Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, April 21st
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.
Introduction to Web Development: Styling with CSS
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, April 21st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Take your website to the next level with CSS layouts! We will show you how to use some of the different layouts offered by CSS to design a website using the free, online web-hosting platform Neocities.org. This program is intended for beginner to intermediate programmers who are familiar with the basics of HTML and CSS. Laptops will be provided. Attendees will need an email address to create a free Neocities account. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. No registration is required. Intended for teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Emily at emilyb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Bedtime Stories
Time: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, April 21st
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.
Suspense Book Club: The Housemaid
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, April 21st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Looking for your next suspenseful thriller? Join us every third Monday for stories of suspense. In April we’ll discuss The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden. Light refreshments will be provided during the discussion. Books are available in Adult Services. No registration is required. This book club is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Leah at leahh@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
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 22nd
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: Truffula Tree
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, bring The Lorax to life in a “tree-mendous” way! Create your own Truffula Tree using vibrant tissue paper for the fluffy top and a striped popsicle stick for the trunk. 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 22nd
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 22nd
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: Truffula Tree
Time: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, bring The Lorax to life in a “tree-mendous” way! Create your own Truffula Tree using vibrant tissue paper for the fluffy top and a striped popsicle stick for the trunk. 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.
Grief Support Group
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
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 the facilitation from Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Lee Scott. 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 support group is free and intended for adults. No registration is required. To reach Licensed Clinical Social Worker Lee Scott, call (630) 557-9895. For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
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.
Save a Life: Every Moment Counts
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Learning to stop bleeding is a lifesaving skill. The number one cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. With three quick actions, you can be trained and empowered to save a life. This formal presentation is followed by hands-on practice of applying direct pressure, packing a wound, and using a tourniquet to stop bleeding. Recommended for ages 15 and up, there are graphic images and content included in the presentation. This program is first come, first served as space is limited. Presented by the DeKalb County Health Department Medical Reserve Corps as part of a National Stop the Bleed campaign. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
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: Truffula Tree
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
At Craft Corner this week, bring The Lorax to life in a “tree-mendous” way! Create your own Truffula Tree using vibrant tissue paper for the fluffy top and a striped popsicle stick for the trunk. 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.
Craft Swap
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
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.
Tinkering with TinkerCad: SVGs
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn how to leverage Scalable Vector Graphics (SVGs) in Tinkercad to bring your 3D designs to life! SVGs are powerful tools for creating detailed and intricate shapes that can be seamlessly integrated into your Tinkercad projects. Whether you’re a relative beginner or an experienced designer, this session will provide valuable insights into the process of incorporating SVGs into your designs. Previous experience with Tinkercad is strongly recommended. Depending on number of attendees and available time, your prints might 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 Pen Novus at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Medicare 101
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
There are more Medicare insurance options available than ever before. Finding the right plan requires careful consideration, and we know, an educated consumer will make the right choice. We are here to educate you on your Medicare insurance options. Licensed Sales Representative Carol Cherry discusses the different parts of Medicare. This free workshop is intended for adults and seniors. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701. TTY users should call (815) 762-0761-711 for assistance or visit medicare.gov.
Paint & Sip
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 24th
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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 24th
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.
LEGO Club
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Join us on the 4th Thursday of every month as we explore our creativity with LEGO blocks! Either participate in our monthly-themed builds or enjoy the time to free build. You might have your creation proudly displayed in the Children’s department. This club is free and intended for ages 5-14. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.
Ukulele Strum & Sing
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Join us for our monthly ukulele strum and sing! Turn up with your ukulele and Liz and Jim Beloff’s “The Daily Ukulele Songbook: 365 Songs for Better Living”, and be ready to play! No experience is necessary. “The Daily Ukulele Songbook: 365 Songs for Better Living” and ukuleles are available for checkout at the library. This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Toddler Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, April 25th
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.
