Event List

Filters
Age Group

Ribbon Cutting: Celebrate the Expanded Library

Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
Children's Activity Room at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

After two long years of construction, Bloomington Public Library is ready to introduce the public to its expanded and renovated building! This Ribbon Cutting with the McLean Cou...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Activity Room
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

After two long years of construction, Bloomington Public Library is ready to introduce the public to its expanded and renovated building!

Soda Bottle Flying Airplane

Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 6:00pm - 8:45pm
Computer Lab at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Innovation Lab, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

Teens will use recycled soda bottles and cardboard to construct a flying airplane that they will power with a DC motor and battery. Once assembled, they will have the choice to lea...

Waitlist
Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Computer Lab
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Innovation Lab, In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
:

Teens will use recycled soda bottles and cardboard to construct a flying airplane that they will power with a DC motor and battery.

End of Summer Reading Party for Teens

Friday, August 2, 2024 at 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Community Rm 1, 2, & 3 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

Teen End of Summer Reading Party If teens, as a group, read for 5,000+ hours this summer, they will earn a teen-only, after-hours party with pizza, snacks, and prizes. On Mon...

Register
Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 1, 2, & 3
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 55
:

Teen End of Summer Reading Party

If teens, as a group, read for 5,000+ hours this summer, they will earn a teen-only, after-hours party with pizza, snacks, and prizes.

Animals Around the World

Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Community Rm 2 & 3 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

The Animals Around the World show, presented by Incredible Bats, Inc., will take you on a journey by continent across the globe. You will meet native animals from North America and...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 2 & 3
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

The Animals Around the World show, presented by Incredible Bats, Inc., will take you on a journey by continent across the globe.

End of Summer & Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Community Rm 1 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Innovation Lab, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

Celebrate the end of summer reading and explore our newly renovated building with a variety of activities for all ages!  Animals Around the World (including a sloth!), p...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 1
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: Innovation Lab, In-Person Program
:

Celebrate the end of summer reading and explore our newly renovated building with a variety of activities for all ages! 

Animals around the World

Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
Community Rm 2 & 3 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

The Animals Around the World show, presented by Incredible Bats, Inc., will take you on a journey by continent across the globe. You will meet native animals from North America and...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 2 & 3
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

The Animals Around the World show, presented by Incredible Bats, Inc., will take you on a journey by continent across the globe.

Silent Book Club

Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Conference Room at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

Are you looking for a book club without assigned reading? Do you need a peaceful hour with a good book? Join BPL's Silent Book Club! Bring your own book or find a new favorite ...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: Book Club, In-Person Program
:

Are you looking for a book club without assigned reading?
Do you need a peaceful hour with a good book?

D&D: The Fortress of Fangclaw

Friday, August 9, 2024 at 12:45pm - 4:45pm
Conference Room at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

Every person in the Forgotten Realms knows the legend of the Fangclaw Fortress, a mythical castle nestled in the mountains that’s home to a powerful and malevolent dragon by the na...

Full
Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
:

Every person in the Forgotten Realms knows the legend of the Fangclaw Fortress, a mythical castle nestled in the mountains that’s home to a powerful and malevolent dragon by the name of Vorketh.

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap

Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Community Rm 1 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

Are you interested in some new-to-you jigsaw puzzles? Trade in your gently-used puzzles for "new" puzzles at this swap. For each puzzle that you bring in, you'll be able to take on...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 1
Age Group: Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Are you interested in some new-to-you jigsaw puzzles? Trade in your gently-used puzzles for "new" puzzles at this swap. For each puzzle that you bring in, you'll be able to take one home.

DONATING PUZZLES TO THE SWAP

English Language Conversation

Monday, August 19, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Community Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

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 lang...

Register
Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 2
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 37
:

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.

Bits & Bites

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Community Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

During the first half of this program, teens will work together to assemble four game show buzzers while learning about circuitry. Teens will use components such as: 3D-Printed pie...

Full
Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 2
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
:

During the first half of this program, teens will work together to assemble four game show buzzers while learning about circuitry. Teens will use components such as: 3D-Printed pieces, micro:bits, arcade buttons, bit boards, maker tape, etc.

Banned Book Bingo

All Day 9/3 - 9/28
Offsite Event at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
At Home (supplies and/or written instructions provided)
Age Group:
Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

Banned Books Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring the freedom to read. This year, Banned Books Week will take place from September 22-28. In celebration, Normal Public Lib...

