Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, April 14th
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: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, April 14th
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. Supermutant Magic Academy is our read for April! 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, April 14th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman 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.
Converting VHS Tapes to DVDs
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, April 14th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Attend this live workshop where you’ll learn all about the technology used to convert your VHS tapes to DVDs and digital formats for long term storage. This program is intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. This program is first come, first serve due to limited space. 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, April 15th
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: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
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.
DeKalb Township Informational Booth
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
The DeKalb Township Supervisor’s office provides financial assistance to qualifying residents through two financial programs. General assistance provides temporary, needs-based assistance to individuals who are not eligible for any other state or federal assistance programs and are underemployed/unemployed or have applied for SSDI/SSI and are unable to work due to a disability. DeKalb Township also offers many free services including Notary Public, Fax Services, free access to computers and printers, etc. Please visit www.dekalbtownship.org to access their Community Resource Guide, to view Township activities, and to view other available community resources and events taking place in DeKalb. This informational booth will contain brochures related to the Supervisor’s Office Services; General and Emergency Applications and information; Employment Specialist information; and listing of upcoming Township events. This booth is free and intended for adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Craft Corner: Little Lamb
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, have a wooly good time creating your own fluffy lamb using paper, cotton balls, and googly eyes! 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, April 15th
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, April 15th
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: Little Lamb
Time: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, have a wooly good time creating your own fluffy lamb using paper, cotton balls, and googly eyes! 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.
Teen Advisory Group
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Participate in the Teen Advisory Group when you get to tell our Teen Librarian which books, games, programs, and services you want. Develop interpersonal skills, earn volunteer hours, contribute to your community, and have fun, too! Snacks will be provided. This group is intended for teens in grades 6-12. This program is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
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.
Poetry Writing Workshop
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
The creation of poetry is one of the ultimate forms of human expression. It fuels and releases our artistic creativity and brings the written word to life within our imaginations. During this program, we will look at examples of several poetic forms, including the sonnet, villanelle, haiku, dramatic monologue, and fixed and free verse poetry. 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.
Losing the Light: The Night Mary Lost Abraham
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 15th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
“Losing the Light: The Night Mary Lincoln Lost Abraham” poignantly examines the tragic evening of April 14, 1865, when First Lady Mary Lincoln witnessed the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, at Ford’s Theatre. It delves into the profound personal loss and emotional devastation Mary experienced that night, exploring her immediate reactions, and the reaction of the nation. This lecture provides a deeply personal perspective on this historical event, shedding light on Mary’s grief and the enduring legacy of her loss. Performer Valerie Gugala has been studying the Lincoln Family for more than 50 years. She has performed at The Lincoln Home National Historic Site (one of only 4 women who have done so) and has spoken to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum volunteers. Her interest in the Lincolns led to an interest in the Presidents, First Ladies, and their families. 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.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
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: Little Lamb
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, have a wooly good time creating your own fluffy lamb using paper, cotton balls, and googly eyes! 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.
Tween/Teen Chess Club
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
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.
Art Attack: Firefly Paper Lanterns
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
This Wednesday, we will create firefly-themed paper lanterns, inspired by the magic of summer nights. Using paper, markers, and battery-operated tea lights, design and assemble lanterns that bring the fireflies to life. 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.
Bilingual Story Telling with HABLA
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
NIU students from the Hispanic Association of Bilingual Language Acquisition (HABLA) will be reading an English-Spanish book during a bilingual story time about a piggy on a picnic. Do you enjoy picnics? Following the story children may participate in an interactive activity filling their own paper picnic basket with a variety of paper food. Don’t miss this enjoyable opportunity to celebrate language and culture while sparking creativity and learning with HABLA. This story time is for pre-K children through 5th grade. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Candle Making 101
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
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 get to 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.
PS4 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 16th
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.
Play Group for Children with Special Needs
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
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.
Memory Café
Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
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. It’s all about honey and buzzing bees in April as local bee-keeper and owner of Big Red’s Heavenly Honey in DeKalb, Randy Mullis, will treat us to a presentation on beekeeping and give out samples of some of his beeswax products. Get in touch with Randy of Big Red’s Heavenly Honey, DeKalb, at (815) 751-1440. 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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
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.
Cricut Cutting: Spring Candy Holders
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Let’s make lollipop and treat holders using the Cricut cutter! These cute party favors make fun accents for the holiday. This event is first come, first served as space is limited. Laptops are provided for use in class. It is intended for teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or the Tech Desk at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
NIU STEM Café: Kaboom!
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
Place: NIU Faraday Hall, 200 Normal Road, DeKalb, Room 143
In partnership with NIU STEAM, our monthly STEM Cafés are back! Kaboom! Is an exciting Pokémon-themed Chemistry Demo Night, hosted by the NIU Chemistry Club! This interactive experience is a sneak peek into their annual chemistry showcase—featuring more hands-on activities and thrilling experiments inspired by the Pokémon universe. This free presentation is for teens, but open to all ages. Free pizza is available to those who attend. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Le Baratin: French Conversation
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Dr. Greg Ross, former coordinator of The Foreign Language Residence Program at Northern Illinois University would like to cordially invite you to Le Baratin. Come speak French with members of the surrounding francophone community and enjoy the convivial atmosphere of the library. Anyone who speaks French is welcomed! A Bientôt! This program is free and open to all; no registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Book Club: Severed
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Do you have a taste for the strange? A curiosity for the bizarre? Do you find yourself drawn to books that are a little… off? Welcome to a one-of-a-kind reading adventure where we explore the weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful stories ever written! From mind-bending fiction to peculiar non-fiction, nothing is too strange for us to read. In April we’ll discuss Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Heads Found by Frances Larson. This book club is intended for adults. No registration is required. 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, April 18th
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.
Air Hockey Tournament
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 18th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Challenge your friends, enjoy snacks, and show off your skills on the Teen Room’s air hockey table to win prizes in a monthly air hockey tournament! This program is for grades 6-12. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Teen Job Fair
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 19th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Are you a teenager looking for a way to make some extra money during the school year or over the summer? Meet representatives from local businesses looking to hire teenagers. No registration is required. This program is intended for teens ages 14-18. For additional information, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.
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