Normal Public Library

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 décor are a little outdated but they are having a very positive impact on children.

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.