Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, June 2nd
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.
Reading Colors Your World! Summer Reading Kick-off
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, June 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Register on the first day of summer reading and Color Your World! Resource Bank will be in the lobby to distribute bookmarks and treats between 10:00 and 1:00 p.m. Children may then collect a clock sheet to track their reading, and they will be set to earn reading rewards and enjoy a summer of reading and other colorful activities at the library. Teens and adults may also register for summer reading beginning June 2. Summer reading is free and open to all. For additional information, please email Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Teen Bingo
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, June 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Compete against your friends and make new pals during a fast-paced game of Bingo. There will be prizes! First come, first served as spots to participate are limited. This event is intended for teens in grades 6-12. For additional information, please contact Yoonek at yooneks@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, June 3rd
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, June 3rd
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.
Craft Corner: Crown of Friends
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, June 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, create your own wearable “Crown of Friends” by decorating paper crowns with drawings, stickers, and cutouts of people that represent your friends and loved ones! 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, June 3rd
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, June 3rd
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.
Craft Corner: Crown of Friends
Time: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, June 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, create your own wearable “Crown of Friends” by decorating paper crowns with drawings, stickers, and cutouts of people that represent your friends and loved ones! 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.
Stories @ Huntley Park
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, June 4th
Place: Huntley Park, 2nd and Garden Street, DeKalb
It’s summertime, so join John and Laura at the park for our 5th summer of outdoor story times! We will be reading stories, singing songs, and having fun. After the stories, go play on the playground. We encourage you to bring a blanket to make sitting on the grass a little more comfortable. We will announce on the DeKalb Public Library Facebook page if the program is cancelled due to weather. For questions or further information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Craft Corner: Crown of Friends
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, June 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, create your own wearable “Crown of Friends” by decorating paper crowns with drawings, stickers, and cutouts of people that represent your friends and loved ones! 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.
Art Attack: Perler Beads
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, June 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
This Wednesday, we will be using perler beads to design and construct anything your imagination desires. From colorful keychains to intricate patterns, the possibilities are endless. 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.
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, June 4th
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.
Sip & Sew: Stitchbooks
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, June 4th
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, June 4th
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.
Cody’s Adventures in Reading
Time: 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
It’s all aboard for a trip on Conductor Cody’s Reading Railroad! How does Conductor Cody know so much about trains and magic tricks? He reads at his local library! On this magical railway adventure, we’ll learn how to use your local library, why you should, and how non-fiction reading can be just as much fun as fiction reading. Once we’re back at the station, you’ll want to book another train ticket back to your local library! Best for children aged 3-8 with their families. Professional magician and autistic self-advocate Cody Clark combines his lived experiences as a magician, arts patron, and autistic adult to create a special show, tailored specifically for patrons ages with special sensory needs, though anyone is welcome to attend. No registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Memory Café: Backyard Birds
Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Memory Cafés provide a safe place for those experiencing memory loss and their care partners to socialize and have fun with others in similar situations. During these informal gatherings, guests are invited to settle in with coffee, or tea, and snacks to hear about a featured free resource. Then it’s time for a “get to know you” question and singalong with a familiar song. Next, we’ll enjoy a presentation, play games, do crafts, or share photo cards to spark memories and conversation. Then we’ll close the program with another short singalong. At each Café there will be a table with free resources and giveaways, along with books to check out, and a brain-stimulating “to go” activity to take home. Through puzzles and bird call videos let’s explore backyard birds. This program is sponsored by Care Patrol and Off the Leash Coffee Company. First time attendees please email Susan at susang@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114 and give names of care partner and guest.
Cody’s Adventures in Reading
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
It’s all aboard for a trip on Conductor Cody’s Reading Railroad! How does Conductor Cody know so much about trains and magic tricks? He reads at his local library! On this magical railway adventure, we’ll learn how to use your local library, why you should, and how non-fiction reading can be just as much fun as fiction reading. Once we’re back at the station, you’ll want to book another train ticket back to your local library! Best for children aged 3-8 with their families. Professional magician and autistic self-advocate Cody Clark combines his lived experiences as a magician, arts patron, and autistic adult to create a special show, tailored specifically for patrons ages with special sensory needs, though anyone is welcome to attend. No registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Painted Mandala Stones
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Unwind as you create a colorful, painted Mandala stone in this meditative art workshop. All materials will be provided, and no prior art experience is necessary. This program is intended for teens and adults. It is first come, first served as supplies are limited. For additional information, please contact Jennifer at jenniferk@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3401.