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: At Home (supplies and/or written instructions provided)
:

Banned Books Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring the freedom to read. This year, Banned Books Week will take place from September 22-28.

True Colors Book Club

Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Offsite & Online at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club, In-Person Program, Online Program
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

True Colors Book Club The True Colors Book Club will meet to discuss I Am Ace by Cody Daigle-Orians. Participants have the option to meet either in-person at the U...

Register
Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite & Online
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: Book Club, In-Person Program, Online Program
Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited
:

Custom Plywood Bookmarks

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Innovation Lab at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Innovation Lab, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

Teens who register for this program will create custom plywood bookmark designs using Canva and the library's Glowforge Pro laser engraver. After the program ends, Library staff wi...

Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Innovation Lab
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Innovation Lab, In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
:

Teens who register for this program will create custom plywood bookmark designs using Canva and the library's Glowforge Pro laser engraver.

Teen Genre Book Club

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Conference Room at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

The Teen Genre Book Club will meet on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss a different genre of book, giving you more choice of what to read. Pick any book that ...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Club, In-Person Program
:

The Teen Genre Book Club will meet on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss a different genre of book, giving you more choice of what to read. Pick any book that fits the month's genre.

Silent Book Club

Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Conference Room at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

Are you looking for a book club without assigned reading? Do you need a peaceful hour with a good book? Join BPL's Silent Book Club! Bring your own book or find a new favorite ...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: Book Club, In-Person Program
:

Are you looking for a book club without assigned reading?
Do you need a peaceful hour with a good book?

Raptor 101

Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Rm 2 & 3 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

Join the Illinois Raptor Center to learn about these fascinating birds. We will learn about the different types of raptors: hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures. Live birds will be p...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 2 & 3
Age Group: Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Join the Illinois Raptor Center to learn about these fascinating birds. We will learn about the different types of raptors: hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures. Live birds will be presented with handlers showcasing each species up close.

Star Wars TTRPG: Escape from Mos Shuuta

Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 12:45pm - 4:45pm
Conference Room at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

Join us for an exciting Star Wars Adventure: Escape from Mos Shuuta! It is a period of unrest and opportunity in the galaxy. The Galactic Empire struggles to maintain control in th...

Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 6
:

Join us for an exciting Star Wars Adventure: Escape from Mos Shuuta! It is a period of unrest and opportunity in the galaxy. The Galactic Empire struggles to maintain control in the midst of civil war.

Plant Share at WBRP Harvest Fest

Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Offsite Event at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

Calling all Plant People!  The popular BPL Plant Swap is popping up at the West Bloomington Revitalization Project's Harvest Festival which will be held at the West Bl...

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Calling all Plant People! 

English Language Conversation

Monday, September 16, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Community Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

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 lang...

Register
Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 2
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 39
:

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.

Bad Art Night for Teens

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Community Rm 3 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Teens
:

If you're a teen who's always wanted to try your hand at pastels, experiment with clay sculpting, or learn how to macrame, this program is for you. Enter a judgment-free zone where...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 3
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

If you're a teen who's always wanted to try your hand at pastels, experiment with clay sculpting, or learn how to macrame, this program is for you.

Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe

All Day 9/23 - 11/2
Bookmobile
Program Type:
Bookmobile Stop
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
:

Play Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe with the Bookmobile!* Game boards featuring Halloween & fall activities will be available on the Bookmobile from Monday, September 23 to Saturday,...

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Bookmobile
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: Bookmobile Stop
:

Play Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe with the Bookmobile!*

Banned Book Discusson

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Rm 1 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

Come together with fellow readers at our Banned Book Discussion, a program dedicated to discussing any banned book you've read. This inclusive and open-minded discussion will encou...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Rm 1
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: Book Club
:

Come together with fellow readers at our Banned Book Discussion, a program dedicated to discussing any banned book you've read.

Recording Studio Basics Presentation

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Computer Lab & Online at Bloomington Public Library & Online
Program Type:
In-Person Program, Online Program
Age Group:
Adult, Teens
:

Have you heard? Bloomington Public Library has added two brand new recording studios to its building! But what if you're unsure how to use the equipment or don't have experience us...

Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library & Online
Room: Computer Lab & Online
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program, Online Program
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
:

Have you heard? Bloomington Public Library has added two brand new recording studios to its building! But what if you're unsure how to use the equipment or don't have experience using a studio?

No problem!