1. Library Hours, phone numbers and address

2. Normal Public Library - A Brief History

3. Driving Directions to the Library

4. Library Floor Plan

5. Library Resources

6. Library Services

7. Services for Special Needs

8. Interlibrary Loan

9. How to get a Library Card

10. Friends of the Normal Public Library

11. Freedom of Information

12. Board of Trustees

13. Long Range Plan

14. Employment

LIBRARY HOURS & CONTACTS

Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

And yes, the Normal Public Library is open on Sundays all year round!

Phone: 309-452-1757
Children's Dept.: 309-454-4668
FAX: 309-452-5312

The Library's address is 206 W. College Ave. Normal, IL 61761

NORMAL PUBLIC LIBRARY - A BRIEF HISTORY

Individuals who have served as Head Librarian at Normal Public Library are Margaret Hanna (1935-65); Arlita Austin (1966-68); Frances Brennan (1969-71); Ruby Hundley (1971-72); Robert Wegman (1972-2008); and Brian Chase (2008-present).

The Normal Public Library began modestly in 1935 as a Reading Room sponsored by
the Community Council and funded by the Works Project Administration (WPA).
Miss Margaret Hanna volunteered her services as librarian for the collection of 300 books. The first location was over the old Normal State Bank—now Waiting Room Records at 113 W. North Street; the second, Douglas Store—now Homespun Treasures at
117 W. North Street.

In 1938, citizens voted to support the library by public taxation. The library moved to a large room over Hildebrandt’s Drug Store in Payne’s Community Hall at
118 ½ W. North Street -- where the first Board of Trustees meeting was held on
April 27, 1938. The six elected members drew straws to determine the lengths of
their terms. Miss Hanna was hired as the first Head Librarian.

The next two locations for the library were 207 North Street—now Paintin’ Place; and
in August 1964, the former Eisner Grocery, 205 Broadway Street—now the parking
lot across from Commerce Bank.

In 1971, citizens approved a bond issue to finance a new building. The library moved to
its current location at 206 W. College Avenue on May 5, 1973, with the help of staff, volunteers, and the Illinois National Guard.

Circulation, materials, and demand for services continued to grow rapidly. In 1985, a
needs assessment by staff and community concluded that the library was in desperate
need of additional space. In 1989-1990, the Town of Normal approved a plan to raise
the property tax level by $1.4 million over a four-year period for library construction.
Bids for the library addition project went out in November 1991 on a design-build basis. Groundbreaking for the 25,700 sq. ft. addition took place on April 8, 1992, with completion of the addition and remodeling of the old building projected for the fall of 1993.

Normal Public Library has grown from 300 donated books to a diverse collection of nearly 200,000 materials. Traditional printed materials and the latest in computer and CD-ROM technology are available for public use. The library has changed as the community’s information needs have changed, but one thing is constant: the desire to provide the best possible service to our community.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

BOOKS--the strength of any public library lies in its book collection. Normal Public Library's book collection includes: general fiction, mysteries, westerns, romances, science fiction, non-fiction, large print, biographies, paperbacks, young adult titles, children's titles, test study guides (for ACT, SAT, LSAT, GED, GRE, TOEFL, ASVAB, etc.).

MAGAZINES--NPL subscribes to over 300 magazines, everything from "Antiques" to "UTNE Reader", from "Growing Without Schooling" to "National Enquirer." Most of NPL's magazines are of general interest; we do not subscribe to scholarly journals. Back issues of magazines are kept for four years; all but the current issue are available for checkout.

NEWSPAPERS--NPL receives 16 newspapers, including major dailies throughout central Illinois, both Chicago papers, and assorted out-of-state papers such as "Wall Street Journal" and "New York Times." Newspapers are kept for four weeks.

AUDIO/VISUAL--NPL offers a variety of audiovisual materials for checkout, including one of the largest collections of books-on-tape in the downstate area (both abridged & unabridged); books-on-cd, books-on-mp3cd, compact discs, videos, dvd's, and computer software.

COMPUTER--NPL offers computer software (IBM and Apple) and IBM Compatible CD-ROMS for checkout to adult cardholders.

REFERENCE--NPL is constantly expanding our reference resources to serve the information needs of our patrons. Sources available include: reference books in all areas; tax forms; college catalogs on microfiche; local history materials; and access to the Internet and Online Databases.

LIBRARY SERVICES

• Children's Department
• Sign on to our E-mail List
• Reference & Information Desk
• Computerized Card Catalog
• Community Room available free of charge to local groups for meetings.
• Programs for adults, including author visits, reading clubs, and guest speakers.
• Special Services for homebound patrons.
• Coin-operated copiers
• Microcomputers for public use, including access to the Internet
• Bestseller Rental Collection
• Reserve Cards
• Handicapped Accessible
• Quiet Study Rooms
• Reciprocal borrowing for patrons with valid library card from most Illinois public libraries.
• Notary publics on staff
• Library Newsletter

SERVICES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

HOMEBOUND DELIVERY of library materials is available to patrons living in Normal who are unable to come to the library due to permanent or temporary disability or illness.

