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Book World Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/5 - 7/28
Children's Department at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

Visit the Children's Desk to request a Book World Scavenger Hunt Sheet.
Then compete the following:

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Department
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Visit the Children's Desk to request a Book World Scavenger Hunt Sheet.
Then compete the following:

Fun & Games: Family Game Day

Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

Join us in the Children's Department for classic board games, card games, and puzzles. Game masters from Red Raccoon Games will join us on site to demonstrate how to play a variety of hand-picked games, all appropriate for your family gaming

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Join us in the Children's Department for classic board games, card games, and puzzles. Game masters from Red Raccoon Games will join us on site to demonstrate how to play a variety of hand-picked games, all appropriate for your family gaming

Concert on the Patio: Kevin & Cassie Hart and Friends

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Patio at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone

After a multi-year hiatus, the library’s beloved outdoor concert series is returning, once again bringing to the community free live music from talented local musicians and bands.

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

After a multi-year hiatus, the library’s beloved outdoor concert series is returning, once again bringing to the community free live music from talented local musicians and bands.

Time Capsule Celebration

Friday, August 1, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Children's Program Rm 1 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone

What will people in the future think of the year 2025? 
You'll have to wait 25 year to find out! That's when Bloomington Public Library's 2025 Time Capsule will next be opened. 

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

What will people in the future think of the year 2025? 
You'll have to wait 25 year to find out! That's when Bloomington Public Library's 2025 Time Capsule will next be opened. 

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Paws and Pages

Monday, August 4, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Offsite Event at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

This program, which takes place at the Humane Society of Central Illinois in Normal, pairs children in grades K-5 with shelter animals to practice reading aloud.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
:

This program, which takes place at the Humane Society of Central Illinois in Normal, pairs children in grades K-5 with shelter animals to practice reading aloud.

Super Saturday Story Time

Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Join us for an all-ages story time extravaganza where we'll dance, listen to music, read stories, and have a wondrous time. This story time is perfect for kiddos, age birth-11 years, and their caregivers. We'll see you there!

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
:

Join us for an all-ages story time extravaganza where we'll dance, listen to music, read stories, and have a wondrous time. This story time is perfect for kiddos, age birth-11 years, and their caregivers. We'll see you there!

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Summer Chess Club

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

Calling all knights of the square table! 

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Calling all knights of the square table! 

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Prairie on the Patio: Grand Opening

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Patio at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone

Join us for the grand opening of BPL’s Prairie on the Patio. With help from Wild Ones and Illinois Prairie Community Foundation we've transformed the library’s patio into a native plants haven.

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

Join us for the grand opening of BPL’s Prairie on the Patio. With help from Wild Ones and Illinois Prairie Community Foundation we've transformed the library’s patio into a native plants haven.

Bookworms

Monday, August 18, 2025 at 9:30am - 11:00am
Children's Program Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

Wiggle your way through some book-themed activities before spending time reading (or listening to your adult read to you) as you work your way toward completing your reading goals for the summer.

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Wiggle your way through some book-themed activities before spending time reading (or listening to your adult read to you) as you work your way toward completing your reading goals for the summer.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Story Time for a Summer Night

Monday, August 18, 2025 at 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Program Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Join Mr. Cody and Ms. Lisa for an evening story time that will include books, songs, fingerplays and activities

This story time is for kids of all ages.

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time
:

Join Mr. Cody and Ms. Lisa for an evening story time that will include books, songs, fingerplays and activities

This story time is for kids of all ages.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Instrument Playground

Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00am - 2:00pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra Guild of Bloomington-Normal will present an INSTRUMENT PLAYGROUND at  Bloomington Public Library.

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra Guild of Bloomington-Normal will present an INSTRUMENT PLAYGROUND at  Bloomington Public Library.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Fun & Games: Family Game Day

Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

Join us in the Children's Department for classic board games, card games, and puzzles. Game masters from Red Raccoon Games will join us on site to demonstrate how to play a variety of hand-picked games, all appropriate for your family gaming

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Join us in the Children's Department for classic board games, card games, and puzzles. Game masters from Red Raccoon Games will join us on site to demonstrate how to play a variety of hand-picked games, all appropriate for your family gaming

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

D&D for Kids

Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Children's Program Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

This Dungeons & Dragons experience for kids in grades 3-5 will include a simplified, rules-light adventure.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
:

This Dungeons & Dragons experience for kids in grades 3-5 will include a simplified, rules-light adventure.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Super Saturday Story Time

Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Get ready to dance, sing, and dive into magical stories at our all-ages story time! Perfect for caregivers and kids from birth to 11 years old, this event is packed with music, movement, and read-aloud fun. Come share in the joy and wonder.