After-hours Concert: NIU Suzuki Strings featuring High School Students
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 25th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Join us for an after-hours concert with the NIU Suzuki Strings in the library’s main lobby! The NIU Suzuki Strings program includes children and their parents or caretakers from ages 4 throughout high school. This method of learning music is modeled after the natural and positive way we learn our native language. It is through daily listening and practice, positive reinforcement and encouragement of the family and community that children learn to play music. The goal of the Suzuki method is to nurture sensitivity, perseverance, cooperation, confidence, creativity, awareness, and other life skills that strengthen our world one person and relationship at a time. These high school and middle school students have all been studying violin individually and collectively for several years. They strengthen their school and community music ensembles from all over northern Illinois. The NIU Suzuki Strings will perform a 45-minute concert of classical works by Vivaldi, Bach and Pachelbel with Tangos, Fiddle Tunes and Popular Music mixed in as well. This group of 13 teens is primarily student lead with support from their Suzuki instructors, Courtney McNamarra, Laurie Rodriguez, and Ann Montzka Smelser. This after-hours concert is free and open to all. No registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Family Fun Science: Brilliant Botany
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Beautiful, beguiling, and bold: plants are all of these and more! We’re digging deep into botany this month with lots of fun plant activities. Design a wind-blown seed and test it. Use microscopes to look at close-ups of plant parts. Make an origami tulip. Put together a puzzle to learn the life cycle of plants. And, of course, plant a bean seed to take home with you. We’re calling in the plant pros too! NIU Biology students will be here to get into the roots (and stems, and leaves) of it all. The program is limited to the first 30 children to arrive. Sign-up will begin at the children’s desk 1 hour before the event. For additional information, please email Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Medicare 101
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
There are more Medicare insurance options available than ever before. Finding the right plan requires careful consideration, and we know, an educated consumer will make the right choice. We are here to educate you on your Medicare insurance options. Licensed Sales Representative Carol Cherry discusses the different parts of Medicare. This free workshop is intended for adults and seniors. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701. TTY users should call (815) 762-0761-711 for assistance or visit medicare.gov.
Goat Yoga with Blue Sky Farm
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Blue Sky Farm Goat Yoga is looking forward to providing a “bucket list” event at the DeKalb Public Library! Our baby goats love to snuggle, run, and jump on you as you enjoy some soul-stretching yoga with our certified yoga instructor. It may seem silly to some, but we can assure you the experience is unlike any other. Interacting with any animal is therapeutic, but combining the beautiful practice of yoga with animal therapy is a joy you will feel deep in your heart. Each session will include 30 minutes of yoga, followed by 15 minutes to snuggle and pet the goats, as well as take photos. This event is open for ages 12 and up. Attendees must bring a yoga mat or towel (please remember that this item may get dirty). Participation is first come, first served, as there is a limit of 20 participants per class. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot: The Great Eggstravaganza
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Are you a Dungeons & Dragons fan looking for games of a higher level? This month we’ll be hosting a special holiday multiverse edition one-shot starting at the tenth level. The elves of the Verdant Vale hold the Great Eggstravaganza, where magical eggs containing powerful boons are hidden across the land. However, this year, the eggs have gone missing, and Eostara, the Spring Hare Matron, has called upon the party to recover them before the festival is ruined! Rumors say the eggs have fallen into the hands of the mischievous Fey Trickster, who has set up puzzles, traps, and magical constructs to keep would-be egg hunters at bay. Our objective is to restore balance to the festival and unlock a hidden multiversal portal; the party must retrieve the enchanted eggs before sundown. 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. 2150.
Beyblade Club
Time: 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
“3! 2! 1! Let it rip!” Practice your Beyblade battle skills in a no-pressure environment. The library will provide arenas to use, and a few older Beyblades will be available to borrow. You are encouraged to bring your own Beyblades since we will have a limited supply. You can also bring any of your own arenas or accessories to try out. There will be no specific structure or battle bracket followed, just free play. Play at your own risk; the library is not responsible for any damaged items. This program is intended for ages 6 and up. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3301.
The Roots of Empire and Industry: The Soviet-German-American Origins of Rubber in the 20th Century
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
You are surrounded by rubber everywhere you look. But how did an exotic substance exclusively harvested from specific plants found in tropical rainforests become ubiquitous? How did it become one of the most important substances that govern our lives? The answer to this question is a long story spanning the United States, Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, chemical research, biopiracy, and even a species of dandelion from Central Asia. NIU History PhD Student (and DKPL employee) Alex Craver defended his dissertation on the subject in January 2025, and will give a presentation on his research into the transnational history of rubber. This free program is open to all. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact the Tech Desk at techdesk@dkpl.org at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Goat Yoga with Blue Sky Farm
Time: 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Blue Sky Farm Goat Yoga is looking forward to providing a “bucket list” event at the DeKalb Public Library! Our baby goats love to snuggle, run, and jump on you as you enjoy some soul-stretching yoga with our certified yoga instructor. It may seem silly to some, but we can assure you the experience is unlike any other. Interacting with any animal is therapeutic, but combining the beautiful practice of yoga with animal therapy is a joy you will feel deep in your heart. Each session will include 30 minutes of yoga, followed by 15 minutes to snuggle and pet the goats, as well as take photos. This event is open for ages 12 and up. Attendees must bring a yoga mat or towel (please remember that this item may get dirty). Participation is first come, first served, as there is a limit of 20 participants per class. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story