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(Click link above to view a PDF of our January-May 2010 Program Guide)
The library offers many programs for all ages.
- Programs in black are for adults.
- Programs in pink are for children.
- Programs in purple are for teens.
- Programs in orange are for all ages.
Registration is generally not required, unless noted under the description. If registration is being taken, you can register online (if form is provided) or call the number listed under the description.
For information on our monthly book groups, please go to the Books Clubs page.
Ongoing
- Monday, January 4-Saturday, March 7
- Adult Winter Reading Program
- Monday, January 11-Sunday, March 7
- My First Reading Program:
Take Twenty; Read to Your Bunny
March
- Monday, March 1
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Tuesday, March 2
- Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party
and Activities for the Family
Start your night at 6 p.m. with story time in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. At 6:30 p.m. you’ll be able to head out into the Children’s Department where you’ll meet the Cat in the Hat, play games, make a craft, finish off a word puzzle, color a picture and read a Dr. Seuss book with your family as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.
- Wednesday, March 3
- Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime will meet at 10 a.m. in the Story Room at Bloomington Public Library. Help your 3- to 5-year-old build independent listening skills with our weekly 30-minute storytime for preschoolers.
- Thursday, March 4
- Toddler Time
Toddler Time will meet at 10 a.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. Toddlers age 19 to 35 months will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities with a parent or grandparent.
- Nonfiction Book Club
The Bloomington Public Library’s nonfiction book club — Books and Bites — will meet at noon at the Lincoln Leisure Center to discuss Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl by Stacey O’Brien.
- Musical Storytime
Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Story Room for 30 minutes of singing and toe tapping to stories, rhymes & action songs for kids of all ages. An adult caregiver needs to accompany children.
- Friday, March 5
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Saturday, March 6
- Saturday Rhythms
Join us at 11 a.m. for 30 minutes of fun, action songs. We will be marching, hopping and jumping to the rhythms of old and new tunes with a different theme each month. This program is for children of all ages. January’s theme is Spring into Action. A parent or caregiver needs to accompany children.
- Monday, March 8
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Second Monday Story Club
The Second Monday Story Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. Children in first, second and third grades will enjoy stories, poetry and activities.
- Tuesday, March 9
- Lapsit for Infants
Lapsit for Infants will take place at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Story Room at the Bloomington Public Library. Parents are invited to drop in for 30 minutes of lap bouncing, nursery rhymes, songs, and reading with your baby. This is baby-and-me-time for infants up to 18-months-old, so please make arrangements for older siblings.
- Anime Now
Watch anime films and series so new that most have not yet been shown in our area. Teens and adults are invited to join us on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room where we will view and discuss anime. Whether you are an anime novice or a seasoned pro you can enjoy the show on a big screen and meet up with fellow fans of anime and manga. Popcorn and water will be provided.
When the show is over, it’s time for …
Manga Later
Continue the discussion about anime and manga on our blog. This is your space to:
- Chat about your favorite anime or manga
- Meet fellow fans
- Find recommendations for your next favorite anime or manga
- Mystery Book Club
Under the Magnifying Glass, the Bloomington Public Library’s mystery book club, will meet at 7 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear will be discussed.
- Wednesday, March 10
- Resume Workshop
Learn the basics of professional resumes while creating your own at 3 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Tech Lab. Each workshop will teach attendees the various parts to a resume, why each part of a resume is important, resume formatting and how to word things in a professional manner.
- Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime will meet at 10 a.m. in the Story Room at Bloomington Public Library. Help your 3- to 5-year-old build independent listening skills with our weekly 30-minute storytime for preschoolers.
- Thursday, March 11
- Toddler Time
Toddler Time will meet at 10 a.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. Toddlers age 19 to 35 months will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities with a parent or grandparent.
- Movie Series - Earth Matters
Join us at 2 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room for this monthly movie series that will focus on Conservation & Innovation. Today, we’ll be watching Food Beware: The French Organic Revolution.
Summary: For the first time ever, our children are growing up less healthy than we are. As the rate of cancer, infertility and other illnesses linked to environmental factors climbs upward each year, we must ask ourselves: why is this happening?
- Musical Storytime
Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Story Room for 30 minutes of singing and toe tapping to stories, rhymes & action songs for kids of all ages. An adult caregiver needs to accompany children.