Paint & Sip
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Enjoy ‘me time’ with a warm beverage and a creative project. Paint something for yourself or a loved one! Relax and be inspired on this meditative journey to make whatever comes into your mind or spirit. Not feeling it? We have painting kits that you can use. All materials are provided to paint a canvas. No instructions necessary. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 2851.
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Relax and make a diamond painting using provided supplies! Diamond painting is a creative craft that feels a bit like painting by numbers, but in 3D. This program is first come, first served as space is limited. Intended for teens and adults. For additional information, please contact the tech desk at laral@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Time: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Looking to add a new plant or two to your home? Stop by our Plant Adopt or Swap Program, sponsored by Willrett Flower Company. Participants can bring in a plant or plant cutting and swap it for a new plant. If you don’t have any plants to swap, you can still stop by and adopt a new plant. There will be a designated plant swap area for those who would like to trade plants with other plant enthusiasts. There will also be a designated plant adoption area for plants that are available for anyone to take. Houseplants of all kinds are welcome, but please only bring pots that you are willing to part with. This is a perfect opportunity to divide those overgrown houseplants and share tips with other plant lovers. No registration is required for this program. It is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Britta at britta@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, June 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Bring your little ones to “Shake the Wiggles Out” with song, rhythm, and dance with Miss Stormy. We will sing songs and dance out our wiggles! This event is free. No registration is required. Intended for pre-K children. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815)756-9568 ext. 3350.
Treats and Books
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, June 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Are you ready to start Summer Reading, but don’t know what to read? Enjoy treats (cookies, cupcakes, and candy) while learning about books you can read during the summer for fun and prizes. This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.
Anime & Manga Club
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, June 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Join us to discuss anime and manga, play games, and watch anime! Veteran otaku and newbie weaboos alike are welcome. This program is intended for teens, ages 13-17. It is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Hadley at hadleyo@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Lightbeam Players Present Dazzling Double Life of Diana Diamond
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, June 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Kylie Johnson is the typical American highschooler, but after performing at her school talent show, a record label executive promises to make her the next big popstar. There’s only one problem. She can’t tell anyone. As Kylie takes on the persona of Diana Diamond, her whole life turns upside down. Will the price of fame cost her everything she’s ever known? Lightbeam Players is a theatre company run by kids, for kids. Best of all, it’s entirely free and requires no registration. This program is intended for all ages. For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Cody’s Sensory Friendly Spectacular
Time: 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, June 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Professional magician and autistic self-advocate Cody Clark combines his lived experiences as a magician, arts patron, and autistic adult to create a half-hour especially dedicated to the special needs community. In Cody’s Sensory Friendly Spectacular, the magic looks gentle, there are no jarring images, no sudden sounds…but the magic is as impressive as ever! Even more impressive are the stories Cody weaves into his routines about what being autistic is like for him. You will be amazed and inspired in this show crafted just for the special needs community. This magic show is intended specifically for patrons ages 8 and up and those with special sensory needs, though anyone is welcome to attend. No registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Friends of the Library Spring Social
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, June 7th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Join the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library for a celebration of spring! This event is a thank you to all who support the library and its programming and a way for the community to become more familiar with the Friends and what the group does. Enjoy raffles, refreshments, and music with the Friends. We’ll be set up to take new memberships, so invite others who might want to become a Friend of the DeKalb Public Library. The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library is a non-profit, volunteer community service organization that raises funds to support library programs and to purchase library books and materials. This gathering is free and open to all. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact the Friends at friends@dkpl.org.
Community Sing
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, June 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Are you ready for summer? Sing along with the best songs of summer to get you into the groove! Lyrics will be included for all participants. All ages are welcome; children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. For additional information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or the tech desk at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Make Do and Mend: Hand Sewing Workshop
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, June 8th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Learn the basics of hand mending to repair your worn items in this informative workshop! Feel free to bring a piece of worn clothing to be assessed and repaired in this workshop. Samples will be provided to learn all of the techniques before tackling your personal items. No registration is required; however, space and supplies may be limited to first come, first served. This program is intended for teens and adults. For questions, please contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.
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