Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, February 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Bedtime Stories
Time: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, February 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
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.
Planet-Friendly Hygiene Products
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, February 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Join us for an empowering presentation on alternative, sustainable menstrual products. Learn how reusable options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear save money, and support personal comfort. We will walk you through how each product works, discuss care and maintenance, and share tips for choosing what’s right for your body and lifestyle. A variety of unused sample products will be available to see and touch, giving participants a hands-on understanding of each products’ fit, feel, and function. This program is free to attend. Registration is not required. It is intended for teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.
Spine Crackers Graphic Novel Book Club: Sunny Side Up
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, February 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity 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.
Metalworking: Chainmail Jewelry
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, February 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Assemble a personalized pair of chainmail earrings, a bracelet, necklace, or something from your imagination! This program is intended for teens and adults and is first come first served, as supplies are limited. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Patrick at patrickc@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2115.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, February 3
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, February 3
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, February 3
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, February 3
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, February 3
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, February 3
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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Youth 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.
Planning for College: One-Click College Admit
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Are you interested in attending college but overwhelmed by the application process, financial aid, and scholarships? The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is here to help! ISAC will be presenting free programs about the college process and the services they provide. No registration is required, but space is limited and is first come, first served. Light snacks and water will be provided. These programs are intended for high school students and their parents or guardians. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Pom-Pom Party
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Looking for some cute decorations? Create your own pom-poms! It’s a quick and easy project suitable for kids, teens, and adults. We have a wide variety of yarn, so your imagination is the only limit. This program is free. It does not require registration. For more information, contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
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, February 4
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.
Winter Seed Sowing in Milk Jugs
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Winter sowing is an easy, inexpensive method of starting seeds outdoors in recycled containers (like milk jugs) during the winter! This creates mini greenhouses that provide natural cold stratification, eliminates the need for grow-lights and hardening off, and results in tough, self-hardened seedlings ready to transplant in spring. This technique is perfect for many perennials, natives, and cool-season vegetables that require a period of cold, moist conditions (stratification) to break dormancy, mimicking nature’s timeline for germination. Bring one or two clean, translucent 1-gallon milk jugs to fill. We’ll provide the seeds and the soil for up to two milk jug planters per family, while supplies last. This program is for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For more information, contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Art Attack: Hearts
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
This Wednesday, we will explore positive and negative space while embracing the season of love with heart-themed projects. Whether you try colorful splatter art or a mixed-media masterpiece, your heart painting is sure to be unique! This program is first come, first served as supplies are limited. For additional information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
Healthcare Assistance with a Nurse Patient Advocate
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
A Nurse Patient Advocate can help empower your medical decisions during chronic illness or medical emergencies by ensuring your voice is heard in complex healthcare situations. They walk alongside you through the end-of-life journey, offering guidance and support that aligns with your values. Learn more about how a Nurse Patient Advocate can guide you through tough medical circumstances. This program is intended for adults. No registration is required. For more information, contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Urban Legends: Fact or Fiction
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Listen to stories of urban legends and the history of how they came to be. It will be a night of tales from strange, to scary, to weird! Are they based on fact, or completely fiction? Decide for yourself. This program is open to ages 10 and up. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Beth at elizabethh@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Painting Valentine’s Day Coasters
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Looking for a special gift for your Valentine this year? Decorate a premade coaster, designed to be assembled in layers. Each piece will be pre-cut on the library’s laser cutter. Whether you’re looking to put together something sweet for your sweetheart or just a nice decoration for your home, you’ll find variety to suit your creative whims! Space and materials are limited and on a first come, first served basis. No registration is required. Intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Pen at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
PS5 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, February 4
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.
Play Group for Children with Special Needs
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Experience the freedom of a relaxed atmosphere, where there’s no need to stifle excitement or confine movement during this less structured play group. Tailored for children with special needs aged 0-5 years, this program is designed for families to engage with and meet other families without the pressure of keeping children quiet or in one place. Toys such as cars, puzzles, magna-tiles, books, and stepping stones will be incorporated, and every child may engage in activities that cater to their unique interests and abilities. While aimed at children aged 0-5, children of all ages are welcome. 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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Youth 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.
