Meet-and-Greet with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Monday, August 11
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Meet the staff from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and find out about the resources they offer including upcoming events and programs in English and Spanish. This booth is free and open to all. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Leah at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112 or at leahh@dkpl.org.
Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, August 11
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.
THRASH Teen Reads
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, August 11
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Teen-Held Reading And Social Hangout. Youth in grades 9-12 meet with their peers on the second Monday of the month to discuss books and graphic novels from different genres. The girl that can’t get a girlfriend? Many such cases! We’re reading Mieri Hiranishi’s debut title The Girl That Can’t Get a Girlfriend for our August meeting! Reserve a print copy. Registration is not required. Space is limited to the first 10 attendees. For more information, please contact Jesus at juanb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450.
Friends of the Library Meeting
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, August 11
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
The public is invited to attend and observe the monthly meetings of the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library. This non-profit volunteer organization raises funds to support library programs and purchase library books and materials. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Meetings are used to plan the biannual used book sales, discuss various issues, and consider funding requests made by library staff. This meeting is open to teens and adults. No registration is required. Click here for more information about the Friends. For additional information, please contact the Friends at friends@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1030.
Board Game Night
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, August 11
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Enjoy an evening of casual conversation over classic board games, including chess, checkers, Scrabble, Pictionary, Jenga, Monopoly, and more. Play something familiar or learn something new! Games will be provided, though attendees are welcome to bring their own. No registration is required. This program is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Emily at emilyb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 12
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, August 12
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, August 12
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
After story time, young children can get creative and make a simple craft that ties into the week’s theme! This program features a different project every week and plenty of opportunity for little hands to explore, imagine, and create. 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, August 12
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, August 12
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, August 12
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
After story time, young children can get creative and make a simple craft that ties into the week’s theme! This program features a different project every week and plenty of opportunity for little hands to explore, imagine, and create. For additional information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
Senior Book Club: Still Life
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 12
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Meet with us the second Tuesday of every month for a book club just for seniors. We will be discussing Still Life by Louise Penny. Meet the diverse & individualistic people of Three Pines, a quaint village in southern Quebec that, somewhat jokingly, seems to have certain cloaking powers that hide it from the outside world. Enter Chief Inspector Gamache and his team of the Surete du Quebec Montreal, come to this rural town to investigate a homicide that doesn’t exactly add up as a mere accident. So, murder, the first of many, in this tiny town that is the subject of Louise Penny’s Inspector Armand Gamache detective series, which is much more than just a murder mystery series. Books will be available in the Adult Services department. Also available in Libby in audio and eBook form and in Hoopla in audiobook form. We will obtain as many large print and audio copies as possible. Also available in Libby in audio & eBook form and in Hoopla in audiobook form. This book club is intended for adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Kathy at kathyh@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2110.
Long-Term Care Planning for Seniors
Time: 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 12
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Did you know that long term care needs are the #1 cause for bankruptcy among retirees? Seventy percent of people turning 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. Most people have home, auto, health insurance, but 70% don’t have anything in place for long-term care. This seminar will help identify the problem, the need, and the solutions that will bring peace of mind when it comes to life events that require short-term or long-term care. This program is intended for seniors. No registration is required. For more information or questions, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Grief Support Group
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 12
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Join others going through grief and loss and receive support in a safe and confidential setting with facilitation from the Family Service Agency of DeKalb County. In this ongoing grief support group, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences with grief, receive insight from peers and the facilitator on the grieving process, and learn more about grief. This group is open to adults experiencing grief from any loss, no matter where they are on this journey. This grief support group does not replace other mental health services. If you need individual counseling or other mental health services, call 211 to find support in your area. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate attention for a non-life-threatening mental health need, please call 988. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. This support group is free and intended for adults. No registration is required. For additional information about this program. please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Stories @ Huntley Park
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
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
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
After story time, young children can get creative and make a simple craft that ties into the week’s theme! This program features a different project every week and plenty of opportunity for little hands to explore, imagine, and create. For additional information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
Pokémon Club
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Each month, we will feature a different Pokémon in our “Pokémon Spotlight”. During Pokémon Club, you will discover how to be a Pokémon trainer! You will learn interesting things about your Pokémon, learn about different moves, and the evolutions. After training, stay for a colorful Pokémon craft and fun activity. This month we will learn about Sunflora. This club is intended for ages 5-13. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
In 1993, Julie Papievis was in a car crash that severed most of her brain stem. Only 4% of those suffering this type of traumatic brain injury survive. Julie died on the way to the hospital. She writes that she was then transported to heaven’s doorstep where she was met by her grandmothers who told her that her body would heal. They said, “Go back and be happy.” A month later, she awoke and found herself paralyzed and helpless. Although medical experts said she would never walk again, or be able to take care of herself, she didn’t listen. Julie believed the words of her grandmothers. After six weeks in a coma and ten years in rehabilitation, she recovered. Today, Julie has a national speaking and lecturing career as a survivor of traumatic brain stem injury, and wrote a book about her experience. An estimated 2.8 million Americans sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury each year. Approximately 5.3 million Americans are living with a disability related to TBI. Julie’s story of determination offers an inspirational and practical approach to dealing with an injury and other sudden changes in life. This program is intended for teens and adults. Copies of Julie’s book Go Back and Be Happy : Reclaiming Life After Devastating Loss will be available for purchase after the presentation. For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Candle Making 101
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
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 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.