- “What’s for Dinner?
Food costs have increased, but we still need to eat! This interactive class includes suggestions for tasty, low cost, nutritious meals. Taste testing and recipes for singles and families are included in this 7 p.m. Community Room presentation with Pat Backsmeier from the U of I Extension office will be the guest speaker.
- Friday, March 12
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Saturday, March 13
- Computer Class: Setting Up and Using Your Web-Based Email Account
Trying to keep in touch is such a challenge unless you have email. Our expert instructor will guide you through the steps needed to create your own web-based email account complete with a secure password. The instructor will also show participants some handy things they can do with their new accounts. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 8 participants per class. This class will meet from 10 a.m.-Noon in the Tech Lab on the Library’s lower level.
- Second Saturday Family Stories
Kids of all ages will enjoy stories, songs and finger plays at 11 a.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. A parent or caregiver needs to accompany children.
- Dollar-a-Day Boys
This 2 p.m. Community Room program with speaker Bill Jamerson will explore the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, with 10-15 minutes of the program being specifically designated to cover Illinois projects. The CCC, also known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army,” included more than 3 million enrollees nationwide. These 17-25 year-old-men planted trees, built state parks and fought forest fires during the Great Depression. One of their projects included work at Illinois’ Starved Rock.
- Monday, March 15
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Computer Class: Computer Basics
If you’ve never used a PC before, this is the class for you. Your instructor will lead you through the basic exercises needed to successfully utilize your computer. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 8 participants per class. This class will meet from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Tech Lab on the Library’s lower level.
- Tuesday, March 16
- Lapsit for Infants
Lapsit for Infants will take place at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Story Room at the Bloomington Public Library. Parents are invited to drop in for 30 minutes of lap bouncing, nursery rhymes, songs, and reading with your baby. This is baby-and-me-time for infants up to 18-months-old, so please make arrangements for older siblings.
- Computer Class: Internet Basics
If you’ve mastered the mouse and now want to master the web this is the next class on your “to-do” list. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 8 participants per class. This class will meet from 10-11 a.m. in the Tech Lab on the Library’s lower level.
- Fiction Book Club
The Bloomington Public Library’s fiction book club — Bloomington Bookies — will meet at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Leisure Center to discuss The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry. Dessert and beverages will be provided. Books are available at the library’s reference desk.
- Wednesday, March 17
- Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime will meet at 10 a.m. in the Story Room at Bloomington Public Library. Help your 3- to 5-year-old build independent listening skills with our weekly 30-minute storytime for preschoolers.
- Thursday, March 18
- Toddler Time
Toddler Time will meet at 10 a.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. Toddlers age 19 to 35 months will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities with a parent or grandparent.
- Tween Scene: Fab Art!
This program geared for those ages 9-13 will allow you to join the Tween Scene, meet new people, learn about an artist and create fabulous art from 3:45 to 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month through April. Meet in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room.
- Musical Storytime
Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Story Room for 30 minutes of singing and toe tapping to stories, rhymes & action songs for kids of all ages. An adult caregiver needs to accompany children.
- Friday, March 19
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Story Times at Eastland Mall
Children’s librarians will entertain kids with stories, finger plays and songs at 10 a.m. on the third Friday of the month on the carpeted area near Mrs. Fields Cookies in Eastland Mall.
- Saturday, March 20
- Stamp Collecting with Mr. Stamps
School-aged children interested in stamp collecting are invited to attend and learn more about this fascinating hobby from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room.
- A Tale for Two Cities: Movie Series
As part of the 2010 installation of A Tale for Two Cities, you’re invited to join us at 1:30 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room for the airing of Bend it Like Beckham.
A Tale for Two Cities, an annual community reading program which is co-hosted by the Bloomington and Normal Public Libraries, is designed to encourage residents of the Twin Cities to read and discuss the same book. Copies of this year’s feature title, Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference,” by Warren St. John, are available at the Bloomington Public Library, the Normal Public Library and on the Bloomington Public Library’s Bookmobile.