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
:

Get ready to dance, sing, and dive into magical stories at our all-ages story time! Perfect for caregivers and kids from birth to 11 years old, this event is packed with music, movement, and read-aloud fun. Come share in the joy and wonder.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

RC Cars for Kids

Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

Kids will need to work together as they repurpose cardboard boxes to build obstacles and ramps for RC (remote control) cars. Then, they'll take turns at the wheel maneuvering through their creation.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
:

Kids will need to work together as they repurpose cardboard boxes to build obstacles and ramps for RC (remote control) cars. Then, they'll take turns at the wheel maneuvering through their creation.

Plant Pals on the Prairie Patio

Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room 3 and Patio at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Step into nature with this special outdoor program presented in partnership with Master Gardeners!

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Community Room 3 and Patio
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: In-Person Program
:

Step into nature with this special outdoor program presented in partnership with Master Gardeners!

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

D&D for Kids

Monday, September 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Children's Program Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

This Dungeons & Dragons experience for kids in grades 3-5 will include a simplified, rules-light adventure.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
:

This Dungeons & Dragons experience for kids in grades 3-5 will include a simplified, rules-light adventure.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Preschool Story Time

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Program Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child
Preschool Story Time:

Help your child build independent listening skills while learning and having fun! This story time -- recommended for children ages 3-5 years old -- will feature longer stories, fla...

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 2
Age Group: Child
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program

Preschool Story Time

Help your child build independent listening skills while learning and having fun! This story time -- recommended for children ages 3-5 years old -- will feature longer stories, flannel boards, music, puppets, and activities which will help get your pre-readers ready for school. Meet in Children's Program Room 2 at Bloomington Library.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Mr. Jesse at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.

.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Tales for Tails

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Children's Department at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child

This program pairs trained and certified therapy dogs with children in Grades K-5 who want to practice reading aloud.

There will be 4 time slots available for kids to meet and read to a pup in the Children's Department:

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Department
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
:

This program pairs trained and certified therapy dogs with children in Grades K-5 who want to practice reading aloud.

There will be 4 time slots available for kids to meet and read to a pup in the Children's Department:

Toddler Story Time

Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Program Rm 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Toddlers are always on the go! Come to story time to encourage their emerging skills with books, rhymes, music, and lots of movement activities.

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
:

Toddlers are always on the go! Come to story time to encourage their emerging skills with books, rhymes, music, and lots of movement activities.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Sensory Story Time

Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

This inclusive story time offers stories, songs, and sensory-focused activities for children of all ages and abilities! After story time, stay for sensory play and socialization.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
Registration Required
:

This inclusive story time offers stories, songs, and sensory-focused activities for children of all ages and abilities! After story time, stay for sensory play and socialization.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Fun Friday Story Time

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Swing by the Children’s Program Room on Fridays at 10am for 30 minutes of music, movement, giggles, and great stories! This playful and engaging story time is perfect for kids — from birth to age 11 years — and their grown-ups, too.

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
:

Swing by the Children’s Program Room on Fridays at 10am for 30 minutes of music, movement, giggles, and great stories! This playful and engaging story time is perfect for kids — from birth to age 11 years — and their grown-ups, too.

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

A Beginner’s Introduction to Native Plants

Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Community Room 3 and Patio at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler, Adult, Teens, Everyone

Are you curious about native plants and why they matter? Join us for a fun and informative session that will open your eyes to the beauty and importance of native plants!

You’ll discover:

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

Are you curious about native plants and why they matter? Join us for a fun and informative session that will open your eyes to the beauty and importance of native plants!

You’ll discover:

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.

Singing, Swinging Story Time

Monday, September 15, 2025 at 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Children's Program Rm 1 & 2 at Bloomington Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time, In-Person Program
Age Group:
Child, Baby & Toddler

Join us for an evening of stories, laughs, fingerplays, and songs accompanied by guitar! 

This story time is for all ages.  

Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Program Rm 1 & 2
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
:

Join us for an evening of stories, laughs, fingerplays, and songs accompanied by guitar! 

This story time is for all ages.  

Disclaimer(s)

Hearing Device Assistance

To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.