Start the Week Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, September 29
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.
Celebrate Harvest Time with Rooted for Good
Time: 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Date: Monday, September 29
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Celebrate the coming of Fall and learn about harvesting your fruits and vegetables! Rooted for Good will provide the tools and tips that you need and answer your questions. This is a free event is intended for ages 16 and up. Registration is not required. For more information, please contact Leah at leahh@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112.
Needle Felting Wool Dryer Balls
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, September 29
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Join us for a hands-on needle felting workshop where adult (18+) patrons will create unique designs on wool dryer balls. Learn the basics of needle felting while crafting eco-friendly, personalized dryer balls to take home. No prior experience needed, just bring your creativity! No registration is required. For additional information, contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Book Babies
Time: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, September 30
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 30
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 30
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 30
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 30
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 30
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 30
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.
Puzzle Race
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, September 30
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Test your puzzle speed in a timed competition! Teams of 2-4 people will each be given a similar 300-piece jigsaw puzzle. The team that completes their puzzle first, or gets closest in 55 minutes, will be the winners and receive a 300-piece puzzle prize from Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe. This program will begin promptly at 6:05 p.m. Open to all ages, but make sure at least one adult is on your team. Registration at dkpl.org is required. Please sign up each person on your team to reserve their spot. For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 1
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, October 1
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: Black Cats
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 1
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 create bold black cat collages set against colorful autumn-inspired backgrounds, using mixed media to explore contrast and seasonal themes. 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.
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Everyone has a favorite song. Maybe you have an earworm stuck in your head that you can’t stop thinking about. Whatever you’re listening to, come share it with a group! Each attendee gets to share a song and after listening everyone will have a chance to discuss their reactions to the song. Attendees should be prepared to bring one song recommendation. We will have Spotify and YouTube available, so only a song title is necessary. No registration is required. This program is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Emily at emilyb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
PS5 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting 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.
Classic Universal Monsters
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
In the early 1900s, the small studio, Universal Pictures, discovered that audiences were interested in thrilling adventures. They released a series of classic horror films between 1913 and 1956. It was these films that boosted Universal into the major film studio that it is today. William Pack tells us about the earliest monster movies, from Dracula to Frankenstein, from their inspiration to the impact they have on us today. This program is intended for adults and teens. No registration is required. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 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, October 2
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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 2
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.
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 2
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, October 2
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. In October we will also accept Halloween home décor and decorations. 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.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, October 3
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.
First Chapter Friday
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, October 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Join us for First Chapter Friday—a relaxing, welcoming space where adults of all abilities and ages can enjoy the magic of storytelling. Each session features a reading of the first chapter (or about 30 minutes) of a book that might be off your radar. Think of it as story time—but just for adults! After the reading, we’ll have a guided discussion based on a set of thoughtful questions to spark conversation and reflection. If you’re intrigued by the story and want to keep reading, several copies of the book will be available for checkout after the program. Registration is not required. This program is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Poems Based on Music: Classical, Jazz, Pop, and Hymn
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, October 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
“Beaumont’s Dave Oliphant is known as one of Texas’s foremost poets, whose writings tell the story of Texas towns and especially Texas jazz – a music genre Oliphant fell in love with at an early age.” – Beaumont Enterprise, May 2024. Dave visits the library to read excerpts of his poetry, and play recordings of musical pieces that inspired his work. He has written three books in prose on the history of jazz entitled Texan Jazz, The Early Swing Era, 1930 to 1941, and Jazz Mavericks of the Lone Star State, as well as editing a book entitled The Bebop Revolution in Words and Music. 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.
2D Animation: Bats
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, October 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
The herald of spooky things flies on leather wings! Using pencils and paper, participants will animate a bat after a brief demonstration. This program is open to 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.
Anime & Manga Club
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, October 3
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.
Multicultural Crafts and History
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 4
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 October explore the wonders of Guatemala and make Guatemalan Worry Dolls. 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.
I Will Follow: The Story of U2
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Once upon a time four teenagers in Dublin, Ireland started a band in a kitchen. Naming themselves U2, they would become one of the most popular bands in the world. Learn the history of the quartet, their philanthropic efforts, collaborations, and share your memories of the band. This is a free event. Registration is not required. It is intended for teens and adults. For more information, please contact Leah at leahh@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112.
High School Book Club
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 4
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.
You Raise Me Up: Songs that Inspire Us with Maureen Christine
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
Award-winning vocalist Maureen Christine brings her crystal-clear voice to deliver an uplifting after-hours concert in the library’s main lobby! This event features Maureen’s heartfelt renditions of inspiring songs including Wind Beneath My Wings, You Raise Me Up, Because You Loved Me, and You Light Up My Life. She will also sing classic gems such as Over The Rainbow, What A Wonderful World, Morning Has Broken, and You’ll Never Walk Alone. You’ll also hear some lighter songs including L-O-V-E, Sunny Side of the Street, Love Will Keep Us Together, and more. Maureen Christine is a celebrated Broadway-style entertainer. She delights audiences throughout the country with her “natural melodious, expressive voice” (AllMusic Guide) and is heralded as a “singer worth crowing about” by the Chicago Tribune for her thoughtful interpretations of great American standards, romantic ballads, and original compositions. Maureen will be joined by Michael Bazan, a highly-regarded woodwind player. As a professional musician, Michael has played saxophone, flute, and clarinet, with several musical legends, including Billy Eckstine, Cab Calloway, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Frankie Valli, and more. Michael has also performed in various symphony orchestras, including the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Galesburg Symphony. An active musician, he continues to learn and perform in the Chicago area and throughout the Midwest. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, October 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Let’s kick off the Fall season with some cozy crafting! All skill levels are welcome to learn a new technique or bring your own project to work on. This club is an open format to try out different fiber arts and form a community of fiber friends. October will feature sewing: access to sewing machines, a serger, cross stitching, hand embroidery, and hand mending. However, any project you want to bring is welcome. Enjoy tea or coffee and comforting background music. New local fabric shop owner Rachael of MAD Fabrics + Studio will be presenting on her services and will bring some vintage items to showcase! This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Emily at emilyk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6106.
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