- Monday, March 22
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Tuesday, March 23
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid Celebration
Test your Wimpy Kid knowledge, earn mom bucks and beware of the cheese touch at our Wimpy Kid Celebration! School-age children will enjoy games, prizes and a snack in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Anime Now
Watch anime films and series so new that most have not yet been shown in our area. Teens and adults are invited to join us on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room where we will view and discuss anime. Whether you are an anime novice or a seasoned pro you can enjoy the show on a big screen and meet up with fellow fans of anime and manga. Popcorn and water will be provided.
When the show is over, it’s time for …
Manga Later
Continue the discussion about anime and manga on our blog. This is your space to:
- Chat about your favorite anime or manga
- Meet fellow fans
- Find recommendations for your next favorite anime or manga
- Wednesday, March 24
- Interview Etiquette Workshop
You’ll learn to put your best foot forward in this class which will expose attendees to basic interview etiquette. Meet in the Tech Lab at 3 p.m. Registration is recommended and can be submitted online or in person at the Adult Services Reference Desk. Class capacity is 8 students. Walk-ins are welcome until the room is full. Instruction will last for 60 minutes.
- Friday, March 26
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- BN Gamefest
BN Gamefest will take place from 4-6 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room. Register early and online for this popular teen event which is offered monthly. Participants will game with fellow gamers in grades 6-12 on all their favorite games and the latest systems. Go to www.BNGamefest.org to learn more. Then show up, and bring a friend!
- Saturday, March 27
- Computer Class: Practice Your Skills
Do you need some extra time to practice what you learned in one of our other computer classes? Do you have a specific question about using a computer? If so, then this is the time for you. Our expert instructor will be on-hand to answer your questions on the last Saturday of each month. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 8 participants per class. This class will meet from 10-11 a.m. in the Tech Lab on the Library’s lower level.
- A Tale for Two Cities: Movie Series
As part of the 2010 installation of A Tale for Two Cities, you’re invited to join us at 1:30 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room for the airing of The Cup (subtitled).
A Tale for Two Cities, an annual community reading program which is co-hosted by the Bloomington and Normal Public Libraries, is designed to encourage residents of the Twin Cities to read and discuss the same book. Copies of this year’s feature title, Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference,” by Warren St. John, are available at the Bloomington Public Library, the Normal Public Library and on the Bloomington Public Library’s Bookmobile.
- Monday, March 29
- Tax Preparation Assistance
Visit the Tech Lab at Bloomington Public Library any Monday or Friday morning between February 1-April 12 for free assistance with tax preparation. Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be available to help people on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m.-noon. AARP Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.
- Tuesday, March 30
- Lapsit for Infants
Lapsit for Infants will take place at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Story Room at the Bloomington Public Library. Parents are invited to drop in for 30 minutes of lap bouncing, nursery rhymes, songs, and reading with your baby. This is baby-and-me-time for infants up to 18-months-old, so please make arrangements for older siblings.
- A Tale for Two Cities:
The Lost Boys of Sudan
As part of the 2010 installation of A Tale for Two Cities, please join us at 6 p.m. in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room where we will watch the movie God Grew Tired of Us: The Lost Boys of Sudan. A presentation given by two of these Lost Boys who are now living in the Chicago area will follow the movie.
The Lost Boys of Sudan include more than 27,000 boys of the Dinka ethnic group who were displaced and/or orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005). In 2001, about 3,800 Lost Boys arrived in the United States where they are now scattered in about 38 cities. Most of the boys were orphaned or separated from their families when government troops systematically attacked villages in southern Sudan killing many of the inhabitants. The younger boys survived in large numbers because they were away tending herds or were able to escape into the nearby jungles. Orphaned and with no support, they would make epic journeys lasting years across the borders to international relief camps in Ethiopia and Kenya evading thirst, starvation, wild animals, insects, disease and one of the most bloody wars of the 20th century. Experts say they are the most badly war-traumatized children ever examined.
A Tale for Two Cities, an annual community reading program which is co-hosted by the Bloomington and Normal Public Libraries, is designed to encourage residents of the Twin Cities to read and discuss the same book. Copies of this year’s feature title, Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference,” by Warren St. John, are available at the Bloomington Public Library, the Normal Public Library and on the Bloomington Public Library’s Bookmobile.
- Wednesday, March 31
- Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime will meet at 10 a.m. in the Story Room at Bloomington Public Library. Help your 3- to 5-year-old build independent listening skills with our weekly 30-minute storytime for preschoolers.
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