This page seeks to be a dynamically updated inventory of public computing sites and times in Champaign-Urbana. Please update it with any new information you may have.
Please limit this list to public computing sites and programs that are open to the general public.
Jump to a section in the list
Sites with public computers available at regular hours
Sites with public computers labs available as needed
Sites with a single public computer
Computer Education, Support and Training
Public computing overview
When you see a "NO", think of it as "NOT YET" or "NOT WITHOUT YOU"--and get in touch and help out. This goes especially true of UI and Parkland instructors: mobilize your students, they will learn at least as much as the people they serve in these labs!
(To add a row to this table, click the edit button above and then right-click on the table.)
| Site | Regular hours? | One on one help? | Classes? | Free? |
| Urbana Free Library | YES | YES | NO | YES, with or without free library card |
| Illinois Worknet Center | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| IMC Community Help Desk | YES | YES | NO | YES |
| Parkland College Computer Classes | YES | YES | YES | YES, except classes |
| Urbana Adult Education | YES | NO | YES | YES |
| Douglass Branch Library | YES | YES | NO | YES |
| Champaign Public Library | YES | YES | NO | YES, with free library card |
| Salem Baptist Church | YES | NO | YES | YES |
| Douglass Annex | YES | NO | NO | YES |
| University of Illinois Libraries (many campus locations) | YES | LIMITED, but YES | NO | YES and no U of I ID is needed |
| African American History Academy | NO | NO | YES | <need to find out> |
| The Whip | YES | NO | NO | hair salon, visitors welcome |
| Bethel AME Church | NO | NO | NO | YES, call first |
| Church of the Brethren | NO | NO | NO | YES, call first |
| St. Luke's CME Church | NO | NO | NO | YES, call first |
| Family Advocacy of Champaign County | NO | NO | NO | for clients and those in need |
| Church of the Living God (Annex) | NO | NO | NO |
YES, call |
| Jericho Missionary Baptist Church | NO | NO | NO | YES, call |
| New Free Will Baptist Church | NO | NO | NO | YES, call |
| Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church | NO | NO | NO | YES, call |
| Church of the Greater Apostolic Authority | NO | NO | NO | YES, call |
| Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center | YES | NO | YES | YES, for youth |
| Salt and Light | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Shadow Wood | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Tap In Leadership Academy | NO | NO | Coming soon | YES, but please call ahead |
Sites with public computers available at regular hours
Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St., Champaign Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Champaign Public Library has 15 computers in our Children's area for kids 12 and under; 20 computers in TeenSpace for teens 12 - 18 and 51 computers on the second floor for users of all ages. 25 of the computers on the 2nd floor are in the Busey Computer Room where users working alone can enjoy a quieter environment. In addition to these stations, the library also has 2 computers on the second floor with attached flatbed scanners. In order to use a computer at the library, a person must have a library card in good standing from a local Lincoln Trails Library or a computer use card. If you are not a local resident, computer use card can be obtained by presenting a picture ID at the Check Out Desk. Residents of Champaign can make appointments with library staff for one-on-one computer instruction in a number of topics.
Champaign Public Library: Douglass Branch
504 E. Grove St. Champaign 61820–3239 Mon to Thu 10 am – 8 pm Fri 10 am – 6 pm Sat 10 am – 4 pm. The library has a computer lab open to the public during general library hours. In order to use a computer at the library, a person must have a library card in good standing from a local Lincoln Trails Library or a computer use card. If you are not a local resident, computer use card can be obtained by presenting a picture ID at the Check Out Desk. Residents of Champaign can make appointments with library staff for one-on-one computer instruction in a number of topics. In November, volunteers will also be available at certain times to help people: Mondays 1-3, Thursdays and Fridays 11-1.
Urbana Free Library
210 W. Green St., Urbana. Mon-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open most days for the general public, tech volunteer help often available as well. A Community Ambassador, supported by a State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Eliminate the Digital Divide grant, is on site 12 hours per week. It is possible to schedule time for one-on-one support with the Community Ambassador. The library has laptops available for check-out by users with library cards. The Champaign County Historical Archives located in the buildings also has computers and scanners available on more limited hours.
Salem Baptist Church
500 E. Park St., Champaign, (217) 356-8176 5 to 7 p.m. Senior class on Saturday morning, 10-12. Call for detailed information about hours of computer lab. Lab features scanners and color printer.
Douglass Annex
804 North 5th Street Champaign, IL 61820-3230 Champaign Park District. Director, Barbara McGee, (217) 398-2572. Lab open during hours that Annex is open, 9-5, Monday-Friday. Call to see if lab is open outside of these hours.
