a safe space for international students to check-in with counseling center staff.

DECEMBER 12TH 1:00PM-2:00PM

Counseling Center: Expressive Arts Workshop

Find a creative outlet to express yourself. All materials provided for a guided drawing workshop to help destress, reconnect, and express yourself.

Download the pdf version.

Feature Story

Trick or treat?

by TLAS Staff

Frightened by finals? Scared of speeches? Wracked with writing? Visit the Orange Room in the Main Library Tuesday, October 31st, from 2-4pm and meet experts to help plan for your research, writing, and speaking projects.

In addition to piles of candy and treats, you’ll have the chance to talk to library specialists from across campus to learn how to take the bite
out of challenging research papers. Drafting a paper? The Writers Workshop can help you craft expert prose to clearly convey your main ideas and provide a solid structure to organize your thoughts. Speaking anxiety got you flustered? Talk to representatives from the Speaking Center to learn more about their workshops and one-on-one consultations.

Or maybe you’ve already nailed your midterms and are just looking for a chance to relax with a good scare. Step into our virtual reality haunted house experience, brought to you by the IDEA Lab in the Grainger Engineering Library and Information Center. If you DARE!

Don’t hide in the closet or jump into a car that won’t start – come to the Orange Room’s Trick- or-Treat Spectacular and have expert monster hunters help you escape from the upside-down and ace your final papers.

Did you Know?

Did you know that the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library is home to the Mandeville Collection of Occult Sciences and Parapsychology? Make sure to check out the collection, which has over 16,000 fascinating items about magic, cryptozoology, witchcraft, and other spooky topics!

Library Space Spotlight

The Spooky Mystery of the Missing Bust

As Halloween draws near, join us in uncovering a campus mystery. Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the “Statue Liberation Society” made their presence known on our campus by swiping the Lincoln bust from Lincoln Hall in October 1979, only to have it mysteriously reappear on a tree stump on the University golf course.

The Society targeted the bust of Lloyd Morey, former University of Illinois president, residing in the Main Library’s atrium in December 1981.
To this day, that sculpture remains missing, while the alcove still bears his name and platform.

In 2011, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences received a package with a CD recording of an altered male voice explaining the incidents along with a list of six demands, touching upon campus issues such as pedestrian safety, food quality, and more.

As we approach Halloween, the whereabouts of Lloyd Morey’s bust remain a puzzling riddle. The empty alcove serves as a chilling reminder of this enduring campus enigma.

Library Service

Doc Express

One particularly rainy fall evening has been the subject of library lore for several years. A freshman-alone in her dorm room-struggled to write a research paper. A particularly particular professor assigned this paper, and she struggled to find relevant sources online. It was too late for the Ask a Librarian chat service. Panic was setting in, and she had to do something.

While she was thinking, a loud noise startled her from behind! A fierce gust of wind had blown a stack of books from the sill. It gave her an idea – she would search the print collections. It must have been her lucky night, as she found a book chapter that was exactly what she needed. It was at the Oak Street Facility, but she was smart and determined. With a few clicks of her mouse, she placed an order for the chapter to be scanned and send to her through the Doc Express service. It arrived within two days, and the professor was so in awe of the resulting paper that he collapsed reading it. The student graduated first in her class, though legend has it several more of her professors died similar deaths.

Events

Event Calendar

NOVEMBER 7TH 1PM-2PM

Anxiety 101

Join the Counseling Center to learn about anxiety, how it can be helpful, when to seek help and coping strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety.

NOVEMBER 10TH 3PM-4:30PM

Vulvas & Vaginas

McKinley Sexual Health Peers will be hosting an open workshop for students to engage in discussion and interactive activities around contraceptives, intimate hygiene, body positivity and female sexual anatomy.

NOVEMBER 13TH, 3PM-4PM

Drop-in Counseling: International Student Circle

International Student Circle is a safe space for international students to check-in with counseling center staff, while also creating connections and support within the diverse international student community at U of I.

NOVEMBER 27TH, 3:30PM-4:30PM (ONLINE)

Effective Presentation Design

Learn practical skills for creating a standout slide deck from the Speaking Center.

Download the pdf.

