Activities in the Children’s Department

TUESDAY TALES -- Come and enjoy songs and stories Tuesday, December 2, 9 & 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Book Nook! The stories are geared to ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome. No registration is required for this FREE family program.

STORIES THAT SPAN THE AGES – Story Hour sessions will be held at two local nursing homes this month, an enjoyable intergenerational tradition that has taken place for many years. Preschool and younger elementary children with an accompanying adult are invited to either of these sessions: 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Heritage Manor of Normal, and 10 a.m. Friday, December 12, McLean County Nursing Home. Please register with the Children’s Department, 454-4668, if you plan to attend.

HOLIDAY STORIES & GAMES – You are invited to drop in the Community Room between 1-3pm Sunday, December 21, during the Uptown Normal “12 Days of Christmas” celebration. Stories and activities are geared to ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome!

PAPER SACK GINGERBREAD HOUSE CRAFT – Drop in the Discovery Room between 10am-1pm Saturday, December 13 for a special holiday craft activity! Participants will create a paper sack gingerbread house. This FREE family program is geared toward children from preschool through 6th grade accompanied by an adult, and no registration is required.

For more information about these and other activities,
call the Children’s Department, 454-4668.

Library Patrons Can Park in Deck for FREE!

The public parking deck just east of the Bank of Illinois has opened, which will provide 600+ additional parking spaces for library patrons. Library patrons can park in the deck for free. Vouchers to use in the deck’s payment machines will be given to library patrons who request them; you will need to request a voucher each time you visit the library and park in the deck for longer than the first free hour.

Shop at Borders, Support the Library!

For the past several years, Borders Stores, in conjunction with the Illinois Literacy Foundation and Secretary of State Jesse White, have sponsored donations for Illinois literacy programs during the holidays. This year, Normal Public Library is pleased to be named as the recipient of all donations from our local Borders!

Customers who visit our local Borders at 200A N. Greenbriar Drive in Normal from November 24 through December 31, 2008, will be asked at the time of their purchase to make a $1 donation in support of literacy programs in Normal. All proceeds will benefit NPL! We appreciate your support, and please tell your friends of this easy opportunity to support NPL.

Also – join us for special events at Borders on Saturday, December 6, 2-4 p.m., including a visit from Curious George!

Mitten Tree Collection Through January 2

Please help us help needy children and families keep warm by donating new or clean, gently used mittens, scarves, gloves and hats to the NPL Mitten Tree. Items collected will be distributed through Normal schools and community centers. The NPL Mitten Tree is on the main floor, and we will be collecting from November 27 through January 2. We appreciate your generosity to those less fortunate in our community.

Book Showers for Literacy

New and gently used children’s and teen books may be donated in the Children’s Department for this program sponsored by Star Adult Literacy and the Child Care Resource and Referral Network. The new books will be distributed through the Salvation Army for Christmas, and the used books will be given to various non-profit organizations in McLean County. NPL will collect books through December 23. Your generosity is appreciated in providing books for those who would not have them otherwise.

Christmas Wreath Craft Program

Jean’s Flower Basket will be presenting a “Christmas Wreath Craft Program” on Thursday, December 4, from 2-3 p.m. There is a fee of $10 per person that will be collected on the day of the program. Each participant will be making a 20” wreath with fresh greenery. Ribbon will be provided to create bows; everyone is asked to bring ornaments to decorate the wreath. Registration is required – please call 452-1757, or sign up in person at the Circulation Desk. There will be a limit of 25 participants, so don’t delay! Contact Mary Lou, 452-1757, for more information.

Teen Activities at NPL

NPL’s Teen Advisory Council will meet Thursday, December 11, 4pm in the Community Room to discuss decorating the teen area. Students will also receive The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan, the next discussion book. All teens in grades 7-12 are welcome, and snacks will be served.

The Anime/Manga Club will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 2 & 16. On December 2, participants will discuss plans for 2009, such what to read and watch, and special events. The December 16 program will celebrate the holidays with a special Christmas anime and a white elephant gift exchange. Call Kristi at 452-1757 for more information about either of these events.

Movie Matinee for Adults at NPL

NPL’s Movie Matinee series continues this month at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 18. This month’s offering is The Christmas Wish starring Debbie Reynolds, Neil Patrick Harris, and Naomi Watts. The film is adapted from the novel by Richard Siddoway. Bring a friend and enjoy the afternoon – free, and Christmas goodies provided!

Donate Your Used Books

The Friends of NPL are happy to accept donations of used book throughout the year.
Bring them to the library marked ‘for the Friends book sale’. Please DO NOT leave your book donations at the off-site book drops!! All donations for the sale must be brought in to the library. Thanks!