Book Babies
Time: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
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: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
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: Fabulous Flyers
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, make or own stunning butterfly or daring dragonfly, adorning them with a variety of materials! From colorful paper to sparkly gems, every creation will be as unique as the imagination behind it. 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.
Classic Film Series: Detective Story (1951)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Take a trip back through cinematic history on one Tuesday night each month. There will be a different film featured as a showcase of the age of classic films. This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, please contact Tom at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or thomask@dkpl.org.
309 Creative Open Lab
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Visit 309 Creative during these weekly open lab hours where you will have access to all the amazing tools contained in the space. Staff will be present to offer basic assistance as their expertise allows. This is not a program, it is a time when the space is open to anyone to come in, share their knowledge with others, and work on any project that grabs their interest. All are welcome, no registration is required. For additional information, please contact the Tech Desk at techdesk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
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: Fabulous Flyers
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, make or own stunning butterfly or daring dragonfly, adorning them with a variety of materials! From colorful paper to sparkly gems, every creation will be as unique as the imagination behind it. 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, May 1st
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. Please register at dkpl.org, as space is limited. For more information or for help with registration, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.
Art Attack: Monet-Inspired Water Lilies
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
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, explore the world of art through the lens of renowned artist Claude Monet. Drawing inspiration from his famous Water Lilies series, use a variety of materials such as paint, brushes, and paper to create your own interpretation. Learn about color mixing, brushstroke techniques, and composition as you bring your vision to life. This program is first come, first served as supplies are limited. For more information, please contact Amanda at amandah@dkpl.org or (815)-756-9568 ext. 3301.
Utility Bill Clinic with Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Join Citizens Utility Board (CUB) for a free event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, and both landline and cell phone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. Please bring current copies of your utilities, phone, cable, and water bills. Registration at dkpl.org is required as space is limited. This program is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
PS4 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
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 23, NBA2023, and MLB The Show: 2022. 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, as only 16 spots are available. 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 & Learn with 4-C
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Join 4-C in an opportunity to immerse children in language & music! Bond with your infant or toddler in this program that supports language development, early literacy, listening skills & concentration, and fine & gross motor skills through songs, rhymes, and parent-child interactions. This event is free and open to all on the 1st and 2nd Thursday of each month. It is intended for ages 0-5 and requires no registration. For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Paint & Sip
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Enjoy a warm beverage and a creative project. This meditative time allows you to create and enjoy making whatever comes to mind. Paint something for a loved one or for yourself! No instructions will be given. 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.
English Conversation Club
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Are you looking for a relaxing way to practice speaking English? Come to English Conversation Club! Have fun using English in a low-pressure environment. This group is open to speakers of all languages, and at all levels of English proficiency. It is intended for teens and adults, though children are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or call (815)-756-9568 ext. 1700.
Le Baratin: French Conversation
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
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.
Mother’s Day Flower Arrangements
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Join Mary Grace McCauley, co-owner of Willrett Flower Company, to learn how to make a flower arrangement for Mother’s Day! Mary Grace will demonstrate how to use seasonal flowers to create a Mother’s Day centerpiece. This program is intended for adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Author Visit: Melissa Blake
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Paris Hilton claims to have invented the selfie, but Melissa Blake – freelance writer, activist, influencer, pop culture maven, and child of the 90s – certainly re-invented it as a tool for affirming human dignity with her #MyBestSelfie campaign for disability representation and pride. Melissa joins us to discuss her book Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability. She shares her story, highlights other activists in the movement, and issues a clarion call for the disabled community and allies to fight against ableism in our culture and our physical spaces. Melissa has written for The Washington Post, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and many other outlets about celebrities, fashion, and pop culture. But it was a political piece she wrote for CNN Opinion that changed her life. When internet trolls disagreed with the views she expressed, they attacked her viciously: not her argument, but her physical appearance. Melissa was born with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, a genetic condition that causes muscle contractions throughout her body, including her face. The trolls were merciless and when they told Blake never to post her photo on social media, she decided to do just the opposite: She posted one selfie a day for 365 days, earning fans worldwide and getting a book deal. 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.
Plant Adopt or Swap
Time: 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Looking to add a new plant or two to your home? Stop by our Plant Adopt or Swap Program, sponsored by Willrett Flower Company. Participants can bring in a plant or plant cutting and swap it for a new plant. If you don’t have any plants to swap, you can still stop by and adopt a new plant. There will be a designated plant swap area for those who would like to trade plants with other plant enthusiasts. There will also be a designated plant adoption area for plants that are available for anyone to take. Houseplants of all kinds are welcome, but please only bring pots that you are willing to part with. 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 Britta at britta@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity 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.
3D Printing: Plant Markers
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
May flowers are here! That means it’s time to organize and label your garden with custom designed plant markers. No experience necessary, you will be guided through the basics of the 3D printing software Tinker Cad to create your personalized plant markers. This program is intended for tweens, teens, and adults. It is first come, first served as space is limited. 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. For additional information, please contact Hadley at hadleyo@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
309 Creative Open Lab
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Visit 309 Creative during these weekly open lab hours where you will have access to all the amazing tools contained in the space. Staff will be present to offer basic assistance as their expertise allows. This is not a program, it is a time when the space is open to anyone to come in, share their knowledge with others, and work on any project that grabs their interest. All are welcome, no registration is required. For additional information, please contact the Tech Desk at techdesk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Eating Healthy on a Budget
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Master the art of eating healthy on a limited budget! Learn practical strategies and expert tips from Stark Wellness Dietitian, Matt Stark, that you can apply to yourself and your family without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious time. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to meal preparation. Matt Stark is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. This presentation is intended for adults, but is open to all ages. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.
JOY Volunteers: Paint Positive Rocks for Cancer Center
Time: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Lend a hand in painting positive rocks destined for the Cancer Center. Join us for a heartwarming event where we’re spreading joy and hope through art! Let’s come together, unleash our creativity, and make a difference in someone’s day. This program is sponsored by JOY Volunteers. JOY, Jackson’s Outstanding Young Volunteers, is a youth-led volunteer group in DeKalb County. Registration is not required. This program is for ages 6-18. Adults are welcomed to join in the fun, but only if accompanied by a minor. For more information, please contact Theresa at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 or at theresaw@dkpl.org.
Fabric Rope Necklaces
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Mom deserves beautiful things; like this colorful necklace! In anticipation of Mother’s Day on May 12th, choose from our gorgeous, thrifted fabrics to make three wrapped ropes. Supplies, and instructions to finish and fasten your masterpiece, will be provided. After gluing, allow project 24 hours to dry. This project leader is local artist Tiffany Michelle Adams who graduated from NIU with a Bachelors in Art. This program is for youth in grades 6-12 and adults. Skill level is intermediate. Supplies are limited and spots are first come, first served. Sponsored by The Friends of Library. For additional information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Annie’s Story Time @ Glidden Homestead
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Place: Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb
Join DeKalb Public Library for a fun children’s story time at the historic Glidden Homestead! Each month will feature a different story and craft activity theme. These interactive story times may feature songs, movement and more. In months when the weather is warm and sunny “Annie’s Storytime” will be held on the back lawn of the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb (next to Glidden Florist.) In case of bad weather story time will move inside. The rest of the year story time will occur in the Glidden Homestead. The program is free for all attendees, and parking is available in the Glidden Florist parking lot. This event is free. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815)756-9568 ext. 3350.
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