Normal Public Library provides many enriching events and resources for kids of all ages, parents, and families.
Activities
The Children’s Department offers lots of activities to educate and entertain kids. There are story hours for various ages, crafts, guest authors, robotics and other science and tech activities, and of course, Summer Reading
A Place to Discover
Whether we have an official activity going on or not, you can always find fun things to do in Children's Services.
The Discovery Room
The Discovery Room is a popular area for imaginative play, with an Everbright light wall, DUPLO wall, pretend play center, Velcro block wall, play house, and more. We even have a Tot Spot area reserved for our youngest patrons.
The Book Nook
The Book Nook is a welcoming area to find a comfy seat and enjoy a book, put some puzzles together, or build a DUPLO or MAGNA-TILE masterpiece.
Tech Playground
Jump on a Playaway Launchpad and play learning games in our Tech Playground. Launchpads are pre-loaded with interactive, engaging apps designed for kids in Pre-K to 5th grade.
Outreach
The library has lots of services and resources that can help teachers and homeschoolers.
We are happy to offer storytelling or information programs to nursing homes, churches, community centers, and schools. For more information, please contact us at 309-454-4668.
New Books for Kids
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Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness
A cross-disciplinary look at the history, mystery, and facts of left-handedness.
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Kid X
A boy with the ability to turn himself invisible realizes he may not be the only one with special skills
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Baa Baa Shop
Sheep overcomes his fear of getting a first haircut with the help of his grandpa at the Baa Baa Shop, discovering fun styles and a boost of confidence along the way.
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The Clock
In this poignant account of the transformation of a Paris train station into the world-class Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum), Pam Fong invites readers to experience the decades-long journey of a resilient clock, and to discover a lasting truth--there is always time for second chances.
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If This Were the World
Recess is wholly transformed when Omeed holds up an orange and asks one question: "What if this were the world?"
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Pinkie's Turnabout
Eleven-year-old Pinkie Starlight is working hard to earn the money to adopt Jack, a magical cat with ties to Pinkie's Grandmother. Just when things are starting to fall into place, the bully Pinkie managed to avoid at school shows up where least expected and she makes one mistake after another, jeopardizing her chances to save Jack and GG.
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Butt Or Face? Ador-a-Butts!
Are you ready for round four of the hilarious guessing game picture book? Discover fascinating facts about adorable animals while guessing if you're looking at a butt or a face!
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Duck Delivers
Guided by Great-Granduck's compass and three life lessons, Duck, a home-loving bird, embarks on an adventure as a delivery duck tasked with getting a package to Squirrel by sunset.
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Ramadan Rain
In this heartwarming celebration of family and faith, join Haneen and her Momma as they celebrate Eid and the end of Ramadan with prayers made on a rainy day.
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Together We Are Sunshine
Three Muslim sisters learn that by working together, they can overcome obstacles and become a source of strength for one another.
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Mythspeaker
In an attempt to fulfill a prophecy, thirteen-year-old Kyta, with a band of misfit kids, attempts an impossible heist to steal back the stolen Egg of the World Turtle and save the world from destruction.
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Frog: A Story of Life on Earth
Frog: A Story of Life on Earth is an imaginative and educational introduction to the history of our universe, our planet, evolution, and the vast diversity of our planet.
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When Bryn's Ear Went Quiet
This positive, evocative story gently uses a child's perspective to capture the experience of going to the hospital to have cochlear implant surgery, and all the emotions that go along with it.
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Broccoli Is Trying to Kill Me
Although her dad says they are good for her, a young girl knows better--she is sure the vegetables in the fridge are out to get her, with broccoli being the biggest and baddest of all.
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There Is Not Usually a Hole
Betsy and her stuffed crocodile, Philippa, encounter a mysterious hole while on a walk. When unusual items emerge from the hole and Philippa disappears inside, Betsy must navigate the unexpected to find her friend.
Upcoming Kids' Events
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an education initiative with three main goals: to promote early childhood literacy, to prepare young children for kindergarten and to facilitate family bonding through reading. Find more information about 1,000 Books and register here.