Great selection of books and kids section. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Placing items on hold is easy and the items arrive fairly quickly, they even request from distant libraries or items to purchase as needed. read more

Long ago I read a quote, something along the lines that libraries are the closest thing to Magic we have. And this is true at NPL as well. I am here pretty much every week, I send friends here, and I tell people about it. It's ever-changing, chameleonic to keep up with the times. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and I'm honored to count many as friends. Having a library card is your passport to worlds beyond worlds. Get one : ) read more

Normal public library has one of the most exciting children's department in country. When we travel we visit public libraries, this one of the best play & reading areas. Both areas a bright, well designed, and well maintained. Staff are enthusiastic, friendly, & helpful! Love our public library! read more

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I love this place so much! They are the kindest and safe place to be! Before corona I had visits with my daughter there for the children's area! She is almost 5! I've had a remarkable experience with them one time especially when I fell down outside by tripping over a sidewalk that was I level so I went back inside and they had supplies that helped me! Such as alcohol pads and any size bandaids! I really am thankful they had things like this in the back area! You never know what will happen or what you'll run into! The gentleman was so nice to get the supplies I needed for my knee! My daughter was just the sweetest as they came back in as I didn't know and she ran to me saying are you ok! It matters when you see a place care this much about anybody that comes in from all directions! I completely admire all y'all do to make us feel at home! I love the children's are so much! We meet all kinds of families with our visits! Thanks so much for being a place to come back to time and time again! Hope it reopens inside soon! Much love for all the love you give to customers! read more

Normal Public Library - My daughter and myself - Libraries Near Me - Normal, Illinois

This has to be the loudest library I have ever been to. This includes the patrons and the employees. Is it necessary for the employees to talk so loud? The study areas are limited. It's also difficult to find a place to plug in a laptop. The Bloomington Public Library is much better. This library needs a remodel or they need to construct a new one. Right now me and other people are being asked to move because they are setting up for some program tomorrow. I sat in this area to begin with because most of the other areas were full. After being in here 3 hours, I can say that older adults are louder in the library than the kids. These are the same kind of people complain that the younger generation are out of control. read more

The Normal Illinois Public Library is a rat hole. In a town with 55,000 residents, this is the best they can do? Smaller towns (e.g. Mahomet, IL, pop. 8000) have nicer libraries. The Normal Public Library (NPL) has everything that one would hate about a library: Poor book selection. Filthy desks. Spotty wi-fi service. Lack of electric outlets for laptops. Lack of comfortable chairs. Clean the frigging place! This is, undoubtedly, the loudest library in which I have ever been. The librarians allow complete, open discussions right there in the library. Rude people speak at full volume on cellular phones right in the study area. It is likely a combination of the local patrons being rude, and the librarians simply not doing their job, and not giving a crap. Quiet the place down! This library needs a complete make-over. The feigned attempts to modernize it, such as taking out the walls to open up the magazine section, are simply placing lipstick on a pig. I am searching for anything to recommend this library. I can think of none. read more

I can't say a bad thing about npl. They've got friendly staff, a variety book selection (you can log online, and borrow books from npl's friend network, then pick up the books here), DVDs and audio books, and great wi-fi service! They also offer free computers, but there are always many people there browsing. Although it stinks that they charge for printing and scanning, but I can see why with the big population stopping by the library every day. read more

I've used this library for about 19 years. Not only are the staff very helpful and pleasant, but the resources available are broad enough to serve virtually all of my needs. The only drawback I see is that the facility has tight parking. However, you can park in the huge garage next door at Heartland Bank, so it's not really an issue. Plus this library carries premium databases that some libraries of similar size don't carry. The inter-library loan service is excellent and the new design for the customer service counter gives the main part of the library a wonderful feel. I have to say that I completely disagree with 'Cool K.' who has a very uncool review in my opinion of my favorite library. In fact, compared to Mahomet's library, which is a nice, new building, Normal provides a lot more resources that actually help the user. read more

This library is just pathetic. It's extremely small in physical size and collection. The few new releases they do have only have a 1 week loan period which is ridiculous. Browsing the catalog is useless since they never have anything available. read more

The Normal Public Library is an excellent place for kids! I can't speak to the adult book selection myself but the kids area is wonderful. There are several reading areas, regular reading programs, and a very relaxing atmosphere. There always seems to be constant reading, learning, and mentoring from various volunteers and employees. I can't say enough positive things about the reading programs and Story Time programs...which they provide at no cost! The play area is great for young kids with toys, puzzles, puppets, and learning toys. The building and decor are a little outdated but they are having a very positive impact on children. read more

I'm not sure why Normal library doesn't get more love. Incredibly helpful staff, great facility in the heart of Uptown, a stellar audio/video selection, and a wide selection of books. ILL can sometimes be a bit slow, and like most public libraries it's often...interesting to see what the general public decides to browse on a public computer's Internet connection. But save these two issues, it's a jewel of Normal and a great community resource. read more

The best library this town could ask for... they go above and beyond my expectations. My children get so excited when I tell them we are going! The activities they put on are always such a great experience and very well organised. read more

I'm not impressed with this library. I've encountered some very phony employees there. Although the kids play room is kind of cool, it gets old after awhile. The place looks like an old dump from the inside and it feels claustrophobic. I think the Town of Normal could do much better than this. Also what's up with renting DVD's being 1$ per week. At the BPL it's free. read more

The Normal Public Library is an excellent place to take your little ones, especially during the winter months when it's cold and snowy outside. Along with the large selection of children's books, they have a really nice play area where you can let them down to work off some energy for a bit. They also have several great kids programs. My daughter is only 16 months, so we go to the Baby Rock class. It is offered once a week (other than during the summer) for kids under 2, although older siblings are never turned away. They read some books, sing songs, dance to music, and then turn on the bubble machine at the end. All the kids love it, and best of all, it's free fun! read more