DEPOSIT COLLECTIONS are placed in nursing homes and retirement communities upon request.

TALKING BOOK SERVICE, a free service for persons unable to read standard print because of a visual or physical disability.

BI-FOCAL KITS, multimedia kits used to stimulate discussion; often used in nursing home settings or with intergenerational groups. Topics include "Farm Days", "Birthdays", "Remembering the Depression", "Remembering County Fairs" and many others.

COMPUTER FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED individuals is available in the upstairs computer lab. Call 452-1757 to set up an appointment, or stop in and talk to any of the friendly A-V staff.

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE COMPUTER TERMINALS

TDD -- 309-452-3233

For further information about special services available at Normal Public Library, contact Mary Lou Lawson, 309-452-1757.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Since Normal Public Library is unable to acquire all of the printed material available, we, in cooperation with libraries throughout the world, offer Interlibrary Loan service. Patrons may fill out request forms for items not owned by NPL. Requests are searched by computer in the collections of the Resource Sharing Alliance; materials not found at these sites may be found through state and nationwide computer searches. If you cannot find the book you need at NPL, just ask for an Interlibrary Loan form, and we'll track it down!

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY CARD

Materials in the Normal Public Library are available to the public for use in the library. If you wish to check out materials, you must have a current library card for NPL or from cooperating public libraries in Illinois.

If you are a resident of the Town of Normal, you will get your FREE library card at NPL. Proof of address is required, as is parental consent for anyone under age 14. To show proof of address, we ask that you bring a picture ID and something with your name and current address on it -- for example, your checkbook, a piece of mail addressed to you, a rental agreement, a driver's license, a car insurance form, etc. Children may receive a library card when they enter kindergarten or turn five years old, whichever comes first; in order for a child to have a library card, at least one parent or guardian must also have a card.

Patrons with a library card from Bloomington, Hudson, El Paso, Towanda, Golden Prairie District, or other local public libraries, may check out materials at Normal Public Library, and vice versa. However, you must get your library card in the city/town where you live and to whom you pay your taxes! This is the sole factor that determines where you get your library card. For example, if you live in the Unit 5 school district, you will only get an NPL card if you live in Normal; otherwise you must get your card in Bloomington, Towanda, Carlock, Hudson, or wherever you live. It is confusing! But remember -- you can use your library card at any cooperating public library in Illinois, but you must get your card in the city where you live. (One exception to this rule is patrons with a card from the LeRoy Public Library; because the LeRoy library does not participate in reciprocal borrowing agreements with other state libraries, LeRoy cards are good for checkout ONLY at the LeRoy library. LeRoy patrons are, of course, welcome to use NPL materials in the library, but they cannot check out NPL material).

Illinois State University students are eligible for an NPL card, provided they are living in a dorm or in housing in the Town of Normal. ISU students must bring a photo ID and proof of address in order to receive a card for NPL.

FRIENDS OF THE NORMAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Friends of Normal Public Library are individuals who share a common belief that a good public library is essential to the intellectual and cultural growth of the community. Members of the Friends work together to promote the continued development and improvement of the Normal Public Library. Over the years, the Friends have contributed thousands of dollars to the library to make possible the purchase of books, equipment, and continuing education for staff that are not covered in the budget. The Friends have held book sales, underwritten program costs, served on committees, and helped out at special library events.

Annual membership fees are $5.00 individual, $10.00 family, and $100 lifetime. Ask for membership information at the Circulation Desk or print out a registration form to mail in, and show your support of Normal Public Library by becoming a Friend.

"The only way to have a friend is to be one"
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Organizational Chart

Freedom of Information Policy

Freedom of Information Request Form

Board Information

Normal Public Library Board of Trustees 2009-2011

Board Meeting Dates (Library Board Room 6:00 p.m.) a

April 29, 2009	September 30, 2009	February 24, 2010
May 27, 2009	October 28, 2009	March 31, 2010
June 24, 2009	November 18, 2009	April 28, 2010
July 29, 2009	December 16, 2009
August 26, 2009	January 27, 2010

Board Agenda
Board Minutes
Web Statistics
Previous Minutes

LONG RANGE PLAN

The Long Range Plan for the Normal Public Library

In the fall of 2003 and early winter of 2004 the Normal Public Library conducted a series of focus group meetings to develop a Vision Statement, Mission Statement and a set of Service Priorities/Goal Statements for the next five years for the Normal Public Library. Library staff, members of the Library Board, and members of the community volunteered their time to aid the library. The library is very grateful for the time and thought that each member put into the process. The meetings were facilitated by Julie Hile of the Hile Group. The Hile Group is a nationally recognized consulting firm located in Bloomington, Illinois. We are especially grateful to Julie and the Hile Group for their expertise.

