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
Winter Reading Bucket List
Get out of your winter blues and into a good book with the Bookmobile’s Winter Reading Bucket List! Pick up a Winter Reading Bucket List activity sheet on the Bookmobile.
Beginning December 1, teens may pick up a mini canvas to take home and transform or use provided supplies in the TeenZone to create a tiny masterpiece!
Bloomington Library’s Used Book Shop will host a book sale during which shoppers will be allowed to fill a bag for $5.
The Teen Genre Book Club will meet monthly to discuss a different genre of book, giving you more choice of what to read. Pick any book that fits the month's genre.
It’s the season of giving! During Handmade Holidays you can create one, two, or even three unique handmade gifts for friends and loved ones. Design jewelry with GlowForge-cut pieces or add color to a 3D-printed stained-glass design.
Kids can work together repurposing cardboard boxes to build obstacles and ramps for Remote Control cars. They'll then take turns at the wheel maneuvering through their creations. Boxes and cars will be provided.
If you can't get enough holiday music, you'll not want to miss the library’s first ever Holiday Hits edition of Musical Bingo!
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.
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.
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.
Come to the library in your most festive attire to kick off the holiday week watching Elf, enjoying a popcorn bar, and making hot chocolate. Some items from Elf's favorite food groups may also appear on the menu.
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.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice in this magical all-ages story time! We will share stories, make crafts, and learn about the traditions surrounding the shortest day of the year.
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.
During all the library's open hours from December 22 to January 7, you'll be able to visit the Children's Department and play Reading Land!
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.