2022 brought lots of changes to NPL! We got to say "Hello!" and "Yes, please!" to many patrons, community partners, and opportunities. Some of our highlights, including the new & improved website you're reading RIGHT NOW:
- 793 people participated in our first Year-round Adult Reading Challenge. We're offering another Year-round Challenge this year, too. Be sure to sign up on Beanstack if you haven't yet and join in the fun.
- 3,919 people registered for our Summer Reading Challenge, and a whopping 2,033 completed it -- over 50%!
- We added 11 Chromebook kits for checkout that were funded by the Illinois State Library / American Rescue Plan Act. Each contains not only a computer but also a portable hotspot for effective computing wherever you are.
- We installed two Study Pods, including one that's fully accessible, also funded by the Illinois State Library / American Rescue Plan Act. Reserve yours for a two-hour time-slot today by calling the library at 309-454-1757.
- We offered 648 programs across all formats and for all age ranges, including offerings as diverse as murder mysteries, book clubs, life-sized Candyland, and so much more.
- We reached thousands of community members through individual and partnered outreach events, including offerings in collaboration with Heartland Community College, Unit 5 schools, Chamber of Commerce, Uptown Normal / Town of Normal, 4H / County Fair, Immigration Project, David Davis Mansion, Miller Park Zoo, ISU, McLean County Museum of History and many others.
In 2022, we also said some goodbyes.
- Our hardest: The loss of our dear Stephanie Adams, whose wry sense of humor and abundant kindness we all miss.
- We wished 'Happy Retirement' to our wonderful Children's Services Manager Tori Melican after 34 years of service.
- In June, we gave our farewells to Library Director Brian Chase as he took up a new post in Florida.
What does 2023 hold? New Library Director John Fischer and the rest of the NPL team are busy planning the details. Our top priority: To continue to deliver exceptional services, collections, and programs for all ages in various formats, including in-person, virtually, hybrid, and off-site.
Check out Normal Public Library in 2023. We've got lots in store for you!