Teachers
Educator Cards
Educator Cards allow teachers to check out items for classroom use without using their personal library card.
To be eligible for a card, educators must be employed in a licensed institutional setting in Normal or Bloomington, i.e. child care centers, preschools, public elementary schools, or private elementary schools. All Unit 5 elementary school educators are eligible for an Educator Card.
Fill out an Educator Pack Request.
Educator Card FAQs
An Educator Pack is a collection of books specially curated by library staff. These packs allow local teachers to take advantage of the wide variety of educational and supplemental materials in NPL’s collections. Educators may request one pack every six weeks. The number of items in each Educator Pack is dependent on subject availability and the discretion of library staff. These Educator Pack materials may be checked out only with Educator Cards.
Pack requests should be subject-oriented and thematic in nature (e.g., spring, marsupials, France, healthy eating). But you may use your Educator Card to place a large number of specific titles on hold!
At this time, staff can only coordinate and organize Educator Packs between August 15–May 1. But instructors can use their Educator Cards to borrow resources to supplement summer classes.
Six weeks.
Library staff will contact you by email.
At the Children’s Information Desk (floor 2), or call 309-452-1757 to arrange to pick up your books using the Curb It service.
Please return books from your pack to the sorter on the first floor. Hand the tote bag to any staff member to check-in for you.
Please contact Randi Sutter, Children’s Outreach Librarian, with questions or feedback.
rsutter@normalpl.org | 309-454-4668
Educators are encouraged to choose their own materials. Librarians are available by appointment to provide an overview of library resources and to discuss effective search strategies.
Seven business days.
Homeschoolers
Homeschool Pack
Save time by requesting a Homeschool Pack to supplement units of study with books from Children's Services.
Librarians will compile up to 15 books on the topic of your choice and place the items on hold using your personal library card.
Homeschool Packs are available during the school year.
Fill out a Homeschool Pack Request today!
Homeschool Pack FAQs
The Normal Public Library offers the Homeschool Pack Service to help home educators take advantage of the wide variety of educational materials available in Children’s Services. The Homeschool Pack Service is intended to supplement units of study with books specially curated by library staff. Homeschool families may request one Homeschool Pack every three weeks. The number of items in each Homeschool Pack is dependent on subject availability and the discretion of library staff. Packs will not exceed 15 books. All selected materials will be placed on hold using the patron’s personal library card.
To be eligible, all you need is a personal Normal Public Library card or a Bloomington Public Library card registered at the Normal Public Library. Your library account must be in good standing.
Pack requests should focus on general subjects and be thematic in nature, e.g., spring, marsupials, France, healthy eating. If you would like to request specific titles, library staff can demonstrate how to place these items on hold using your library card.
No. The Homeschool Pack Service is available August 15–May 1.
Please allow seven business days.
You will receive an automated email notification when each book from your Homeschool Pack is available. You may pick up books from the hold shelf next to the Adult Circulation Desk (floor 1). Books will be shelved in alphabetical order by the first three letters of your last name. You may use the self-check station or ask Adult Services staff to check out the items to you. To pick up your books using the Curb It curbside pickup service, please park in one of the numbered spots in our lot and follow the directions on the sign.
Two weeks. Your items will automatically renew. Call 309-452-1757 if you have questions.
Please return books to the sorter on the first floor or to one of our off-site book drops at Target, Schnucks, Jewel on Cottage Ave., and the Community Activity Center in Normal.
Please contact Randi Sutter, Children’s Outreach Librarian, with questions!
rsutter@normalpl.org I 309-454-4668
Online Tools
As Normal Public Library patrons, you have access to all kinds of great learning resources. Use them in the library or from home!
Research Help
We are happy to guide you through any research project. Contact the library at 309-454-4668 or kids@normalpl.org to schedule time and instruction with a librarian.