Feature Story

When you think of libraries, you probably think of books. You are correct–we have lots of books in the library, but we have many other services and spaces for you to use! Join us in the Orange Room, where students like to work on assignments and hang out with friends. We have plenty of tables and study rooms for you to use, as well as some helpful services and fun activities. Struggle with public speaking anxiety? Book an appointment with our Speaking Center. Want to find ways to strengthen your writing? Check out the Writers Workshop! Library databases overwhelming you? A research consultation can help you get started. Getting a little hungry while studying? Grab some food from the student food pantry, no questions asked.

We know that classes can get stressful, and it’s important to destress, so we offer many fun programming activities throughout the year. Attend a game night, a crafting event, or check out a book from one of our monthly pop-up collections. Want to be creative? Try out our zine (pronounced ZEEN) cart to make a DIY publication about anything you want!

The Orange Room is here for you whether you’re in for a long study session, or just catching up with friends. We look forward to seeing you!

Library Space Spotlight

Night Owl Resources

It’s never too early to start studying late. Extended hours begin in September.

The Funk ACES Library (open until 2am) has six group study rooms, and provides quiet study space with a variety of seating – big tables, individual carrels, and
lounge chairs.

The Grainger Engineering Library and Information Center (open until 2am, 24/5 later this semester) has your coffee needs covered with its own Espresso Royale Cafe, and four floors of quiet and group study space. The Communications Library in Gregory Hall (open until Midnight) provides cozy seating and a quiet space for when you need
to grind.

Like your own room? The Library Website (library.illinois.edu) is available 24/7 and provides access to research materials, books, journals, and articles online.

Maybe you just want to get a good nights rest? The Counseling Center website offers tips for developing healthy sleeping habits. counselingcenter.illinois.edu/brochures/effective-sleep-practices

Library Service Spotlight

Top 5 (+1) Services to Start Your Semester

Ask a Librarian– Our chat service is the perfect way to get help with your research without ever having to leave your seat.

Subject Specialists – Have you ever wished there was someone that is an expert in the information resources for your field of study, and can help you find the best sources for your assignment or research?

Library Social Media – Follow our main accounts, @UIllinoisLibrary on Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, and Tiktok for updates on events, services, research tips, and sometimes a book cart throwdown.

Food Pantry – Food is critical to academic success, and so the Orange Room hosts the Wesley Food Pantry to supply dry and canned goods.

Family Study Rooms – We recognize many of you are in a caregiving role, and the family study room is a place to study where you and a child can be comfortable.

Speaking Center – Public speaking can be stressful, so prepare yourself with personal consultations and workshops.

Events

UIUC.Libcal.com/Calendar/TLASevents

SEPT 5TH 1-2PM
Unexpected Changes
Join the Counseling Center to explore strategies helping us to ground and re-oriented when unexpected changes happen.

SEPT 12TH 2-4PM
Fall into Success
Learn about different campus support services to help you in your academic and personal success!

SEPT 14TH 3:30-4 :30PM
Coping with Presentation Anxiety
Learn strategies to help overcome the anxiety public speaking can create in this practical and approachable workshop.

SEPT 18TH 6-7PM
Mindful Mondays
Meet with the stress management peers from McKinley HEalth Center to learn tips for managing day-to-day stress.

Download the pdf.

Feature Story

Destress Fest
We invite you to join us in the Main Library on Thursday, 12/8 for a study break anytime between 12-9 pm for our end-of-the-semester tradition, De-Stress Fest! No matter your preferred method of stress relief, there’s a study break activity for everyone. From calming crafts, care packages, meditation, and academic support, to tactile and cathartic de-stressing and donuts, take a moment to relax and return to your studying refreshed, supported, and refocused. Below is a list of our events for the day. Studying at Grainger? Check out their De-Stress Fest activities here: We hope to see you there!

