Beginning Tuesday, October 3, the following library items will temporarily move into storage:

  • MOST MOVIES
  • ALL MUSIC CDs
  • ALL CHILDREN’S AUDIOBOOKS

This action is necessary as we prepare to move into the west side of the building. We believe that items moved to storage will remain unavailable for the next 2-4 weeks.

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

Let Freedom Read Bingo

09/05/2023 @ 9:00am - 10/06/2023 @ 5:00pm
Bloomington Public Library
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: At Home (supplies and/or written instructions provided)
:
Let Freedom Read Bingo Banned Books Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring the freedom to read. This year, Banned Books Week will run from October 1-7. In celebration, you’re invited to participate in the Let Freedom Read Bingo Challen...

Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe on the Bookmobile

All Day 9/18 - 10/31
Bookmobile
Library Branch: Bookmobile
Age Group: Child, Adult, Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
:
Halloween Tic -Tac-Toe on the Bookmobile Visit the Bookmobile to play Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe! Gameboards will be available from 9/18-10/31, only on the Bookmobile. Players who complete a Tic-Tac-Toe board will receive a completion prize and will...

Tales for Tails @ Miller Park

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bloomington Public Library
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
:
Tales for Tails 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: 5-5:10pm, 5:15-5:25pm...

Story Time @ The Junction

10:00am - 10:30am
Bloomington Public Library
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 9
:
Story Time @ The Junction Join us at The Junction (301 E Oakland Ave) for music and movement, stories, and fun! This program is intended for children ages birth to 11 years and their caregivers. Registration is required and is limited to 10 fam...

Let Freedom Read Community Book Discussion

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Bloomington Public Library
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
:
Let Freedom Read Community Book Discussion Let's celebrate the freedom to read! Read one or more of the books from American Library Association's Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 and arrive prepared to discuss it with others. Light r...

International Dot Day 2023

All Day
Bloomington Public Library
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Children's Department
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: In-Person Program
:
International Dot Day 2023 Stop by the Children's Department on Friday, October 6, to participate in dot-inspired crafts and activities to help us celebrate International Dot Day! Wearing dot attire is encouraged. Questions about this program c...

Tales for Tails @ Miller Park

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bloomington Public Library
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 6
:
Tales for Tails 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: 5-5:10pm, 5:15-5:25pm...

Story Time @ The Junction

10:00am - 10:30am
Bloomington Public Library
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
:
Story Time @ The Junction Join us at The Junction (301 E Oakland Ave) for music and movement, stories, and fun! This program is intended for children ages birth to 11 years and their caregivers. Registration is required and is limited to 10 fam...

Tales for Tails @ Miller Park

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bloomington Public Library
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 8
:
Tales for Tails 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: 5-5:10pm, 5:15-5:25pm...

Story Time @ The Junction

10:00am - 10:30am
Bloomington Public Library
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Child, Baby & Toddler
Program Type: Story Time, In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
:
Story Time @ The Junction Join us at The Junction (301 E Oakland Ave) for music and movement, stories, and fun! This program is intended for children ages birth to 11 years and their caregivers. Registration is required and is limited to 10 fam...

English Language Conversation Group

5:30pm - 6:30pm
Bloomington Public Library
Register
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Offsite Event
Age Group: Adult, Teens
Program Type: In-Person Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 37
:
English Language Conversation Group A program designed for adults for whom English is a second language. Native English speakers are welcome as conversation partners to help others in the community. We work on conversation skills with ...

Halloween Digital Escape Room

All Day 10/24 - 10/31
Bloomington Public Library
Registration
Library Branch: Bloomington Public Library
Room: Virtual Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Online Program
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 20
:
Halloween Digital Escape Room Teens will use their investigation skills to solve puzzles and unlock clues as they investigate a haunted house. The house holds a mystery and they might just leave with a Halloween treat in the end. During the reg...