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Activities and Programs

For more information about upcoming activities contact the Children's Department at 454-4668 or check out the NPL Newsletter or the Children's Department Monthly Calendar on our website. Informational flyers are also available at the library and public service announcements appear in the local media.

Family Fun Night

The children of Head Start families, in combination with a program coordinated by the STAR Literacy staff, are invited to attend this monthly story hour program. Parents and their children are introduced to good literature and fun activities at the library. Contact STAR Literacy, Head Start or the Normal Public Library for more details.

Partners in Reading

Grade school children are paired with college student volunteers for a weekly session of reading and library activities. First through sixth graders may sign up for the fall semester and kindergardeners through sixth graders may sign up for the spring semester. Call for more information at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Voting

This award is given annually to the best book as voted on by Illinois 4th through 8th graders. Voters must read or listen to at least three of the twenty nominated books. Voting is held at participating schools and libraries. Any 4th through 8th grader who is not voting at school and has read at least three of the nominated books may vote at the Normal Public Library in February. Click here to see the list of nominees. Read three of the books and come into the library to vote!

Seasonal Activities

These programs take place throughout the academic school year. Programs usually take place on days off from school or on Saturdays. Past activities have included programs highlighting popular story characters and/or children's authors, seasonal crafts, puppet shows and children's theater presentations. Check the calendar to see what's coming up next!

Story Hour

We offer a wide variety of story hour programs throughout the year in an effort to meet the different needs of the children and families we serve. Each session lasts for five weeks. A general description of each program is listed below.

View the calendar to see when Story Hours are coming up.

• Family Story Hour
  Family story hour is geared toward toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Enjoy stories, songs, and an activity that children and the adults who accompany them can participate in together. (No registration is required.)

• Lapsit Story Hour
  Lapsit is an interactive program for children ages 0-23 months accompanied by an adult. Each lapsit session includes songs, fingerplays, books, and baby games, intended to stimulate and enhance development of language and senses. (Registration is required.)

• Story Hour for Two-Year-Olds
  Two-year-olds, accompanied by an adult, are invited to enjoy stories, songs, large motor activities, and more. (Registration is required.)

• Story Hour for Three, Four & Five-Year-Olds
  This program includes stories, songs, games, crafts, and more for children ages three to five. (Registration is required.)

• Stories That Span the Ages
  These inter-generational story hours take place at area nursing homes. The programs include stories, songs, crafts, and activities involving interaction between the children and the residents. A preschool class and the general public are invited. (Registration is required for preschool classes. No registration is required for individual families.)

Summer Reading Program

• Children from birth through sixth grade can reach weekly reading goals, earn prizes, enjoy fun activities and MORE!
• Adults - Join A.R.K.S. (Adults Reading Kids' Stuff) and earn prizes along with the kids!