University of Illinois Library
Nearly all libraries in the University of Illinois have public access computers that anyone can use without any log-in required. Visit their website for details on locations and hours: http://www.library.illinois.edu/services/hours.php
Salt and Light
The lab is open 12 hours a week. A Community Ambassador, supported by a State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Eliminate the Digital Divide grant, is on site 12 hours per week. It is possible to schedule time for one-on-one support with the Community Ambassador. Call for a current schedule of hours.
Shadow Wood
The lab is open 12 hours a week. A Community Ambassador, supported by a State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Eliminate the Digital Divide grant, is on site 12 hours per week. It is possible to schedule time for one-on-one support with the Community Ambassador.
Sites with public computers labs available as needed
Bethel A.M.E. Church
401 East Park Street Champaign, IL 61820-3899 - (217) 356-0323 Public Computers available. Call for availability.
Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Computer lab open based on need. Call (217) 356-3852 and ask for Dawn Blackman to check availability. 1210 North Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820-2723
St. Luke C.M.E.
807 N 5th Street, Champaign, (217) 356-4922. Has computer lab. Call for availability.
Family Advocacy in Champaign County
310 W. Church. Champaign, IL 61820. Computer lab open to clients and community members in need, but interested individuals must call first to ensure the lab will be open. Lab can also handle supporting clients who come in and need to use a computer, and lab has computers available for community orgs that might be using our space for meetings after-hours. Phone: 217-607-0546 Fax: 217-607-0549
Urbana Adult Education
Has a public computer lab that can be used by community groups or individuals. The lab has to be reserved in advance. Call to reserve lab time. 211 North Race Street Urbana, IL 61801 Phone 217/384-3530 Fax 217/337-4987
The Church of the Living God Annex
1109 N. Fourth St., Champaign Has seven computers and wifi in the Church Annex. Primarily for youth programs. Call for lab availability. 217-359-6920
Jericho Missionary Baptist Church
1601 West Bloomington Road, Champaign, IL 61821 Has a computer lab. Open to volunteer instructors coming in to lead community-oriented curriculum. Website: jerichomissionarybaptist.org/
New Free Will Baptist Church
601 East Grove Street Champaign, IL 61820-3240 (217) 355-2385 Has a computer lab. Call for lab availability.
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
1310 North 6th Street Champaign, IL 61820-2498 (217) 356-9633 Has computer lab for after school programs sponsored by Champaign Unit 4 School District. Call for lab availability.
Church of the Greater Apostolic Authority (Formerly Alpha & Omega)
Has computer lab. Call for availability. 400 West Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL 61820-2638 (217) 398-6745
Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, Inc.
1401 E Main St, Urbana, IL 61802. Provides programs primarily for K-12 youth, call for availability at other times.
Tap In Leadership Academy
809 S. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL, 61820. All computers in the lab are equipped with programs and resources for both youth and parents. Thanks to a mini-grant from the city of Champaign, Tap In will start offering public computing classes for local parents in 2013. Their phone number is (217) 819-5770.
Sites with a single public computer
Just B Cause
1410 N Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 359-4042, Has a public computer with internet access for patrons
Rose and Taylor Barber & Beauty
124 N. 1st St. Champaign, Illinois 61820, has one public access computer, open Tuesday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Barber Shop: (217) 398-9689 Beauty Salon: (217) 355-9689
The Whip
904 N 4th St #C Champaign, IL 61820-3139 (217) 356-3665 Has a public computer and free wifi
Mirror Image Hair Studio
202 W University Ave #B Urbana, IL 61801-1745 (217) 344-4827 Has a public computer
Locks of Glory
124 N 1st St. #B Champaign, IL 61820 217-351-9780 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm Has a public computer
Computer Education, Support and Training (One on one help & Classes)
Urbana Free Library Tech Volunteers
Learn how to search the Web, send e-mail, manage and save files, print documents, and more!
Urbana Free Library Flex-n-Gate Computer Center
201 W. Green St., 2nd Floor
Tuesday, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For more information visit the Tech Volunteers page http://www.urbanafreelibrary.org/computer/techvolunteers.php
Fall 2012: localwikians will be among those serving as tech volunteers / a chance to get tips on using the local wiki
Illinois WorkNet Center
1307 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign Monday-Thursday Lab is open to public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Structured classes open to individuals with all (or no) computer experience are Monday - Thursday, 3 p.m 5p.m. Open lab at other times. For more information visit website: http://digitalequality.info/
IMC Computer Help Desk
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana
Computer Help Desk hours: Tuesday, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Help Desk provides free computer support to the community. Anyone can bring their computer to the Help Desk with any problem. Also offers free computer classes. We'll help you remove viruses, fix a computer that doesn't start, or even just answer questions. For more info: Phone: 217-689-1462 Email: [email protected]. Note that the help desk doesn't offer support over the phone.