At the March 24, 2004 Library Board meeting, the Library Board of Trustees adopted the following Long Range Goals for the library:

Vision Statement

The Normal Public Library is a vital public resource that serves the community as a gateway to an expanding world of knowledge. The library is committed to being a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. As a resource center, its professional and dedicated staff offers helpful services and access to technology. As a community center, it provides educational and cultural opportunities for lifelong learning.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Normal Public Library is to be an educational, informational, recreational and cultural community resource.

SERVICE PRIORITIES/GOAL STATEMENTS

Facilities. Assure comfortable, accessible, efficient facilities that are capable of accommodating the changing interests and needs of the community.

1. Goal. Acquire the Parking Lot that occupies the previous location of the 1st Presbyterian Church. The immediate need is parking (especially with consideration of a parking deck for the downtown expansion) with long range (5-10 years) needs for facility expansion. – Rationale: Currently it is a parking lot with limited building potential under the current parking requirements. A potential parking deck for the downtown redevelopment provides for additional parking but creates a number of problems for particular users that could be addressed by the acquiring of this parking area.

2. Goal. Create additional public display space for Audio-Visual material. –Rationale: Expanding formats in video and talking books has eliminated any room for additional material, necessitating additional needed display space.
Objective: Remove the brick wall immediately south of the elevator on the first floor. Create a new wall as an extension of the current south side of the elevator brick wall directly east to the east wall of the library.
Objective: Install perimeter 90” shelving for display of Talking Books and associated interior shelving.

3. Goal. Increase the energy efficiency of the library. – Rationale: With increasing energy costs and changes in the current franchising agreements we need to mitigate any increases in costs – cost containment through appropriate changes.
Objective: Relamp the library with energy efficient fixtures and lamps. Currently we utilize T-12 lamps and ballasts. By changing to T-8 lamps and ballasts, it is estimated that the library can achieve a forty percent savings. This would be a multi-year project utilizing current staff.
Objective: Replace the current digital control of the HVAC system. The current program is an 8-bit program with local control. Change to a network based DDC with remote access.

Technology. Use technology to maximize information access and continually improve efficiency of operations.

1. Goal. Improve the efficiency of operations. Rationale: More and more facets of life are providing for additional self serve checkpoints to more efficiently utilize staff and provide for faster throughput. The lessening of reliance on individuals to process material – say on materials returns – would aid in reducing human error.
Objective. Convert our current Checkpoint Radio Frequency theft detection tags to RFID. Radio Frequency Identification Devices provide for the next step in the minimizing of human error.
Objective. Upgrade our Theft Detection Screens to enable the reading of 13.6 Ghz radio frequency.
Objective. Install a Self-Check unit to enable users to bypass lines at the circulation desk and to serve as a cost containment measure in terms of staff time for repetitive tasks not requiring staff intervention.
Objective. Install a Fiber Optic cable between the library and the Town of Normal. Develop and integrate the Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks to work more closely with the Town of Normal. This may require a new PIX firewall and associated routers and switches.

Marketing. Raise the awareness of and promote the visibility of the library and its resources.

1. Goal. Increase the community awareness of the products, services, programs, that the library has to offer. Rationale: Studies/surveys continue to show that a high proportion of the public is unaware of the offerings of the library. A heightened awareness on the part of the public would make for more efficient and effective utilization of the library.
Objective. Hire an individual that would have, as a primary responsibility, the external promotion of the library. This position would not be a degreed position and would not be responsible for supervision, reference or circulation deskwork.
Objective. Begin using paid advertising, in addition to PSAs and news stories. Initially advertise in the Pantagraph, Community News and Normalite on a monthly basis.

Staff. Ensure a high quality of work life and professional growth for library staff.

1. Goal. Provide for the opportunity for staff growth and development. Rationale: An organization, library or otherwise is no better than the staff that is tasked with implementing its mission and vision.
Objective: Conduct an annual staff retreat on a topic that will assist in staff development.
Objective: Provide funding and encouragement for staff to attend state and local conferences. The library departments should have representatives at the major state and local conferences of import to the individual departments.

Diversity. Enhance understanding among and between diverse groups

Provide initial funding for multi language and multi cultural library material. Begin with the Children’s Department (Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, etc.)

Programming. Kindle the imagination of children and adults.

This is the goal of all of our programming. Introduce and continue to develop the programming for all ages, including but not just children.
Partnership. Enhance services, expand resources, and increase visibility through partnerships.
Partnering – working with other groups and agencies such that we can do together what each of us separately cannot do. We can do together what we cannot do alone – and more cost effectively too!

EMPLOYMENT

The Normal Public Library is always accepting applications.

Download a .pdf Employment Application here.

Normal Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer