Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, May 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
This story time will feature books, songs, and activities aimed at children 18 months – 4 years. Older and younger siblings are welcome to attend, but please be aware they may find activities too simple or too difficult. For additional information please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.
Cinco de Mayo: Mexican Mocktails
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Let’s celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Gather in the library’s main lobby to taste delicious, non-alcoholic Mexican drinks. The recipes will be available. Drop-in during the program to grab drinks and recipes and chat with fellow patrons. You can even take your mocktail to go! This program is free and open to all. No registration is required. Drinks will be available while supplies last. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Books are for everyone, even our littlest library patrons! Our Book Babies program is aimed at children ages 0-36 months, although older children are welcome to attend. We will sing lots of simple and interactive songs, do finger plays and rhymes, practice sign language, and read an easy book. All of these activities are great for babies’ developing brains. We hope this program gives you lots of fun ways to play with your baby during the program and at home! For more information, please contact Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
We are excited to be offering preschool story times at the library! Aimed especially at our 3–5-year-old friends, these story times feature books, songs, and activities especially to help those growing preschool brains! Reading, singing, talking, and counting are great literacy and math activities that will help prepare kids for Kindergarten. Preschool story times are offered at the same time as our Book Babies program. Feel free to drop off your preschool child at the Preschool story time and attend Book Babies right next door with your younger one(s). For more information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, get ready for a slice of fun as you create your own pizza hat. Decorate your hat with colorful toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and more. Craft a wearable masterpiece that looks good enough to eat! This craft is intended for children. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
Book Babies
Time: 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Books are for everyone, even our littlest library patrons! Our Book Babies program is aimed at children ages 0-36 months, although older children are welcome to attend. We will sing lots of simple and interactive songs, do finger plays and rhymes, practice sign language, and read an easy book. All of these activities are great for babies’ developing brains. We hope this program gives you lots of fun ways to play with your baby during the program and at home! For more information, please contact Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
We are excited to be offering preschool story times at the library! Aimed especially at our 3–5-year-old friends, these story times feature books, songs, and activities especially to help those growing preschool brains! Reading, singing, talking, and counting are great literacy and math activities that will help prepare kids for Kindergarten. Preschool story times are offered at the same time as our Book Babies program. Feel free to drop off your preschool child at the Preschool story time and attend Book Babies right next door with your younger one(s). For more information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, get ready for a slice of fun as you create your own pizza hat. Decorate your hat with colorful toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and more. Craft a wearable masterpiece that looks good enough to eat! This craft is intended for children. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, YS Study Rooms
Teacher in the Library is a free program designed to assist 3rd-6th grade students with homework help in any subject area. Parents or guardians are required to stay in the library during the session. Ms. Ager will attach a small, pre-printed note to each homework assignment letting the teacher know about the library assistance. Parents sign up in advance for a half-hour session either in person at the Youth Services desk or by calling (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350. Ms. Ager, our new ‘Teacher in the Library’ is the media specialist at Huntley Middle School. For more information, please contact Theresa at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 or at theresaw@dkpl.org.
Cross-Cutting Conversations on Migration
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Cross-Cutting Conversations on Migration aim to spark dialogue on this important but controversial subject among members of local communities. Each session uses media – news articles, books, images, poems, artworks, podcasts, to name a few – as a springboard to talk across differences. The May session will focus on language and communication. We will discuss how the words we use to talk about migration may shape our perceptions of newcomers. Cultural differences in communication styles can have similar effects, while a lack of fluency in English can serve as a barrier to inclusion and career advancement. How can heightened awareness of these topics create a greater sense of welcoming and belonging in our communities? Before coming, participants are asked to jot down a few words they hear or see in the media that refer to migrants or migration. To register and to obtain a select list of related sources, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100. Co-Sponsored by Arts in Action, DeKalb County History Center, DeKalb Migrant Aid, and DeKalb Public Library.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Join us for an all-ages story time! We’ll be reading books, singing songs, blowing bubbles, and having loads of literary fun. This program is intended for children ages 0-5, although older siblings are welcome to attend if they’d like. For more information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Craft Corner: Pizza Party Hat
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, get ready for a slice of fun as you create your own pizza hat. Decorate your hat with colorful toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and more. Craft a wearable masterpiece that looks good enough to eat! This craft is intended for children. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Time: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Give the Gift of Life! The American Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive at the DeKalb Public Library. American Red Cross blood donors are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Right now, we’re urging donors to continue to help us strengthen the blood supply. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors – are crucial to meeting daily hospital demands. An advance appointment is preferred. Visit the American Red Cross website, type in your zip code, and select the DeKalb Public Library to make an appointment, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or ask questions about giving blood. You can also visit the Red Cross website for more general information about the donation process. For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced, come to Chess Club to learn and be challenged! Snacks will be provided. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library and is intended for youth ages 9-18. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.
Art Attack: Yarn Art
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, exercise your creativity with more complex crafts and art projects! In these programs, we will be using skills beyond the cutting, gluing, and coloring that we do during Craft Corner (the weekly craft after Story Time). All materials will be provided but will not be pre-prepped. This Wednesday, we will design vibrant artwork by arranging yarn on canvas to create eye-catching patterns and images. No knitting required—just yarn, glue, and imagination! This program is first come, first served as supplies are limited. For children ages 8 and up. For more information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or (815)-756-9568 ext. 3301.
Sip & Sew: Stitchbooks
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Make a sewing scrapbook and learn basic sewing techniques! Bring your favorite non-alcoholic beverage and start creating. The library will also provide tea and coffee. Whether you want to start your sewing journey, improve your skills, or try something new, this workshop has you covered. You can learn while sipping and sewing, and everything you need is included. Every sip and sew adds a new page of sewing skills to your book. This program is intended for teens and adults. It is first come, first served as space is limited. Depending on the number of participants, sewing machines may have to be shared. Supplies will be provided. For additional information, please contact Hadley at hadleyo@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
PS4 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Test your PS4 skills against your peers in this exciting gaming tournament! PS4 games played during tournaments include: Madden 25, NBA 2K25 and EAFC25. We also have games available to play on XBoxOne and Nintendo Switch. The winner will receive a candy prize. All players can enjoy pizza from Vinny’s. Sign up at the door to be included in the tournament. Intended for teens in grades 6-12. This event is sponsored by Vinny’s Pizza in DeKalb. For more information or help with registration, please contact YooNek Shaw at yooneks@dkpl.org, or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450.
Bilingual Play & Learn with 4-C
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Join 4-C in an opportunity to immerse children in language & music! Bond with your infant or toddler in this program that supports language development, early literacy, listening skills & concentration, and fine & gross motor skills through songs, rhymes, and parent-child interactions. This bilingual event is free and open to all on the 2nd Thursday of each month. It is intended for ages 0-5 and requires no registration. For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Cricut Cutting: Mother’s Day Flower Bouquets
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Celebrate Mother’s Day and brighten your personal space with a paper flower bouquet! We’ll use the Cricut to cut kirigami style patterns, then finish with paper rolling tools to create colorful paper flowers. This class introduces the Cricut Design Space to new and interested users. It is intended for teens and adults. It is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Bookworm Barbs: Henry, Like Always
Time: 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Henry likes everything to be the same, every day. He loves his classroom calendar that never, ever changes. But this week, there is a parade on Friday, and it’s throwing off the calendar for the entire week. And parades are LOUD! How can Henry participate in the parade in a way that’s good for him? Henry, Like Always is our book this month for Bookworm Barbs. That’s our book club for students in grades K-2. We read shorter chapter books with lots of pictures. Older first and second grade students may be able to read on their own, but the books also make a nice family read aloud, too. Bookworm Barbs is a book party! Not only will we talk about the book, we’ll enjoy a snack and do a craft, too. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children’s Department Desk while supplies last. Please register at dkpl.org, as space is limited. For additional information or help with registration, please contact Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
BARB Book Club: Titanic Sinks!
Time: 5:00 – 5:45 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
You probably know the ending of the story, but how much do you know about how it happened? Join the passengers of the RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage, and witness all the delight and danger. This action-packed account is true and has pictures! Titanic Sinks! is our BARB book club book this month. BARB (Books Are Really Brilliant) book club is for students in grades 3-5. At our meeting, we talk about the book, but that’s not all! We’ll also play a game and eat a fun snack inspired by the book. Pick up a copy of Titanic Sinks! and a free bookmark at the Children’s Department desk while supplies last. Registration is required to attend this book club, as space is limited. For additional information or help with registration, please contact Laura at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 or at lauraw@dkpl.org.
Coloring Club
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Relax and unwind and enjoy creative freedom while coloring in coloring books or coloring pages or drawing your own coloring page. Coloring books, paper, colored pencils, markers, and gel pens will be provided. Space is limited and it is first come, first served. All ages are welcome. For more information, please contact Beth at elizabethh@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
General Book Club: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune is the May book club choice. A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days. But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. E-book and e-audiobook are available with the boundless by Baker & Taylor app and your library card. Copies of the book and audiobook will be available in the library one month before the program. This book club is intended for adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Toddler Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, May 9th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Toddlers are at a great age to have fun reading and learning together! Toddlers soak up information from the world around them, and we expand their learning by reading, singing, and talking together. Toddler Time will feature books, songs, and activities especially aimed at children 18-36 months. Of course, older and younger siblings are welcome to attend, but please be aware they may find activities too simple or difficult. For more information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
I-Pass on Demand Transponder Swap
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 9th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Candle Making 101
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 9th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Prepare to embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and illuminate your creativity! Discover the mesmerizing art of crafting your very own candles. You will have the chance to decorate the holder your candle will be poured in. Those interested in the process will get to learn how to melt the wax and add dye. All supplies will be provided. Depending on the number of attendees and available time, your candles may need additional time to finish curing. If they do, you will receive an email or phone call when you can come pick them up. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. No registration is required. Intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Pen Novus at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Forest Therapy Walk
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Place: P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve, 380 Bethany Road, DeKalb
Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of forest therapy, the practice of immersing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. This 90-minute introductory session will be held at P.A Nehring Forest Preserve at 380 Bethany Rd. in DeKalb. Certified Forest Therapy Guide Beth Hanson of Peace in Nature Forest Therapy will lead this mindful walk and help you awaken your senses and connect with nature. No two walks are the same! Registration at dkpl.org is required, as space is limited. This program is open to ages 16 and up. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring a water bottle, and wear sunscreen and bug spray if you require them. There are no restrooms on site, so please plan accordingly. You may also bring a small camp chair if you wish, as there will be some quiet time to sit during the walk. This program is made possible through a partnership with the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board. Through leadership and funding, the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board supports access to high-quality behavioral healthcare services for the residents of DeKalb County. This program is also sponsored in part by the Rick Johns Memorial Fund. For additional information or help with registration, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
I-Pass on Demand Transponder Swap
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
The Illinois Tollway I-PASS On Demand team will be in the library’s main lobby helping drivers to swap their old, plastic transponders for the new I-Pass sticker tag at no cost. They will also be able to answer account questions, add new license plates, clear fines, and sign drivers up for an I-Pass Assist account, which can help income-eligible residents to save on tolls. Please bring your plastic transponder if you wish to swap it for a new sticker tag, and have your license plate information ready. This program is free and intended for ages 16 and up. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815)-756-9568 ext. 1700.
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Strategy, role-playing, and twenty-sided dice – join us and pick your vice! Participants will engage in long form RPG gaming, building character, cooperation and leadership skills in the process. Whether you are a novice or a veteran player, join us for the experience of Dungeons and Dragons. No prior experience is necessary, all materials will be provided for players during the event. This event is first come, first served as space is limited and is intended for adults. For more information, please contact Leah at leahh@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112.
After-hours Event: Harmony of Korean Drum and Flute
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Experience the captivating sounds and movements of Korean culture featuring traditional drumming and the enchanting melody of native flutes! This music and dance performance combines rhythm, grace, and artistry that you won’t soon forget. The Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago (KPAC), established in 2013, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and developing Korean traditional performing arts. KPAC preserves the authenticity of Korean arts by delivering high-quality performances and offering hands-on educational programs led by professionally trained artists from South Korea. They promote Korean and other ethnic/folk arts by engaging diverse audiences, expanding beyond the Korean community to share the richness of Korean culture with the wider public and contributing to the multicultural landscape of Chicago and beyond. KPAC also develops and innovates within the art form by creating new music and collaborating with artists from other genres, enriching Korean performing arts and broadening its appeal. This free event is open to all; no registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
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