West Bloomington Revitalization Project

09/04/2026

Candy is overrated! Kids can grab a free book from the WBRP Book Bike at the Labor Day Parade this Monday, September 7th, starting at 10 AM. The parade will be traveling from Downtown Bloomington to Miller Park. This year, some of the books being featured by the Book Bike were written by local authors, highlighting our proud West Side Story! Mark your calendars to be at the parade! Also, thank you to all of our volunteers who generously help our Book Bike distribute so many books to children each year.

09/02/2026

Thank you Vera & Buck Floral Studio for not only supporting us, but supporting Dolly's legacy too. 💚🎶📚

In honor of the great Dolly Parton, help us pack the WBRP book bike this month with new or gently used children’s books!!

Let’s help spread the joy of reading in our community!!

09/01/2026

Beds are a hidden need in Bloomington-Normal, and many children do not get an adequate night's sleep because of this. Thus, the WBRP's 10th Annual Bed Blitz gives local youth (ages 5-18) a twin-size wood bed frame, brand-new mattress, a blanket or quilt, laundry detergent, children's books, a hygiene kit, and a plushie. This entire kit is given away for FREE thanks to our generous donors and corporate sponsors, such as YouthBuild McLean County and Sherman's.

The application to receive a bed for your child this year is now OPEN until September 22nd. The Bed Blitz Selection Committee will select who will receive beds based on criteria such as household income, need, and zip code. Recipients will be notified in early October for this year's Build.

Do you know a family who might benefit from this program? Send them this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-DCBMwlJbEDNG5z1bJufjQ2ADCm03zEv_HjthkEaxaEShAg/viewform

Looking to help out with this year's build? Stay tuned for more info coming soon!

08/31/2026

Today, we are highlighting a member of the WBRP Board! Meghan Reha is a newer Board Member, but has been a Tool Library Member and active volunteer for the WBRP since 2017. She is often found assisting with the Tool Library and Arts programs (her favorite programs). Her favorite thing about Bloomington-Normal is all of the people who help make it a flourishing community, and a fun fact is that she collects public library cards when she travels around the U.S.! We are so grateful to have Meghan with us!

08/26/2026

We are thrilled to share an inspiring update on the future of our neighborhoods!🎉

A statement from our president, Breana Brown, regarding the approval of the Quality of Life roadmap:

"I am incredibly grateful to be part of the second team entrusted with creating and implementing a roadmap to strengthen the quality of life for communities across Bloomington. The WBRP is honored to partner with Teska and the City of Bloomington, especially because WBRP was born out of the first Quality of Life Plan developed with Teska nearly 15 years ago. We look forward to building a table that brings together residents, community leaders, organizations, and partners committed to meaningful and lasting change. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen programs, revitalize our neighborhoods, and create communities where residents can thrive. Thank you to the City of Bloomington for shining a light on our neighborhoods and investing in the people and communities that make Bloomington stronger."

We are deeply honored to be able to continue the vital work to uplift our community.💚

The city council unanimously approved spending $99,700 to contract with Evanston-based planning and design firm Teska Associates to develop the West Bloomington Quality of Life Road Map.

08/25/2026

WBRP Tool Library Members! Introducing a new tool: an electric drain snake! This tool uses a motorized, rotating metal cable to break up, hook, or cut through stubborn clogs in plumbing and sewer lines. Thank you to our generous Tool Library donors and volunteers who keep our Tool Library up and running! Interested in donating tools? Drop them off at the WBRP during operating hours!

08/22/2026

We will have fresh produce grocery boxes available today (8/22) starting at noon! Boxes include sweet corn, slicing tomatoes, mixed onions, garlic, green bell peppers, summer squash, & potatoes. 🍅🌽🫑

08/22/2026

We are incredibly grateful for the City of Bloomington's continued support. The John M. Scott Healthcare Trust grant program allows us to serve our community through our bike and healthy eating programs.

Congratulations to all of the other organizations! Together we make our community stronger. 💚

08/20/2026

Take some time to relax this weekend and enjoy some live music from Yea Big and Michael Carlson! We hope to see you this Saturday, 8/22, 4-6pm. 🎶