Posts

One day, it happens: you search for a book in Normal PL's catalog or bookshelves, but it's NOT THERE. What to do?!? Like countless seekers before you, you approach a NPL staffer or email us or phone us.

Have you ever seen an odd-looking insect and thought, "What on Earth is that?" I've had similar thoughts about a plant. "Could that be poison ivy?" Now is a great time to find out the answers to these questions!

Join Our BioBlitz!

Do you miss our main library building at 206 W. College yet? Yes, our wonderful annex across the street at 201 W. College is delightfully cute and beautifully stocked with a handful of new items in every format, staffed by the same smiling NPL faces you've come to know.

New year, new pile of books to read -- and maybe some new book challenges, too. you may find it useful to track your reading this year.

Winter Reading Book Bingo has begun! Readers of all ages may choose a bingo card and read titles to participate. 

Ever wonder about the collection of old buildings you pass as you enter Normal on Route 66 from the north? There’s a story here – in fact, lots of stories!

Oh friends: the December holidays are almost upon us. I don't know about you, but this is when I start to think about the best gifts to give to family and friends who celebrate.

Ready to game on? We thought so, and Normal Public Library is here to help. Tabletop gaming, that is. Our Library of Things has games for all ages and stages. 

It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year: SPOOKTOBER. As you know, our Adult Reading Challenge for October 2023  is to read / listen to a spooky book. Ohhhhhhhh, friends, WE HAVE GOT YOU.

I've said it often: as the Collection Development Librarian for NPL, I have the best job in the building. Why? I get to purchase lots of materials for the library collection. I'm frequently asked, "How do you know what to buy?"

Summer Reading is well on its way, and with the Find Your Voice theme, now is the perfect time to get artsy at the library.

From writing poetry to folding origami to singing a song, art can take many forms. It's all about expressing yourself and creating something new!

Come one, come all to the NPL Summer Reading Challenge, "Find Your Voice!" The goal is simple: to read every day. All ages can participate! Every type of reading, from digital content to magazines to books, counts, and for little ones who can't read yet, you can read TO them.

It's official: May 5 marks Normal Public Library's 50th anniversary in this building. NPL has existed since 1938 as a tax-supported public library (and before that, as the Normal Reading Room), but we moved to this space in 1973.