Join in the fun with stories, songs, puppets, and more that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Ages 3–6.

New English speakers will practice everyday language skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Learners will enjoy friendly conversation, learn about daily life in the U.S., gain confidence, and meet new people from around the world. 

Calling all elementary-aged homeschoolers—it's recess time! Come to the Downtown Library to play a variety of games and hang out with other homeschoolers. Ages 5–12.

Discover more at the Library! Following each Preschool Storytime, join us for a fun craft experience. We may also enjoy a math or science activity, or an activity designed to explore the alphabet! Each week, we'll experiment with different materials and techniques. Dress to mess. Ages 3–6.

Drop by The Ground Floor Study Room to get some homework help during these free, in-person sessions held every Thursday. Ages 12–19.

Come try your hand at miniature painting—we've got the minis, paints, brushes, and know-how. All skill levels are welcome. Ages 12–19.

Dine Out for the Library at Da Vinci located at the corner of E. Third Street and Washington Street. Da Vinci is a modern Italian eatery, serving Neapolitan, wood-fired pizza and traditional pasta dishes in the heart of Bloomington. Just show your flyer and Da Vinci will donate 20% of your bill to the Friends of the Library to help make all of our amazing Library programs possible.

This program, a joint effort of People’s Cooperative Market and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, will offer a hands-on demonstration of free form individual apple pies and will provide information about how to receive free local food resources. The Teaching Kitchen will be stocked with local ingredients sourced by People's Cooperative Market and funded by the USDA Local Food Purchasing Assistance Cooperative Agreement Grant. Age 8 and up. Please register. All attendees must sign a waiver; you can download and sign it prior to the program, or you can sign one of the copies we'll have on-site.