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
A Planet Scavenger Hunt and other space-themed activities will be available during all the library's open hours from Monday, March 24-Sunday, March 30.
School-age children are invited to join us on the following afternoons/evenings to create the following crafts.
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 at Lapsit Story Time for stories, music, movement, and play intended to help develop and enhance early literacy skills and your baby's development.
Disclaimer(s)
Daycares
Due to limited space in the Children's Program Rooms, groups (such as daycare centers) interested in story times need to make arrangements in advance by contacting the Children's Services Desk by phone at 309.590.6155 or e-mail at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
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 at Lapsit Story Time for stories, music, movement, and play intended to help develop and enhance early literacy skills and your baby's development.
Disclaimer(s)
Daycares
Due to limited space in the Children's Program Rooms, groups (such as daycare centers) interested in story times need to make arrangements in advance by contacting the Children's Services Desk by phone at 309.590.6155 or e-mail at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
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
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.
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Disclaimer(s)
Daycares
Due to limited space in the Children's Program Rooms, groups (such as daycare centers) interested in story times need to make arrangements in advance by contacting the Children's Services Desk by phone at 309.590.6155 or e-mail at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
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 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 Time
Toddlers are always on the go! Come to story time to encourage their emerging skills with books, rhymes, music, and lots of movement activities. This program is intended for children ages 18-36 months and their caregivers, but all are welcome to attend.
Questions about this program can be emailed to Ms. Alex at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
Disclaimer(s)
Daycares
Due to limited space in the Children's Program Rooms, groups (such as daycare centers) interested in story times need to make arrangements in advance by contacting the Children's Services Desk by phone at 309.590.6155 or e-mail at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
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 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.
Illinois State University Art Education students will lead our Teen Art Nights on the dates listed below. Each class will feature a different project.
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.
Join us every Friday for a 30-minute, all-ages story time in the Children's Program Rooms. We'll enjoy music, lots of movement, stories, and FUN! This program is perfect for children -- ages birth to 11 years -- and their caregivers.
Disclaimer(s)
Daycares
Due to limited space in the Children's Program Rooms, groups (such as daycare centers) interested in story times need to make arrangements in advance by contacting the Children's Services Desk by phone at 309.590.6155 or e-mail at childrensstaff@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
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 all-ages, raucous 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.