Closed for Labor Day
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, September 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library
The library will be closed all day in observance of Labor Day. Have a safe and pleasant holiday!
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, September 2
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, September 2
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, September 2
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, September 2
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, September 2
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, September 2
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.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, September 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Improve your knowledge of English and become more comfortable speaking in everyday situations. Practice basic English grammar concepts in conversation, learning how to ask and answer questions, expanding your vocabulary, and learning to understand the sounds of spoken English. This class is intended for adult participants at a low intermediate level of speaking English or higher, but all are welcome to attend. This program requires registration. There will be limited seats for unregistered patrons. For more information or to register, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Books to Movies Film Series: Everything, Everything
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, September 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Teen Room
Whether you’ve read the book or not, enjoy free popcorn, drinks, and a movie adapted from a teen book on the first and third Tuesday nights of the month! This program is intended for students in grades 6-12. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
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, September 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.
Art Attack: Bird Houses
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
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 making mini decorative birdhouses you can hang at home! 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.
Genealogy for Beginners: Newspapers.com
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
One of the most valuable resources when researching genealogy is newspapers. Learn how to use the library’s database, Newspapers.com, to find obituaries, wedding announcements, society events, stories, and more. 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.
PS5 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
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.
Produce Swap
Time: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Have a bumper crop of zucchini this year? Up to your eyeballs in spaghetti squash? Drowning in a sea of cherry tomatoes? Attend our produce swap and exchange what you’ve got for something you want. Don’t have anything to share? No worries! Stop by and see what we’ve got. This program is for all ages. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Safe Passage Informational Booth
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, September 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Safe Passage is DeKalb county’s only domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center. Safe Passage offers free and confidential services to survivors of interpersonal violence in DeKalb County. Safe Passage will be offering information on their multitude of services for survivors including medical advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and more. There will be information on upcoming events, as well as ways to get involved. Join Safe Passage today and help our community be free from abuse. This booth 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.
Open Paint
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, September 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Unwind and be inspired to create whatever comes to mind or spirit. Everything is included to paint a canvas. If you would like to work on personal projects or miniatures, we’d love to have you. No instructions provided. This program is intended for 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 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, September 4
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. You’ll receive a ticket for every item you bring, capped at 20 tickets. Bring your tickets to the program and spend them on new-to-you clothes! 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 tickets are needed for plants. 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.
Short Story Writing Workshop
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, September 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
The short story has long been a vital part of literature and has inspired generations of writers to create written masterpieces using only a few pages. These authors have proven that some very powerful stories can fit into a relatively small space. During this program, we will look at some popular examples of the writing genre and explore creative ideas using structural analysis, vocabulary words and writing prompts. 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.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, September 5
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.
Painting Mini-Cats
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, September 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Paint a kitty, stripes and all! Patrons will receive a miniature cat model and use acrylic paint to decorate it according to their taste. This program is open to all ages. It is first come, first served as space and access to software is limited. For additional information, please contact Isaac at isaacl@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Anime & Manga Club
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, September 5
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, ages 13-17. 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.
After-hours Concert: Music of the West African Kora
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, September 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Sean Gaskell brings music of West Africa to the library in an after-hours concert that features the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp! Sean studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800-year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. Sean has performed at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities, and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada. This event is free and open to all. No registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. It is graciously sponsored by Gretchen and Charles Moore. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
A new adventure begins! Join us for the first session of an ongoing Dungeons & Dragons 5e campaign. This adventure is intended for both veterans and beginners. Together we’ll weave an epic tale of adventure and excitement, with plenty of laughs along the way. Experienced players can bring their own level 2 character to start with, or for those who are new to the game, our Game Master will happily help with character creation and guidance on how to play. 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.
Multicultural Crafts and History
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Discover the vibrant traditions of different cultures through hands-on crafts and engaging history lessons in this fun and educational program for children! Led by the sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda, a multicultural sorority at NIU, each session explores a new culture, blending creativity with meaningful learning. Kids will create unique crafts while gaining a deeper appreciation for the world’s diverse heritage. In September we will explore the wonders of China and make lucky Chinese Kites. These programs are open to children of all ages. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Art helps us “stop, look, and listen” to our lives. Keeping a regular sketchbook makes room for us to do that in our busy lives–a practice that’s good for us and ripples out to those around us. Join us for a fun, interactive time with illustrator and author, Kyle L. White, on the Why and How of developing this art habit. No art skills needed. All supplies provided. This program requires registration at dkpl.org. There are a limited number of seats available. Sketchy Drawing Club is intended for adults and teens 16 or older. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Vote on the next book to become a pop culture hit! Join us for a chance to help determine the winner of the 2026 Lincoln Award. Previous award winners include The Hunger Games, The Fault in our Stars, and Maze Runner. Enjoy snacks while debating your favorites and earn volunteer hours for participating. This program is for grades 9-12. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Hygge ‘HOO-gah’ Happiness
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, September 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. Our Hygge events are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 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. For September, we’ll create watercolor postcards, gratitude magnets, and Zentangle-inspired patterns. This program is intended for adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. First come, first served while supplies last. For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
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