Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, October 27
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.
Tween/Teen Chess Club
Time: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, October 27
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.
Perler Beads: Halloween Magnets
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, October 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Embrace your inner spookiness this Halloween season with frightening Perler bead magnets! Choose from premade designs of Halloween icons and monsters and make your own magnet pixel by pixel. All materials will be provided. This program is intended for tweens, teens, and adults. It is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Patrick at patrickc@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2115.
Tarot Basics with Annie Hex
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, October 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Are you curious about the ancient art of tarot but don’t know where to start? Join us for an enlightening and beginner-friendly presentation designed to demystify the cards and unlock your inner wisdom. Local tarot reader and poet, Annie Hex, will guide you through the fundamentals of tarot in a welcoming and supportive environment. This program is for anyone who wants to learn more about the deck’s structure, the meaning behind the cards, and how to use them as a tool for self-discovery and personal reflection. Registration is not required. This program is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
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, October 28
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.
Toddler Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade
Time: 9:45 – 10:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Young children are invited to join our Halloween Parade through the Children’s Department, with a few stops at various points to “trick-or-treat.” Come in costume and join the parade! No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
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, October 28
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, October 28
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.
Toddler Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade
Time: 10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Young children are invited to join our Halloween Parade through the Children’s Department, with a few stops at various points to “trick-or-treat.” Come in costume and join the parade! No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
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.
Grief Support Group
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
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.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Improve your knowledge of English and become more comfortable speaking in everyday situations. Practice basic English grammar concepts in conversation, learning how to ask and answer questions, expanding your vocabulary, and learning to understand the sounds of spoken English. This class is intended for adult participants at a low intermediate level of speaking English or higher, but all are welcome to attend. This program requires registration. There will be limited seats for unregistered patrons. For more information or to register, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Leave the Leaves!
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Learn why letting leaves stay in your yard this fall is good for your garden, local wildlife, and the planet! Discover how fallen leaves enrich soil, provide habitats, and reduce waste, all while saving you time and effort. Registration is not required. This program is intended for adults, but all are welcome. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
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.
Toddler Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade
Time: 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Young children are invited to join our Halloween Parade through the Children’s Department, with a few stops at various points to “trick-or-treat.” Come in costume and join the parade! No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Craft Corner
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
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.
Halloween Black Light Mini Golf
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
After our pre-school Halloween parade in the Youth Department, CREEP on down to the lower level for more SPOOKY fun! Get your GLOW-on and play Black Light Mini-Golf! Supplies for this program were, in part, supplied by The Friends of the Library and Delano’s Home Decorating in DeKalb. This program is intended for children and families. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.
Time: 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
We will be hosting a Silent Book Club on the last Wednesday of each month. Join us in having a quiet social time to read whatever you like or listen to audiobooks through your own headphones. Bring your own reading material or choose something from our shelves. Please arrive a few minutes early, quiet time begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. you will have a chance to share what you were reading, if you choose. This book club is intended for adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Beth at elizabethh@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2110.
Laser Cutting: Coasters
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
There’s nothing quite like showing off for your guests, especially when what you get to show them is something you made yourself. Get ready to ‘wow’ people with coasters you designed yourself! We’ll be using Lightburn software to design coasters of wood or acrylic, with any design you choose etched on top. For beginners, this program will be a chance to learn some of Lightburn’s basic features and explore just what you can do with a laser cutter. For those with previous experience, you’ll have access to the library’s experts on the software and our machinery. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. This program is open to teen and adults. For additional information, please contact Pen at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Halloween Black Light Mini Golf
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 30
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
After our pre-school Halloween parade in the Youth Department, CREEP on down to the lower level for more SPOOKY fun! Get your GLOW-on and play Black Light Mini-Golf! Supplies for this program were, in part, supplied by The Friends of the Library and Delano’s Home Decorating in DeKalb. This program is intended for children and families. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 30
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.