Parkland College Computer Classes
Non Credit Computer Skills classes offered at Parkland College to the general public. Also offers learn at your own pace curriculum in Parkland's Computer Lab. Visit the website for more information: http://www.csit.parkland.edu/ctc/
Urbana Adult Education
Offers courses on computer operations. 211 North Race Street Urbana, IL 61801 Phone 217/384-3530 Fax 217/337-4987 http://www.usd116.org/adult/computer.html
Douglass Branch Library
Douglass Branch just started Tech Volunteers in November, 2012. Hours should be expanding next year. Join us!
Mondays, 1pm-3pm; Thursdays 11am-1pm; Fridays, 11am-1pm
Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St. Champaign 61820–5193
Mon to Fri 9 am – 9 pm, Sat 9 am – 6 pm, Sun 1 pm – 6 pm
Champaign Public provides patrons one on one support from librarian staff.
Salem Baptist Church
500 East Park Street Champaign IL, 61820 217 356-8176
Salem Baptist supports the community with one on one computer. This is a great place for seniors to go get help.
African-American History Academy
Ted Adkisson, President. Teaches African-American history and digital technology to diverse age groups. Contact: (217) 359-7006
Public places with free wifi
This list is just getting started. Please add additional information.
- Related: See which locations are better or worse with WiFi speeds at coffee shops or public locations
Commercial
Champaign
The Whip
904 N 4th St # C, Champaign, IL 61820-3139, (217) 356-3665, Has a public computer and free wifi
Downtown Champaign
Nearly every restaurant and bar in downtown Champaign has free wifi. Password protected where noted.
Pavlov Media offers wifi to the whole downtown area.
BARS:
The Blind Pig Brewery
120 North Neil Street, Champaign, IL (217) 398-5133 ·
Great back patio to drink and work in summer. An outlet outside available. Free wifi
The Piglet Brewery (The Blind Pig Co.)
120 North Walnut Street, Champaign, IL (217) 398-1532 ·
Small, comfy place to work. Free wifi
Quality
Password protected
CAFES:
Pekara Bakery & Bistro
116 North Neil Street
7 outlets inside, 2 outside. Good lunch spot. Free wifi
Aroma Cafe
118 North Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820. (217) 356-3200
16 outlets inside, 1 outside. Good lunch spot. Free wifi, password protected
Cafe Kopi
109 North Walnut Street Champaign, IL 61820. (217) 359-4266. cafe-kopi.com<
Big tables, lots and lots of outlets. Free wifi
RESTAURANTS:
DESTIHL Restaurant and Brewery
301 North Neil Street, Champaign, IL (217) 356-0301 ·
Open tables, lots of room, nice for a lunchbreak work session. Outlets difficult to find in all places, best in bar area next to windows. Free wifi
Big Grove Tavern
Password protected
Wedge
Password protected
Nitya Thai
Password protected
Downtown Urbana
Crane Alley Restaurant and Bar
115 W Main St #1 Urbana, Illinois 61801. (217) 384-7526. crane-alley.com
Only commercial place in downtown Urbana with free wifi, though it is usually slow. Outlets limited.
Campustown
CAFES
Einstein's Bros. Bagels
901 W. University Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, (217) 344-7520.
Free wifi but no electrical outlets to plug into
Panera (Green St.) Bakery
616 E. Green Street Champaign, IL 61820. Phone: (217) 344-2528
Busy place since it's campustown. 8 outlets. Free wifi
Starbucks on Green
Caribou Coffee (County Market)
RESTAURANTS
BARS
Public and Non-profit
Champaign
Douglass Branch Library
504 E. Grove St. Champaign. 61820–3239 Mon to Thu 10 am – 8 pm Fri 10 am – 6 pm Sat 10 am – 4 pm.
Urbana
Urbana Free Library
210 W. Green St., Urbana. Mon-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wifi available on the patio after hours.
Campustown
Campus Public Wireless Locations Public access wifi is available for UIUC campus visitors. See Getting Started with UI Public Access Wireless for instructions on how to connect.