All Day – Orange Room: Calming Coloring Sheets, Crosswords & Word Searches, Positive Affirmations,
Puppy Cam Streaming
12-1 pm – Tactile De-Stressing (Play-Doh & Kinetic Sand), Buttons, Care Packages
1-2 pm – Main Library Outdoor Plaza: Piñata
2-4 pm – Orange Room: Writers Workshop, Research Consultations
3-4 pm – Orange Room: Care Packages
3-5 pm – Orange Room: Study Skills
4-5 pm – Main Library Room 106: Guided Meditation
5-6 pm – Main Library Room 106: Guided Painting & Drawing Tutorials
6-7 pm – Orange Room: Tactile De-Stressing (PlayDoh & Kinetic Sand), Buttons, Care Packages
7-8 pm – Orange Room: Donuts!
8-9 pm – Orange Room: Winter Crafts, Care Packages

Did you Know?

The Writers Workshop will also be offering support on Reading Day! Stop by in the Main Library (rm 100b) to de-stress with cookies and coffee and to check out the featured “Student art @ the Workshop” installation. Drop-in sessions start early for your end-of-semester assignments: Come to the Orange Room from 2-4pm for research and writing assistance, no appointment necessary! Regular in-person and Zoom drop-ins will begin at 4pm.
https://writersworkshop.illinois.edu/

Space Spotlight

Finals Study Spaces
At this point in the semester, you probably already have your favorite study spaces picked out. While we’re partial to the Orange Room, we realize lots of ambient noise doesn’t work for everyone. Our loanable technology program offers noise cancelling headphones for 2 hour loans, but other areas within the Main Library are relatively quiet, such as the Literature and Languages Library (aka the Reading Room) and SSHEL (Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library). Close by the Main Library, the Daily
Illini has declared the Funk ACES Library the best study spot on campus. With four levels of sunsoaked study areas, students can find quiet nooks and busy passages. The Music and Performing Arts Library
also has lots of natural light and areas with varying noise levels to suit an array of preferences. Visit our study space directory for other options.
https://www.library.illinois.edu/usinglibrary-spaces/study-space-directory/

Service Spotlight

Time Management Tips
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Not sure how to balance everything? It can be difficult to figure out what works best for you. Try some of these time management strategies students suggested to us: “I like to make a list and figure out what’s easiest to complete. Even if it’s not the first thing due, crossing off something makes me feel accomplished and more motivated to tackle the bigger projects.” “Create a space that is only meant for homework. Also create a space where you never do work, such as your couch. That way you associate each space with particular tasks.” “I use the Pomodoro method when I study. I study for 25 minutes and then I take a 5 minute break.” “I’ve personally found that most of
my procrastination comes from fear of not doing well. Knowing that, I allow myself to be “bad” at whatever it is I’m working on. It’s essential that students know that taking time to learn things is normal.”

Events

DECEMBER 5TH
Mindful Mondays (6pm)
Learn stress management techniques from our friends from the McKinley Center.

DECEMBER 6TH
Academic Success Series: Test Anxiety (4pm)
Exams and assignments have you anxious? Join the Counseling Center to learn quick and hands on tools to learn about test anxiety.

DECEMBER 7TH
Eat all the Colors (12pm)
Learn about the importance of eating “all the colors” of food, and get some healthy snacks! Run by the McKinley Health Center

DECEMBER 8TH
De-Stress Fest (Noon-9pm)
Read the front page! Action and excitement in the Orange Room all day.

DECEMBER 13TH
Positivi-tree (1pm)
Decorate the tree with positivi-tree with words of encouragement for your friends!

Download the pdf.

Feature Story

Pop Culture Pop-Up Collection

Groundhogs aren’t the only thing popping up this month–the Orange Room is launching its first pop-up collection! The Library’s claim to frame is our vast collections, and each month we’ll hand select a spread from across campus libraries highlighting some of our top tier materials. This month, Global Popular Culture Librarian, Mara Thacker, has selected three dozen graphic novel and comic titles from around the globe. Superheroes? Manga? Culture? We Gotham all, and can Harley believe it.

Are you into the MCU? Won’t Jubilee that Thanos collected all the tones in the Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin? Team DCU? No Wayne that we’d have Batman: Earth One. It presents an alternate universe Batman, who is still, well, a bat. Manga fan? You’ll Loki get a giant kick out of Attack on Titan, and One Punch Man is legendary in the panels of series. Are superheroes the Bane of your existence? Pen we’re inking you’d like The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Tales, a collection of First Nation stories, or Team Muhafiz which features a team of teenage crime fighting superheroes in Pakistan.

