Bloomington Public Library, Illinois

Bloomington Public Library, Illinois Location:
205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, IL, 61701

Phone:
309.828.6091

Hours:
Mon - Thurs:
9:00 am -
(1)

Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad--- Tuesday, June 23--- 6:30-8:30pm; Community ...
06/06/2026

Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
--- Tuesday, June 23
--- 6:30-8:30pm; Community Rooms 1-3
"Quilt Whisperer" Connie Martin, MA., provides an American historical information presentation from research on her family history to reveal secret codes in quilts as a 6th generation descendant of enslaved Africans in Kentucky.

Connie finds joy in sharing stories of her great-grandmother, Lizzie, as told to her from her enslaved mother, who told stories of plantation escapes, traveling through Kentucky, Missouri, and into Illinois to freedom in Canada.

--- Who began the Underground Railroad?
--- Why was it the most successful national covert operation to exist in America?

Learn the untold history of secret safe routes, and codes used on the Underground Railroad, including special stitching in the quilts; used throughout our counties - including use of Illinois rivers and streams that freedom seekers used to follow using abolitionist guides who risked their lives assisting them north to Canada.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Nazma at [email protected]
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This event is possible through the generous support of the Illinois Humanities through the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. The program enables local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.

Weaving Through Summer--- Tuesdays: June 16 and July 14--- 2-3pm; Children's Program Rooms 1-2Attendees will help weave ...
06/06/2026

Weaving Through Summer
--- Tuesdays: June 16 and July 14
--- 2-3pm; Children's Program Rooms 1-2
Attendees will help weave a wall hanging which will be displayed in the Children's Department.

A Make & Take project will also be available.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Lisa at [email protected].

Juneteenth at BPL--- Friday, June 19--- 10am-1pm; Community Rooms 1-3Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipat...
06/05/2026

Juneteenth at BPL
--- Friday, June 19
--- 10am-1pm; Community Rooms 1-3
Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, and is celebrated on June 19.

Join us at Bloomington Public Library as we celebrate Juneteenth with a storytelling performance by local storyteller, Pamela Purnell, followed by crafts, games, community resources, and information to help us learn more about this important holiday!

The first 200 children to complete and turn in their Juneteenth passport will receive a free book and a treat made possible by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, Bobzbay Books, and Miss Kim's Konfections.

Additional onsite community partners include Normal Public Library, Ecology Action Center, 40 & Up Jump, McLean County Museum of History, Project XV Museum, Illinois Art Station, Home Sweet Home Ministries, Illinois Humanities Envisioning Justice BN Hub, and more.

Facepainting will also be provided by the Zoo Lady to 50 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Ms. Alysha at [email protected].

---
This event is made possible by the Sapphire Sky Wind Fund at the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. The IPCF is a grant-making public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in its four-county service area (McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan counties). IPCF brings together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in the community.

This photo features a historical fiction novel. Please enjoy “The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr” by Susan Holloway Scott.S...
06/05/2026

This photo features a historical fiction novel. Please enjoy “The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr” by Susan Holloway Scott.

SYNOPSIS
He was a hero of the Revolution, a brilliant politician, lawyer, and very nearly president; a skillful survivor in a raw new country filled with constantly shifting loyalties. Today Aaron Burr is remembered more for the fatal duel that killed rival Alexander Hamilton. But long before that single shot destroyed Burr’s political career, there were other dark whispers about him: that he was untrustworthy, a libertine, a man unafraid of claiming whatever he believed should be his.

Sold into slavery as a child in India, Mary Emmons was brought to an America torn by war. Toughened by the experiences of her young life, Mary is intelligent, resourceful, and strong. She quickly gains the trust of her new mistress, Theodosia Prevost, and becomes indispensable in a complicated household filled with intrigue—especially when the now-widowed Theodosia marries Colonel Aaron Burr. As Theodosia sickens with the fatal disease that will ultimately kill her, Mary and Burr are drawn together into a private world of power and passion, and a secret, tangled union that would have shocked the nation.

Story Time for a Summer Night--- Mondays: June 15 and July 20--- 6-6:30pm; Children's Program Rooms 1-2Join Mr. Cody and...
06/04/2026

Story Time for a Summer Night
--- Mondays: June 15 and July 20
--- 6-6:30pm; Children's Program Rooms 1-2
Join Mr. Cody and Ms. Lisa for an evening story time that will include books, songs, fingerplays, and activities

This story time is for kids of all ages.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Mr. Cody at [email protected].

Spartan Showdown: Halo Infinite Tournament--- Saturday, June 13--- 2-4:30pm; TeenZone--- Registration requiredATTENTION:...
06/04/2026

Spartan Showdown: Halo Infinite Tournament
--- Saturday, June 13
--- 2-4:30pm; TeenZone
--- Registration required
ATTENTION: URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE UNITED NATIONS SPACE COMMAND.
The UNSC is looking for eight volunteers to find out who is the most cunning Spartan. Do you have what it takes?

YOUR MISSION:
Face off in 1v1 battles against fellow volunteers in a double-elimination style tournament to decide who is the most skilled warrior. You will have a set time limit to gain as many points as possible. Each person moves on to a new round to face a new foe until there are only two left. All you need with your is your skills and a winning attitude. Now let's finish this fight!

Registration can be completed online at bit.ly/halo0613, by calling 309.590.6168, or by visiting the Help Desk at the Library and registering in person. We will be playing Halo on the Xbox Series X console, not computers.

Questions about this program can be sent to Gene at [email protected].

Bloomington Public Library, Illinois, has been offering quality services, programs, and resources for more than 150 year...
06/04/2026

Bloomington Public Library, Illinois, has been offering quality services, programs, and resources for more than 150 years!

Found in this photo from April 3, 1960, is Judy Tucker. She is browsing through the Withers Public Library Record collection
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Withers Public Library was the predecessor to Bloomington Public Library before the name changed in the 1970s.
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This photo is part of The Pantagraph negative collection which is being digitized by the McLean County Museum of History. This digitization project is a work in progress with the years 1930-1962 currently available. The negative collection is searchable at bit.ly/pgraphnegs.

Language Conversation Group --- Monday, June 15--- 5:30pm; Community Room 3 Are you looking to practice your language sk...
06/03/2026

Language Conversation Group
--- Monday, June 15
--- 5:30pm; Community Room 3
Are you looking to practice your language skills in a friendly and relaxed setting? Come join our Language Conversation Group! Whether you're learning a new language or want to keep your skills sharp, this group offers a supportive space to speak, listen, and connect with others.

Offered in partnership with STAR Adult Literacy. Guaranteed languages are English, Spanish, and Swahili. All other languages are subject to attendance.
Each session focuses on casual conversation, cultural exchange, and improving fluency through real-life dialogue. All language levels are welcome.

Registration is not required.

Questions about this program can be emailed to Nazma at [email protected].

Between yesterday's Summer Reading Story Time (meets every Monday in June and July) and today's Pretend Car Wash, we've ...
06/03/2026

Between yesterday's Summer Reading Story Time (meets every Monday in June and July) and today's Pretend Car Wash, we've already seen A LOT of happy kids this week!

You can use this link to view all our upcoming children's programs.
bit.ly/bplcsprograms

Address

205 E Olive Street
Bloomington, IL
61701

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+13098286091

Website

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