Posts
Library Closed for Independence Day
NPL will be closed Thursday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. Our Fell Avenue lot bookdrop and off-site bookdrops will remain available. We will reopen at 9 am on July 5.
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Browser Packs: Take the Library with You
Do you miss our main library building at 206 W. College yet? Yes, our wonderful annex across the street at 201 W. College is delightfully cute and beautifully stocked with a handful of new items in every format, staffed by the same smiling NPL faces you've come to know.
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Tracking Your Reading
New year, new pile of books to read -- and maybe some new book challenges, too. you may find it useful to track your reading this year.
![Photo of book spines by Annie Spratt on Unsplash](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/annie-spratt-dAUKvCwNTSg-unsplash.jpg?itok=cJX-9xHb)
Normal Public Library: Featuring the Best Deals in Town!
Oh friends: the December holidays are almost upon us. I don't know about you, but this is when I start to think about the best gifts to give to family and friends who celebrate.
![Photo of four dice reading GAME with other dice scattered. Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-10/andrey-metelev-DEuansgqjns-unsplash.jpg?itok=HaxdQnv7)
Game On at Normal Public Library
Ready to game on? We thought so, and Normal Public Library is here to help. Tabletop gaming, that is. Our Library of Things has games for all ages and stages.
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It's Almost Spooktober! We've Got You at NPL
It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year: SPOOKTOBER. As you know, our Adult Reading Challenge for October 2023 is to read / listen to a spooky book. Ohhhhhhhh, friends, WE HAVE GOT YOU.
![Photo of bottoms of books in a row by Tom Hermans on Unsplash](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-08/Books%20Tom%20Hermans%20Unsplash.jpg?itok=lmwjIwmc)
Money Can't Buy Happiness (Except for Library Materials)
I've said it often: as the Collection Development Librarian for NPL, I have the best job in the building. Why? I get to purchase lots of materials for the library collection. I'm frequently asked, "How do you know what to buy?"
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Celebrating Disabilities and Differences
From CDs to Hoopla: There's Music for All!
Did you know the library still has music CDs available for check-out? Located just before the nonfiction books, near the printers, we have loads of CDs ready for borrowing. While my personal favorites are Broadway showtunes, there are music choices of all genres!
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Best Reads of 2022
We surveyed our patrons and staff to see what books stood out as their best reads in 2022 and why. Then we put them on display! Looking for your next read? Start here with some listed below or peruse the display in person near our main floor service desk.
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Get Creative with NPL!
Welcome to 2023! It's National Hobby Month as well as International Creativity Month, and we at NPL have plenty to spark your creativity this year. Ready to pick up a new-to-you hobby? Stop by our Create Joy display in the adult nonfiction section for some inspo.
![Photo of open book plus book stack, two lit candles, cozy throw, and pinecones by Photo by Olesia 🇺🇦 Buyar on Unsplash](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2022-12/olesia-buyar-ZD03qVhBJZg-unsplash.jpg?itok=BvSlayVn)
Jolaboka... What?!? aka The Christmas Book Flood
Time for one of my favorite book-casions: Jolabokaflod. What's that, you say? It's the Christmas Book Flood and originated in Iceland. It's the tradition in this book-loving country to purchase books for one another which are given on Christmas Eve along with chocolate.
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Transparent Language: 110 Languages at Your Fingertips
Planning a trip to Italy to celebrate your anniversary? Collaborating with your Chinese counterparts in your company’s Beijing branch? Just want to brush up that language you studied for four years in school, but somehow can’t seem to remember at all? We’ve got you covered.
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Meet Your New Best Friend: Playaways
Got a tedious task? Need to exercise but find it dull? Long trip on the horizon? We’ve got the solution: a Playaway. Playaways are ultra-portable books on audio you can check out with your library card. There’s one audio ‘book’ per device, so load up on several!
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Craft Your Fall Bucket List with NPL
Have you felt the crunch of leaves under your feet yet? If not, you will soon. It's time to make your fall bucket list! NPL has the resources to help you achieve those awesome autumn experiences. Check out the 10 examples below for a perfect fall!
![Chris Vallillo, standing in front of an aged wall holding a resonator guitar](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2022-08/chris%20vallillo%20%281%29.png?itok=IrmvGR6m)
Oh Freedom! Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
Thursday, August 11th at 6:00 pm, Normal Public Library will host award-winning folk singer Chris Vallillo for a musical history program appropriate for all ages, "Oh Freedom! Songs of the Civil Rights Movement."