When a collection is popping, you’ll see it on the bookshelves just inside the entrance to the Orange Room in room 100. Items in the pop-up collection can be checked out with your iCard, just like any other book. Don’t gutter around–get ‘em before they’re drawn.

Have a suggested theme for the next pop-up collection? Email us at tlas@library.illinois.edu

Service Highlight

Food Pantry
We recognize that access is food is critical for academic success. Because of that, the Orange Room is proud to announce that it is the newest location for a Wesley Food Pantry! Located in the hallway leading to the Writers Workshop, this food pantry has canned and dried goods that is available for any student, and we encourage students to use this service as much as they need. The Student Food Pantry is open the same hours as the Orange Room, and students do not need to provide any personal information or meet specific income levels to use this service.

Space highlight

Bulletin Boards
Have you been looking for a place to post your flyers and posters? We have a new bulletin board in the Orange Room where students, student groups, or official campus units can post material intended to provide information on various topics and events for up to two weeks. Per guideline, no commercial materials or advertisements will be allowed as well as posts that violate the Library’s Patron Conduct Policy (https://www.library.illinois.edu/geninfo/policies/patron_conduct/). Posts should align with the Library’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) goals, which include offering resources and services that are both inclusive and accessible, as well as providing equitable opportunities for our diverse community. https://www.library.illinois.edu/geninfo/deia/

Download the pdf.

Feature Story

Edible Book Festival
The Champaign-Urbana Edible Book Festival is now in its 16th year, and is back in-person for the first time since the pandemic started. On April 1st, bibliophiles, bibliophages, book artists, and food lovers around the world gather to celebrate the book arts and the (literal!) ingestion of culture. No foolin’! Participants will create an “edible book,” which can be inspired by a favorite tail tale, involve a pun on a famous title, or simply be in the shape of a book, scroll, tablet, etc. All entries will be exhibited, documented, then EATEN!

Delicious prizes are awarded for winners in categories such as best depiction of a classic, punniest, best collaborative creation, and people’s choice. It’s not all fun and games, though. The Festival also serves as a fundraiser for the Wesley Food Pantry, which has a new location in the Orange Room of the Main Library as a result of a new partnership. Wesley Food Pantry provides critical support for those fighting food insecurity in our community, and small donations go a long way. 

Local celebrity judges include our very own Student Success Librarian, Maria Emerson, Pastry Chef Paris of Martinelli’s Market, and a representative from the Wesley Food Pantry.

Whether you’re a professional chef or just like to play with your food, the festival is open to anyone in the U of I & Champaign-Urbana communities. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Join us at 5:00pm on April 1st at Martinelli’s Market, near downtown Champaign. 

go.illinois.edu/edible

Service Highlight

Counseling center partnership
TLAS and the Counseling Center have teamed up this year to launch a new series, the “Academic Success Series.” This series covers different mental health issues as monthly workshops, which include tips and tricks for working through different challenges students may experiences. Topics include addiction, healthy relationships, test taking anxiety, culture classroom adjustment, time management, and more. All workshops are lead by Counseling Center staff and are in room 106 of the Main Library. You also have the option to join virtually if you register ahead of time! Our next workshop, Imposter Syndrome, is on April 4th at 1pm. Upcoming workshops can be found on our event calendar: https://uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/tlasevents

Space highlight

Group Rooms and screens; include links to book rooms

The Orange Room group rooms just got an upgrade! Group rooms 6-13 now have monitors installed to share your laptop screens and collaborate on group projects. You can connect to the screens wirelessly using the campus Mersive Solstice software. Directions to connect are included in all the rooms. All group rooms can also be booked in advance through our website: https://go.library.illinois.edu/OrangeRoomStudyRooms. Remember – these rooms can be (and have been) used for any student group work, not just studying. Meet with your friends in the Orange Room today!

Events

The 10th Annual Image of Research – Undergraduate Edition competition is now open! Deadline April 7, 2023.

The Image of Research – UR Edition is a multidisciplinary competition celebrating the diversity and breadth of undergraduate student research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. All undergraduate students are invited to submit an entry consisting of an image and brief text that articulates how the image relates to the research.