Library Board Meeting
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
This is the monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees. This meeting is open to the public. For additional information, please contact the library at (815) 756-9568 or reference@dkpl.org.
Bilingual Play & Learn with 4-C
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
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.
eBooks 101: Hoopla, Libby, and Boundless
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
With so many online resources, how can you know which best suit your reading and entertainment needs? This presentation will give an overview of Hoopla, Libby (Overdrive), and Boundless (eRead Illinois). This program is intended for adults, but teens are welcome. No registration is necessary. For more information, please contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Healthy Aging with Home Instead
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
This summer, put your health first! Home Instead will be leading three workshops on a variety of topics related to healthy aging. Each workshop will expand on Home Instead’s ongoing article series published in the Daily Chronicle. In August we will be doing chair yoga. Home Instead DeKalb is a locally owned and operated franchise that serves DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and parts of Kane Counties. Home Instead has been serving these counties since 2009, and since 2019 has been under the leadership of Rob and Al Mondi, a father-son team hoping to continue serving the local senior community and allowing their clients to age in place at home. These programs are free and intended for adults and seniors. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Paint & Sip
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
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.
Coloring Club
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
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: Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is the August book club choice. In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time. What would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time? Copies of the book will be available in the library one month before the program. The e-book and e-audiobook are available with the hoopladigital, boundless by Baker & Taylor, or Libby by Overdrive apps. 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.
Death Defying Acts: The History of the Circus
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 14
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
P.T. Barnum may be the biggest name, but he was only a small part of the story of the circus. William Pack takes you on a fantastical journey through the history of the circus, from Phil Astley’s creation of the modern circus in 1768 to Dan Rice, “the most famous person you never heard of,” to the incredible feud between Barnum and the Ringling Brothers. You’ll hear stories of triumph, disaster, and the grand adventure of the travelling circus. The program is free and does not require registration. Popcorn will be provided. All ages are welcome. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, August 15
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.
Painting Mini-Cats
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, August 15
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Paint a kitty, stripes and all! Patrons will receive a miniature cat model and use acrylic paint to decorate it according to their taste. This program is open to all ages. It is first come, first served as space and access to software is limited. For additional information, please contact Isaac at isaacl@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Wee the People: Teaching Children About Democracy
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Join members of REACT (Responsive Engagement Activating Civic Talent) for stories and activities which will inspire children to be thoughtful members of our community. Enjoy a story, discussion, and an activity. Ages 4-7, but children of all ages are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. The first session on August 16 is “Thinking about Others”. This program is free and open to all. Registration is not required. Parents must be present. For more information, please contact Theresa at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 or at theresaw@dkpl.org.
Big Project Workshop
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Do you have a large project you are working on using our Makerspace? Are you thinking about starting one? Discuss with trained staff how to make large projects using the resources of 309 Creative, from planning how to make big 3D prints to thinking about how to use different makerspace tools effectively. This free program is open to all ages and levels of expertise. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact the tech desk at techdesk@dkpl.org at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
French Creole Tunes and Tales from The Illinois Country
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Fingers and bow flying, Dennis Stroughmatt takes listeners on a musical odyssey! This is the story of the French Creoles who founded the Illinois-Missouri Country near the Ozark foothills, more than 300 years ago. Their songs, stories, and language remain largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down for generations. Dennis’ three-piece ensemble, L’Esprit Creole, plays music that bridges the gap between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. This performance will span the history of the French in The Illinois Country from the early 1700s through the present, via ballads, fiddle tunes, and humorous stories passed down through the ages. Originally from southeastern Illinois, Dennis Stroughmatt was taught to play fiddle by Missouri Creole fiddlers Roy Boyer and Charlie Pashia in the tradition of their fathers. He became an adopted son of the French Midwest Creoles who settled near St. Louis, playing at weekly house parties or “bouillons.” As a result of physical journeys that also included French studies in Louisiana and Quebec, Dennis finds himself in a unique position as one who can speak knowledgeably and play in a variety of French styles. He has an innate sense of what is needed to get an audience on their feet, and keep a band on its toes. Dennis Stroughmatt et l’Esprit Creole are passionate ambassadors of Creole music and traditions, expanding interest and excitement in a region that has been long ignored by the history books. As they say in the hills, “On est toujours icitte: We are still here!” This concert is sponsored by the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. This concert is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Searching the Library Catalog 101
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, August 17
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Learn how to effectively search the Prairie Cat catalog in this informative workshop! Laptops will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own device to search alongside the demonstration. Laptops are limited to first come, first served. This program is intended for adults, but teens are welcome. No registration is necessary. For more information, please contact Emily K at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
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