In August 1977, Withers / Bloomington Public Library staff sealed a time capsule at the new library. The contents were opened on November 29, 2022, during the expansion and renovation project of the now “old” building. Illinois State University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn removed the contents of the time capsule with BPL staff in attendance. The contents were then donated to the McLean County Museum of History (which houses the library’s historical papers).
The collection includes items placed in the 1977 Bloomington Public Library cornerstone time capsule, and removed in November 2022. Items include a note from then-Library Director Jim Whitehead, library publications, local university publications, local newspapers, selected menus from Twin City restaurants, a municipal study, and more.