Teachers
Educator Cards
Educator Cards allow teachers to check out items for classroom use without using their personal library card.
To be eligible for a card, educators must be employed in a licensed institutional setting in Normal or Bloomington, i.e. child care centers, preschools, public schools, or private schools. All Unit 5 school educators are eligible for an Educator Card.
Fill out an Educator Pack Request.
Educator Pack FAQs
An Educator Pack is a collection of books specially curated by library staff. These packs allow local teachers to take advantage of the wide variety of educational and supplemental materials in NPL’s collections. Educators may request one pack every six weeks. The number of items in each Educator Pack is dependent on subject availability and the discretion of library staff. These Educator Pack materials may be checked out only with Educator Cards.
Pack requests should be subject-oriented and thematic in nature (e.g., spring, marsupials, France, healthy eating). But you may use your Educator Card to place a large number of specific titles on hold!
Yes! Educator Packs are now available year-round.
Six weeks.
Library staff will contact you by email.
You will receive an email notification when your Educator Pack is ready. You may pick up books from the hold shelf next to the Adult Circulation Desk (floor 1). To pick up your books using the Curb It curbside pickup service, please park in one of the numbered spots in our lot and follow the directions on the sign.
Please return books from your pack to the sorter on the first floor.
Please contact Randi Sutter, Children’s Outreach Librarian, with questions or feedback.
rsutter@normalpl.org | 309-454-4668
Educators are encouraged to choose their own materials. Librarians are available by appointment to provide an overview of library resources and to discuss effective search strategies.
Three business days.
Homeschoolers
Browser Pack
Save time by requesting a Browser Pack to supplement units of study with books from Children's Services.
Librarians will compile materials on the topic of your choice and check them out using your personal library card.
Fill out a Browser Pack Request today!
Browser Pack FAQs
The Normal Public Library offers the Brower Pack Service to help home educators take advantage of the wide variety of educational materials available in Children’s Services. The Browser Pack Service can supplement units of study with materials specially curated by library staff. Homeschool families may request one Browser Pack every two weeks. Packs will not exceed 30 books. All selected materials will be checked out using the patron’s personal library card.
To be eligible, all you need is a personal Normal Public Library card or a Bloomington Public Library card registered at the Normal Public Library. Your library account must be in good standing.
Pack requests should focus on general subjects and be thematic in nature, e.g., spring, marsupials, France, healthy eating. If you would like to request specific titles, library staff can demonstrate how to place these items on hold using your library card.
Sure! Browser Packs are available to patrons throughout the year.
Please allow three business days.
You will receive an email notification when your Browser Pack is ready. You may pick up books from the hold shelf next to the Adult Circulation Desk (floor 1). To pick up your books using the Curb It curbside pickup service, please park in one of the numbered spots in our lot and follow the directions on the sign.
Four weeks. Your items will automatically renew. Call 309-452-1757 if you have questions.
Please return books to the sorter on the first floor or to one of our off-site book drops at Target, Schnucks, Jewel on Cottage Ave., or the Community Activity Center in Normal.
Please contact Randi Sutter, Children’s Outreach Librarian, with questions!
rsutter@normalpl.org I 309-454-4668
Online Tools
As Normal Public Library patrons, you have access to all kinds of great learning resources. Use them in the library or from home!
Research Help
We are happy to guide you through any research project. Contact the library at 309-454-4668 or kids@normalpl.org to schedule time and instruction with a librarian.