Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, August 18
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, August 18
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
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, August 18
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 August we will discuss The Housemaid is Watching by Freida 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, August 19
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, August 19
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.
Informational Booth: Health Department
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Join DeKalb County Health Department staff to learn about the services provided right here in DeKalb County. Staff will have general information about programs including WIC, immunizations, and healthcare enrollment for special enrollment periods. Every month, we will highlight new program services and focus on nationally recognized observances including nutrition month, poison prevention month, National public health week, and more! Stop by to ask staff questions about the programs and services we offer. This informational booth is free and open to all. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 19
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, August 19
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, August 19
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, August 19
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.
Genealogy for Beginners: Find A Grave and BillionGraves
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Some of the most valuable resources for genealogists are burial records. We’ll demonstrate how to use the free resources Find A Grave and BillionGraves to add value to your genealogy research. We’ll also learn how to use GPS to help others find their family in nearby cemeteries. Please feel free to bring your own laptop to follow along with us. This program is free and does not require registration. It is intended for adults. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Stories @ Huntley Park
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Place: Huntley Park, 2nd and Garden Street, DeKalb
It’s summertime, so join John and Laura at the park for our 5th summer of outdoor story times! We will be reading stories, singing songs, and having fun. After the stories, go play on the playground. We encourage you to bring a blanket to make sitting on the grass a little more comfortable. We will announce on the DeKalb Public Library Facebook page if the program is cancelled due to weather. For questions or further information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Craft Corner
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
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.
Tween/Teen Chess Club
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
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.
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
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.
Casey McQuiston Virtual Author Visit Watch Party
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Casey McQuiston, bestselling author of romances, including Red, White, and Royal Blue, will be joining us virtually to present “Returning to Romance through Food and Flirty Fun in Fiction.” Learn more about the author’s works, process, and upcoming releases, as well as her take on romances in general. This event is live and questions can be submitted to the author. Patrons can access this free livestream at home by registering at dkpl.org. This program is aimed at adults, but teens 16+ are welcome to attend. There is no registration to attend the watch party. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Vinyl Cutting & Heat Press
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Discover the features and functions of Cricut Design Space software, where you can prepare designs and control your Cricut. We’ll cover essential techniques, as well as the specific tools for cutting heat press vinyl. This workshop is perfect for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the creative possibilities of both Cricut and using a heat press. No prior experience is required, though a basic understanding of design principles will be helpful. 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.
PS4 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 20
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, August 21
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, August 21
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. Bring the best beach memories front and center through magnetic beach scenes and sensory wave bags. 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.
Poetry Writing Workshop
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 21
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.
Perler Bead Magnets: Video Game Sprites
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Bring your favorite video game sprites to life with Perler bead magnets! Choose from premade designs of popular characters and items from video games and make your own magnet pixel by pixel. All materials will be provided. This program is intended for tweens, teens, and adults. It 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.
Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Book Club
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, August 21
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 August we’ll discuss The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins. 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.
Toddler Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, August 22
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.
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23
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.
Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot: Summer Adventures
Time: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Are you a Dungeons & Dragons fan looking for games of a higher level? Join us for a new adventure every month! 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.
Express Yourself: Art and Mental Health for Teens (Pop-up Program)
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Are you a teen who is interested in expressing yourself through art and learning about mental health and wellness? The space is open for any sort of artistic inspiration about mental health including paintings, drawings, and more. Your art can include messages of hope, places you feel safe, the different sides of you or what inspires you. This program is intended for ages 12-18. No registration is required. It is held in partnership with Ben Gordon Center. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Evanston’s Living History
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Evanston’s Living History is the story of a people paying a big price for rights and liberties that many of us take for granted; a community whose indomitable spirit influenced the conscience of a nation. Craig Dudnick’s presentation begins with a fifteen-minute overview of the story followed by the film screening, with discussion after. Evanston’s Living History begins with the birth of Anthony Crawford, born into slavery in 1860 in Abbeville, South Carolina. Through emancipation and the promise of Reconstruction, the Crawford family prospered, acquiring property in Abbeville that Anthony inherited and developed into 470 acres of prime cotton land. A deadlocked Presidential election in 1876 led to the compromise which removed federal troops from the South and sounded the death knell for Reconstruction. With the dream of democracy crushed and the Jim Crow South left in its wake, Mr. Crawford was brutally lynched in Abbeville in 1916. His family was forced to flee, settling in Evanston, Illinois where they found that the North had their own version of Jim Crow. The transformation took decades, but those once refugees became community leaders. Mr. Crawford’s descendants, alongside the families of Emmett Till, Michael Schwerener, James Earl Chaney, and Andrew Goodman worked to gain passage of United States Senate Resolution 39, which apologized for the failure of the Senate to enact anti-lynching legislation. On March 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, making lynching a federal crime. Evanston’s Living History is available on Kanopy and on DVD. This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Constructing a Mood Board
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Kickstart your next creative project by learning the art and resourcefulness of a mood board! Learn fundamental tips and tricks of creating a mood board, then identify your project’s goals and themes, and finally craft your own mood board. This program is intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Patrick at patrickc@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2115.
Introduction to Web Development: JavaScript
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, August 24
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Learn how to make your own websites interactive with the power of JavaScript! In this class, we’ll teach you the basics of the language, using the free web-hosting platform Neocities.org to create a simple interactive webpage. This program is intended for beginners – no experience necessary. 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.
Diorama-rama
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, August 24
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Learn the basics of diorama making in this program! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this program will give you the tools you need to make the dioramas of your dreams. This program is for teens and adults and is first come, first served as space is limited. For more information, please contact us at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851 or at techdesk@dkpl.org.
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