Parents
If you’re searching for a dynamic and exciting place to enjoy quality family time, turn to Bloomington Public Library. The Library’s Children’s Department offers entertaining and educational programming, interactive activity kits, and shelves full of books and graphic novels which are sure to spark interest and curiosity in readers of all ages.
Student Library Accounts
Bloomington Public Library and Normal Public Library partner with District 87 and Unit 5 to provide a Student Library Account to any student who does not already possess an existing library account. Student Accounts allow check out of up to three physical items from the library, access to all the library’s online resources, and use of the teenZone for those in Grades 6-12. Any Student Account can be upgraded to a full-access Library Card if the student’s parent or guardian visits the Library with the student and proof of their current Bloomington address.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program
It is never too early to start reading to kids! An early predictor of school achievement is being read to during childhood, and Bloomington Public Library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program is here to help. This year-round, continuous program is designed to help parents and caregivers prepare children for kindergarten. Children age newborn to 5 years who have not yet started kindergarten may join this self-paced program.
To get started, stop by the Children’s Department and pick up a reading log, or print your reading log from home using the PDFs below. (Each reading log represents 100 books toward your goal.) As your child celebrates completing 100 books, 500 books, and finally 1000 books, their name will be added to our wall and they’ll receive a special tote bag reserved for those who reach the 1000-book milestone. For questions or help call 309.828.6091 or email reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
Use these links to print your reading logs from home:
Events for Kids & Teens
Picture Book Poetry
Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month by visiting the Children's Department during the month of April and creating a poem from our picture books. Browse the spines to find titles that you would like to use.
Teen Black-Out Poetry for Teens
Teen Black-Out Poetry for Teens
Teens who register for this program will create a black-out poem of their own design using discarded book pages.
El día de los niños/El día de los libros
English
"Capsized!" with Author Patricia Sutton
"Capsized!" with Author Patricia Sutton
This program is part of Bloomington Reads, a community reading program series which encourages people to read and talk about the same book or, in 2024, the same topic.
Houseplant Swap
House Plant Exchange
Calling all Plant People! The popular BPL Plant Share is back and will be held on the library's patio.
Mason Jar Ring Wind Chime
Mason Jar Ring Wind Chime
Mason Jar Ring Wind Chimes for Teens
With this take-and-make craft, teens can create a Wind Chime. Kits will be reserved for the first 40 teens who register.
"Treble Trouble": A Children's Opera!
Join us for a performance of the children’s opera “Treble Trouble”, a production of Prairie Fire Theatre and Illinois Wesleyan University!
COMPOST ... Nature’s Climate Champion!
COMPOST ... Nature’s Climate Champion!
--- Have you wondered about the benefits of using compost and composting food and yard waste?
--- Do you live in an apartment or shared housing and think that composting is not something you can do?
Music of the Great Lakes and Illinois Waterways
Music of the Great Lakes and Illinois Waterways
This program is part of Bloomington Reads, a community reading program series which encourages people to read and talk about the same book or, in 2024, the same topic.
English Language Conversation
The English Language Conversations Group, offered in partnership with STAR Adult Literacy, is designed for adults for whom English is a second language.
D&D: Rise of the Necromancer
When a strange, violent storm forces your party to hide in a cavern, you discover a nefarious plot. It’s up to you to put a stop to these plans to engulf the land in eternal darkness!
Teens who register for this program will follow instructions to create a fabric pendant necklace or keychain using 3D-printed frames and upcycled fabric.