Brilliant Stories

Unique Finds at Jane Addams Book Shop: Spring Edition

March 8, 2021

We're kicking off a new series today to highlight one of Downtown Champaign's most iconic businesses. Since 1984, Jane Addams Book Shop has serviced our community as a locally-owned, independent bookstore. Booked solid with three floors of unique finds and old favorites, the more than 70,000 titles sold at this beloved store give a whole new meaning to the phrase "there's something here for everyone." 

In this series, we'll be talking with Jane Addams Book Shop Manager Judy Elmore about a few of the more Outside of Ordinary books that recently came through the door. As you hunt for a spring read, these books are just a few of the eye-catching titles you'll find during a visit to Jane Addams. 

unique recent arrivals at Jane Addams book shop
Dedication Exhibition Krannert Art Museum
University of Illinois, Urbana, May 20 through June 25, 1961

Judy: "An exhibition catalog from the opening of the Krannert Art Museum in 1961. Remarks from David D. Henry, U of I president, Allen S. Weller, Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and Cecil V. Donovan, First Director of the Krannert Art Museum. This interesting item shows the importance that our community has always put on Art and the dedication of many to bring about a place to house works of art for our community to experience."

The Krannert Art Museum is second-in-size only to the Art Institute of Chicago in the state of Illinois. Visit the museum with safety precautions in place today by scheduling a visit. 

Star Wars: Heir To The Empire
Timothy Zahn - First Edition Signed

Judy: In 1991, a book was published that helped reignite the fandom for the Star Wars Universe. Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn was the first book to be written that focused on what happened in the Star Wars universe after the movie Return of the Jedi. This book is the first in The Thrawn Trilogy, which is often considered a must-read for star wars fans. This first edition, first printing, is signed and dated (May 25th, 1991) by Timothy Zahn who was a Champaign-Urbana resident while writing this great book.

VCC's Communication Manager Taylor gives Heir to the Empire two thumbs up, in the spirit of Urbana-native Roger Ebert. Check out Ebert's review of Return of the Jedi as a refresher and then stop by Jane Addams to pick up the novel that directly follows the film!

The History of The World Famous Lawn Rangers
Compiled by Pat Monahan, Edited by Tom Kacich
Published by The News-Gazette

Judy: If you attended a Midwest Parade in the last 40 years you probably had the opportunity to see amazing performances of the Lawn Rangers. Decorated lawn mowers, brooms, masks, and precision lawn mower drills help make any parade a great success. From the Arcola Broom Festival to the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, these World Famous Lawn Rangers have shown the world how to have fun.

Take a peek at some of the adventures of the Lawn Rangers on their Flickr photo gallery.

Visit jane Addams book shop in downtown champaign!

Jane Addams is open seven days a week. Visit their website for store hours as well as their COVID-19 safety precautions and curbside pickup and dropoff services. For a regular look at the interesting things that come through the door daily, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Likewise, keep up with events, news, and information from Visit Champaign County on our social media channels. Give us a like or follow on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram!

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