Origami Snowflakes
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Discover the enchanting world of origami and kirigami! Create charming, 6-pointed snowflakes that will beautify your home this season. All supplies will be provided. This program is intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Sustainability Swap
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
It’s important to be responsible consumers and consider sustainability when we need new things. Our Sustainability Swap, monthly on the first Thursdays, allows you to trade in your lightly used clothing for someone else’s, as well as swap houseplants you might not want to care for. The houseplant portion of the swap is sponsored by Willrett Flower Company. Freshly washed clothing in adult sizes can be dropped off at the reference desk one week before the program. Houseplants of all kinds are welcome, but please only bring pots that you are willing to part with. You do not need to drop your plants off in advance. 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 Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
U.S. Presidents and First Ladies
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
From the beginning of the first presidential administration back in 1789, the First Lady of the United States has played a vital role in our culture. Many of these women have remained household names to this very day for advocating women’s, civil and human rights, addressing and managing environmental concerns, founding literacy campaigns, and many other influential acts that have helped to positively impact our nation. During this program we will discuss the legacies of all the First Ladies of the United States in order, and the lasting impact that they have had throughout our nation’s history. This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. For additional information, please contact Tom at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or thomask@dkpl.org.
Guided Gesture Drawing
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Whether you are an illustrator, animator, or fine artist, gesture drawing is an effective tool to help you tell better stories with your art. In this session, participants will draw a series of poses from prerecorded videos featuring costumed models. An instructor will be on hand to provide guidance and suggestions if desired. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your preferred drawing utensils. This program is open to teens and adults and is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Isaac at isaacl@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, February 6
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.
Black History Multi-Media Trivia Contest
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, February 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Learn about Black history and celebrate Black excellence with this fast-paced trivia game featuring audio clips, video clips and images! All participants receive a snack, and the winner receives a prize. This program is for tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Registration is not required, but the contest is first come, first served as space is limited to 15 participants. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or 815-756-9568 ext. 3400.
Anime & Manga Club
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, February 6
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, grades 6-12. 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.
AARP Tax-Aide
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
The free AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will again be available at the DeKalb Public Library and is for people with low to moderate incomes. AARP Foundation Tax -Aide volunteers will be available by appointment most Saturdays from February 7 through April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a photo ID and all necessary tax documents, as well as last year’s return forms. For a complete list of important documents to bring click here. Please sign up for an appointment by contacting Frances at (815) 991-9418. For more information, please contact the reference desk at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or at reference@dkpl.org.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, February 7
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.
Vibe-Check Saturdays: Healthy Friendships, Boundaries, and Self Love
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Are you a teen looking to connect, grow, and build confidence? Vibe-Check Saturdays are here to provide a safe, supportive, and uplifting space for you through fun group activities and mentorship. This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. No registration is required, but is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Cheyenne at cheyennet@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 6109.
Burl Ives, Midwestern Minstrel
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Burl Ives was and is an iconic figure in the annals of American Folk Music and he got his start in the little Illinois town of Newton. Ives went on to become one of the world’s most well-known folk singers and actors, but never lost his hometown ‘folksie’ touch. He recorded more than 100 albums in his career and was called America’s Great Ballad Singer by none other than Carl Sandburg. In the 1930’s he was an “official hobo”, traveling the country in boxcars, but went on to become an internationally recognized star. A fixture of the nascent “folk scene” of the 40’s, 50’s & 60’s in New York City, Ives became an Oscar winning actor in 1958’s Big Country and many other films. Award-Winning singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd portrays a friend of Ives, Gypsy Davey, who was a hobo and guitar-toting minstrel. Hear ‘Gypsy’ perform many of Burl Ives’ most well-known folk songs. This event is free and open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by Gretchen Moore in memory of Charles Moore. This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Fiber Arts Club
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Welcome back to the Fiber Arts Club! This month’s theme will be focused around body measurement. Rachael of local shop MAD Fabrics + Studio will guide us through how to accurately measure our bodies for fit. If you’d like to be measured in person, please ensure you wear simple comfortable clothing such as a tank top or t-shirt and leggings. However, you are more than welcome to observe and take notes. Those of all skill levels are welcome to learn a new technique or bring your own project to work on. This club is an open format to try out different fiber arts and form a community of fiber friends. For more information, please contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.
Know Your Rights Training (English and Español)
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, February 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Join us for a Know Your Rights training provided by DeKalb Migrant Aid. Learn valuable information to help you understand and protect your rights in various situations, such as interactions with law enforcement, participating in protests, and more. This program is free to attend. Registration is not required. The presentation will be given in English and Spanish. Intended for adults. This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.
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