Bloomington Public Library

The Bloomington Public Library is launching its latest collection, dubbed the Library of Things. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, BPL invites the community to come test-drive some of the more than 80 objects in the collection. Starting next week, patrons can borrow any of the items for up to a week at a time.

The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program has helped bring free books to 3,800 kids in McLean County since 2023. Dolly Parton, founder of the program and a prominent pop culture icon, died Tuesday at age 80.

John Fischer and Jeanne Hamilton both support the "Illinois Digital Library Protection Act." They say it will help keep book publishers from forcing unfair agreements in order for them to offer digital content to patrons.

The Illinois State Credit Union, in partnership with the Bloomington Public Library, is offering financial literacy sessions next month. The financial education sessions are offered in both languages to ensure accessibility. The English session is on April 14, and the Spanish session is April 21.

Bloomington Public Library has made strides since finishing its expansion in 2024. Looking to adopt a new strategic plan, the library is ready to start its next chapter. The "Bloomington Reads" program is also coming back for a second year after a hiatus.

Book clubs see a bump in participation as "January Joiners" look for ways to up their word count. Librarians and indie organizers say book clubs aren't just about the books—they build community.

Contractors will replace the existing concrete beams with steel ones with a crane in order to improve the safety and functionality of the parking structure. The work will leave the deck and affected areas inaccessible to vehicles.

Last May, the grassroots advocacy group commissioned an artist to paint 15 circus-themed murals connecting the Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Museum of History. The member organization will do the same thing this summer to celebrate the centennial of Route 66.

More than 280 native plants and over 22 species were planted at the Bloomington Public Library’s Prairie on the Patio Garden.

The Bloomington Public Library got the idea to create a 2025 time capsule after finding one from 1977 during the library's renovation project.