Halloween Sing and Black Light Mini-Golf
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 30
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
There’s a chill in the air and spooky things are happening at the library. Come howl at the moon with our Group Sing: Halloween Edition! Come alone or grab some friends and family who love to sing. Then, after the program, stay to play a special round of Halloween Black Light Mini Golf. Lyrics will be included. All ages are welcome. Minors (18 and under) must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.
The Haunting Genius of Edgar Allan Poe
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 30
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Edgar Allan Poe is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the history of 19th century American literature. His stories combine themes from Romanticism and Gothic fiction and has captivated readers since their initial publication. During this program, we will look back at the life and work of one of the greatest writers in literary history. Participants will get the chance to experience selections from both his poetry and his short stories. This program will also include a video reading of some of his work by Vincent Price. This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Tom at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or thomask@dkpl.org.
Halloween Black Light Mini Golf
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, October 31
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
After our pre-school Halloween parade in the Youth Department, CREEP on down to the lower level for more SPOOKY fun! Get your GLOW-on and play Black Light Mini-Golf! Supplies for this program were, in part, supplied by The Friends of the Library and Delano’s Home Decorating in DeKalb. This program is intended for children and families. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.
Multicultural Crafts and History
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Discover the vibrant traditions of different cultures through hands-on crafts and engaging history lessons in this fun and educational program for children! Led by the sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda, a multicultural sorority at NIU, each session explores a new culture, blending creativity with meaningful learning. Kids will create unique crafts while gaining a deeper appreciation for the world’s diverse heritage. In November, increase your fine motor skills with paper weaving as we explore how this has been used across many different ancient civilizations from South America to East Asia to North Africa. These programs are open to children of all ages. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
DeKalb Day of the Dead Celebration
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Join us for the third annual DeKalb Day of the Dead Celebration! Walk with us in our Welcoming Procession as we honor those who have passed. We will meet at El Jimador to begin the procession at 2:00 p.m., and will then walk to the library, where you can view ofrendas created by DeKalb community members. Enjoy crafts, activities, and performances throughout the library, and stay for an after-hours performance by the NIU Mariachi Band! Stop by WNIJ-HOLA and describe what Day of the Dead means to you. Share your story, your family’s story, or what you’ve learned about this holiday. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
High School Book Club
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Vote on the next book to become a pop culture hit! Join us for a chance to help determine the winner of the 2026 Lincoln Award. Previous award winners include The Hunger Games, The Fault in our Stars, and Maze Runner. Enjoy snacks while debating your favorites and earn volunteer hours for participating. This program is for grades 9-12. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
After-hours Concert: Mariachi Ensemble
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library, main lobby
NIU Mariachi performs an after-hours concert to conclude our Day of the Dead Celebration! NIU Mariachi is part of the World Music Ensembles at the NIU School of Music. The ensemble was founded during the1970’s with its first official concert in 1975 with Dr. Kuo-Huang Han as the first director of the program and Dr. Jui-Ching Wang from 2004. Last Spring of 2025, the NIU World Music Program celebrated its 50th year anniversary. This concert is free and open to all. Doors will open at 5:00 and music will begin at 5:30 p.m. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Hygge ‘HOO-gah’ Happiness
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, November 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Enjoy an immersive experience, lit by candlelight, focusing on intentional happiness and community with Scandinavian-inspired arts and crafts, meditative coloring, peaceful music, a crackling fireplace, and hot beverages (bring your own mug, if desired.) You’ll gain some tips to create “hygge,” and choose from a selection of library books to bring home which inspire joy and relaxation. Our Hygge events are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. A special limited edition Hygge tea blend will be provided by downtown DeKalb’s Thyme ‘N Again Apothecary. Local honey for our tea provided by Big Red’s Heavenly Honey. November’s event will feature three craft options: a stenciled tote bag, flannel lap warmer, and scented warmer discs. This program is intended for adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. First come, first served while supplies last. For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
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