Past events are listed below in reverse chronological order with their recordings, if available.
Sunday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026; 2:00-4:30 pm. Global CU: Neighbors Connecting Through Cultures and Stories. Location: Urbana Free Library, 210 W Green St., Urbana, IL 61801. Inspired by the Human Library®, have a conversation with international neighbors and celebrate the diverse origins of everyone in our community! Neighbors at this event will be sharing various aspects about their personal stories and heritage cultures. Adults and kids are welcome to learn about different countries’ culture, language, cuisine, and more! This FREE event is co-sponsored by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs; Illinois International: Office of Global Relations; Urbana Free Library; and New American Welcome Center, University YMCA as part of Welcoming Week 2026. Learn more at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7331?eventId=33558943
Wednesday, AUGUST 26, 2026; 9:00-10:15am. Learning from a Library Luminary: Global Reach, Local Touch. In collaboration with the Accra Technical University (ATU) Library and the Association of African Universities (AAU), the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs is pleased to invite librarians, information professionals, researchers, students, academics and the general public to the 6th ATU Library Mentorship Series, featuring Barbara J. Ford, former President of the American Library Association (ALA), former Director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs (UIUC), and recipient of the ALA Honorary Lifetime Membership (2026). Read more at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7331?eventId=33558930. RECORDING available.