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
Endangered Animal Scavenger Hunt
Endangered Animal Scavenger Hunt
Find 15 endangered animals in our Children's Department to complete our Pete the Cat and Friends Endangered Animal Scavenger Hunt.
Boxes and Bubble Wrap Bash
What could be better for the summer reading theme of "Read, Renew, Repeat" than a repeat of a favorite program -- another Boxes and Bubble Wrap Bash! Join us for free play with a bunch of boxes and bubble wrap!
Ribbon Cutting: Celebrate the Expanded Library
After two long years of construction, Bloomington Public Library is ready to introduce the public to its expanded and renovated building!
Teens will use recycled soda bottles and cardboard to construct a flying airplane that they will power with a DC motor and battery.
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
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
Celebrate the end of summer reading and explore our newly renovated building with a variety of activities for all ages!
Animals around the World
The Animals Around the World show, presented by Incredible Bats, Inc., will take you on a journey by continent across the globe.
Summer Chess Club
Calling all knights of the square table! Come to the Children's Department for an informal chess drop-in event. All levels of chess skills are welcome! Bring a friend to play with or come to meet a new checkmate (Ha ha!
Silent Book Club
Are you looking for a book club without assigned reading?
Do you need a peaceful hour with a good book?
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
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