Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, January 5
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.
Bedtime Stories
Time: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, January 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen 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.
Vision Board Collage
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, January 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Spine Crackers Graphic Novel Book Club: Zita the Spacegirl
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, January 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Love comics, adventure, and awesome artwork? Join the Spine Crackers Graphic Novel Book Club just for tweens! Explore a new graphic novel each month, packed with amazing illustrations and stories that will transport you to exciting worlds. Whether you’re into fantasy, mystery, or heartwarming tales, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to share your thoughts and discover your new favorite book. Pick up the book in the youth services department and drop in on the meet up date. No registration required. Intended for grades 3-6. For additional information, please contact Jen at jenniferm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, January 6
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, January 6
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, January 6
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, January 6
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, January 6
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, January 6
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.
3D Modeling Keychains
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, January 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Design your very own keychains in one of two 3D modeling programs! We’ll show you how to use TinkerCad and Blender. Find SVG files to import, get assistance with modeling in Blender, or design something cool in TinkerCad. Depending on the number of attendees and the available time, some 3D prints may have to be made after the program. If they are, 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. The program is open to teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Pearl at pearlc@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Budgeting Basics with FNBO
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, January 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Take control of your finances with confidence! Join us for an introductory workshop led by a financial expert from FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha). This session will walk you through the fundamentals of building a practical, personalized budget: no prior experience required. Learn simple strategies for tracking expenses, setting realistic goals, and making your money work for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your financial skills, this program offers helpful tools and real-world guidance to get you on the right path. This program is free to attend. Registration is not required. It is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
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
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
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.
Sit & Be Fit
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Join us for Sit & Be Fit, a fun and inclusive fitness class where you can get a workout from the comfort and safety of a chair! This program is all about getting some exercise in a supportive and completely judgment-free environment. We’ll guide you through easy-to-follow, seated fitness routines designed to get your heart pumping and your spirits high. No experience is needed, just a willingness to have a good time. Come in breathable clothing, find a seat, and let’s move together! This program is intended for adults of all abilities. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.
Art Attack: Perler Beads
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
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 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.
Craft Swap
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Donate supplies and shop for items you need, like fabric, yarn, scrapbook paper, beads, markers, and more! All items are free while supplies last. You do not have to donate to attend. We will start accepting donations at the Adult Services Desk the week prior to the event, or you can bring them on the night of the event. Please bring clean, new (or gently used) items only. This event is for teens and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
PS5 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Test your PS5 skills against your peers in this exciting gaming tournament!
PS5 games played during tournaments include College Football 26, Madden26, NBA 2K26 and EAFC26. We also have games available to play on PS4, 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. This event is intended for teens in grades 6-12. It is sponsored by Vinny’s Pizza in DeKalb. For more information, please contact Steven Marshall at stevenm@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Basic Loom Weaving
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, January 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Whether you’re an experienced weaver or you’ll be using a warp and weft for the first time, you’re welcome at our basic weaving program! We’ll be making a very simple weave on small looms that have been made in the library’s own makerspace, 309 Creative. Feel free to bring your own patterns or to utilize the tutorials we’ll have available. No previous experience is required. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. The program is open to teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Pen at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Bilingual Play & Learn with 4-C
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, January 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Family Conversations Workshop
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, January 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
ESL adult learners and other community members with small children are invited to engage in conversations on topics such as children, daily life, needs, community resources, and more. This free program is provided by Kishwaukee College Adult Education. No registration is required. For more information, contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Coloring Club
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, January 8
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: Ordinary Grace
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, January 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger is the historical fiction novel which will get us talking in October. Frank begins the season preoccupied with the concerns of any teenage boy, but when tragedy unexpectedly strikes his family—which includes his Methodist minister father; his passionate, artistic mother; Juilliard-bound older sister; and wise-beyond-his-years kid brother—he finds himself thrust into an adult world full of secrets, lies, adultery, and betrayal, suddenly called upon to demonstrate a maturity and gumption beyond his years. Told from Frank’s perspective forty years after that fateful summer, Ordinary Grace is a brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. Copies of the book will be available in the library one month before the program. The e-audiobook is available on the hoopla app, and the e-book is available on the Libby by Overdrive app. 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, January 9
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.
Cricut Cutting: Pokémon Tote Bags
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, January 9
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Print Pokémon designs for a canvas tote using heat transfer vinyl! Upload your own images or use some of our images to create a fun gift for yourself or someone you love. This event is first come, first served and space is limited. It is intended for teens and adults. For additional information, please contact the Tech Desk at techdesk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
American-made Board Game Party
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, January 9
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Did you know that most of the board games you love were created in the United States? Kick off a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with games including Monopoly, Life, and Ticket to Ride. Drop in for a quick game or spend two hours exploring different games. This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. All participants will receive a snack. No registration is required. This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. For more information, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.
Hygge ‘HOO-gah’ Happiness
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, January 10
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. 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. This free program is for all ages. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, January 10
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
The heist is on! The key to a secret stash of half a million gold coins has been discovered, and a pair of corrupt nobles are planning to use it for their own devilish gains. It’s up to our group of unlikely heroes to infiltrate the estate, secure the prize, and thwart whatever other nefarious plans may be unfolding. Bring your own level 5 character, optimized for a heist-based campaign, or play one of the pre-made characters we’ll have on hand. New players of all experience levels are welcome to join! This program is intended for adults. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
The Berlin Trilogy: Bowie, Visconti, and Eno
Time: 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, January 10
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
After the “death” of Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie sought a new musical adventure. Traveling to Europe to beat his drug addiction, he became immersed in electronic and ambient music. This led to a collaboration with musician Brian Eno and producer Tony Visconti on a series of albums he would later call “The Berlin Trilogy”. Learn about the making of these albums and the powerful creative forces that brought them to life. This is a free event. Registration is not required. It is intended for adults. For more information, please contact Leah at leahh@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112.
High School Book Club
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, January 10
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
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.
Be a Part of History: Become a Citizen Archivist
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, January 11
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Interested in the JFK assassination records? What about federal records about UFOs? The National Archives needs help transcribing original documents to make them easier for the public to access. Learn how to decipher cursive and create keyword tags in a short presentation before getting hands-on experience in contributing to the transcription process. Creating a login using two-factor authentication for the National Archives will be required to contribute. This program is limited in spaces and is first come, first served. Laptops will be provided. All ages are welcome. It is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. For questions and more information, contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815)756-9568 ext. 6106.
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