To Get a Library Card
Anyone who lives in Normal is able to get a Normal Public Library card.
There is no minimum age limit.
What You’ll Need
If you are 18 or over, you’ll need to show a photo ID and proof of your Normal address. Proof of address can be a bill, a piece of mail, a lease agreement, your driver’s license or a state ID, or your checkbook.
If you are under 18, you will need to bring a parent or legal guardian. You do not need to show a photo I.D. or proof of address, but your parent or legal guardian does.
College Students
College students are encouraged to get library cards! As long as your dorm, apartment, or house is in Normal, you are entitled to an NPL card.
Because college students often change addresses from year to year, your card will expire every year in September.
Be sure to bring along a photo ID and proof of your current Normal address the first time you visit us each school year.
Types of Cards
Kids Card
0- through 11-years-old
Kids Cards can check out any materials in the library, although parents have the option to block their children from checking out AV materials.
Kids Cards also grant kids access to the Children’s Computers. Parents have the option to block Internet access.
Teen Card
12- through 17-years-old
Teen Cards can check out any materials in the library, although parents have the option to block their teenage child from checking out AV materials.
Teen Cards also grant access to the Adult Computers and Laptops. Parents have the option to block Internet access.
Adult Card
18-years-old and up
Adult cards can be used to check out any materials in the library and to access the Adult Computers and Laptops.
College Student Card
All ages
Any patron who is a college student and does not have a permanent address in Normal will receive a College Student Card.
These cards are identical to Adult Cards except that they expire each September.
Fine-Free Card
60-years-old and up
The library offers Fine Free Cards to any patrons over the age of 60.
Please let us know if you are over 60 and would like a Fine Free Card.
AV and Internet Access for Kids and Teens
Parents can choose whether their child or teen may have access to AV materials and to the Internet.
Parents will be asked to grant or deny access at the time that their child or teen registers for a library card. You may change these settings at any time at the Front Desk.
AV materials include all cds, dvds, audiobooks, and games. We are sorry, but you are not able to choose which formats among these you will allow your child access to.
You may allow or deny access to AV and to the Internet separately, so if you’d like, you may grant one and deny the other.
Renewing Your Card
The process to renew your card is identical to that of getting a new card. So be sure to bring along your proof of address and photo ID.
If you are under 18, you will again need to bring a parent or legal guardian. You do not need to show a photo I.D. or proof of address, but your parent or legal guardian does.
Your Online Account
You can access your account online 24 hours a day.
Find out more about your online account here.
Bloomington Residents
If you live in Bloomington, you can use your Bloomington Public Library card here.
The first time you check out here, you’ll need to bring your BPL card with you to the Front Desk and fill out a registration card.
Once we have you in our system, you can use your Bloomington card just like you would a Normal one.
Residents Outside of Bloomington-Normal
Even if you are not a resident of Bloomington-Normal, you can probably still check out materials here.
We have an agreement with most area libraries that allows you to use your library card here. You’ll need to get a card from your home library first and bring it along when you visit us.
Some libraries choose not to be a part of our borrowing agreement. Feel free to call ahead and ask if your library is one of them.
Replacing a Lost Library Card
If you have lost your library card, we are happy to replace it for you. You’ll need to show a photo ID and there is a $1 replacement fee.
