Basics DeKalb County Indoor Toddler Garden Program
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Monday, April 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Utilizing The Basics, our Indoor Toddler Garden Programs offer families a space to promote brain development and explore nature inside during the winter. The Basics are five fun, simple, and powerful ways we can interact with children to build a strong foundation of learning! This program is free and intended for preschool children. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Book Babies
Time: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
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 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
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: Happy Bear
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, unleash your creativity as you transform a simple paper plate and tissue paper into an adorable bear! 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.
309 Creative Open Lab
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
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.
Anime-Manga Club for Teens
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Join us to discuss anime and manga, play some games, and of course, watch anime! Teens are invited to join the Anime-Manga Club for veteran otaku or newbie weaboos. This program is intended for teens, ages 13-17. It is first come, first served as space is limited. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.
Find Balance with Tai Chi
Time: 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Join us every first Tuesday of the month to learn about and practice Tai Chi. Tai Chi is one of the most beneficial exercises to increase immunity, flexibility, strength and reduce stress. This class will include step by step instructions taught by Erica Bough, 4th degree black belt in the Martial Arts and certified Tai Chi instructor. This program is free and does not require registration. Space is limited and spots are first come, first served. Intended for teens and adults. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Classic Film Series: A Farewell to Arms (1932)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
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.
Spine Crackers Book Club: Lumberjanes, Beware the Kitten Holy
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Calling all adventure-seekers and book lovers! Join the Spine Crackers Book Club, where the magic of reading comes to life. This month, our pages are alive with the spirited tale of Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by the talented Grace Ellis. Get ready for the dynamic discussion where we’ll explore the twists, turns, and roaring fun this graphic novel has to offer. This book club is intended for students in grades 3-6. No registration is required. Any questions can be directed to Jen at jenniferm@dkpl.org or the youth department at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
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: Happy Bear
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, unleash your creativity as you transform a simple paper plate and tissue paper into an adorable bear! 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.
Beginning Tatting (3-part Series)
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Tatting is a method of making lace by hand using a series of knots and loops, popularized in Ireland in the mid-1800s. It is done with a shuttle or tatting needle, and thread. Tatting teacher Marlene Gillen has 50 years of experience and has provided various tatting classes locally over the years. In her other life, she was a Special Education Teacher. These three lessons build upon each other, so please register at dkpl.org only if you can attend all three sessions. Tatting shuttle, corsage pin, thread, crochet hook, and scissors will be provided. Please bring reading glasses or magnification, if needed. Lessons will be held on Wednesdays, April 3, 10, and 17. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information or help with registration, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.
Tween/Teen Chess Club
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
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: Flower Fairies
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
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 are crafting enchanting little fairies using floral wire and vibrant fake flower petals. This event is intended for ages 8 and up. It is first come, first served as supplies are limited. For more information, contact us at amandah@dkpl.org or (815)-756-9568 ext. 3350.
Laser Crafting: Faux-Leather Bookmarks
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Elevate your reading accessory game and come to the library’s makerspace for a day of learning, innovation, and the joy of crafting a unique leather bookmark that mirrors your individual style. Come with ideas and leave with a bespoke laser-cut leather bookmark, a tangible representation of your newfound skills and creative expression! Using the software Lightburn, participants can customize their designs according to their unique vision. Guidance and support will be provided for those new to the process. This program is available to makers of all skill levels. Experience with Lightburn is a plus, but not necessary. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. No registration is required. It is open to teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Pen Novus at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
PS4 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 3rd
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, April 4th
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, April 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Start your afternoon 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 heart. All materials are provided to paint a canvas. 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, April 4th
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, April 4th
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.
Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Regulators
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Take a trip back to the days of the Wild West, as we take a look at the lives of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Regulators. This program will include an overview of the Lincoln County War, which began with the murder of John Henry Tunstall on February 18, 1878, and climaxed with the five day show down between James Dolan and Lawrence Murphy versus Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Regulators. The program will also include scenes from the movies Young Guns, Young Guns II and the 1970 film Chisum, starring John Wayne. This program is free and intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Tom at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or thomask@dkpl.org.
Plant Adopt or Swap
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 4th
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, April 5th
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.
Laser Cutting: Plant Markers
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
April showers bring May flowers, and that means it is time to make plant markers for your garden! No experience necessary, you will be guided through the basics of the laser-cutting software Lightburn 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. For additional information, please contact Hadley at hadleyo@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Sound Studio Introduction and Training
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Sound Studio
Explore podcasting, music creation, video production, and more! After a brief training, attendees will be able to begin hands-on experience with multimedia programs. Once training is complete you will be authorized to book the Sound Studio for private or 1-on-1 sessions at your convenience. This introductory training class is open to ages 12 and up. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Anthony at anthonys@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2115.
309 Creative Open Lab
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6th
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.
AARP Tax-Aide
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
The free AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will again be available at the DeKalb Public Library and is for people with low to moderate incomes. AARP Foundation Tax -Aide volunteers will be available by appointment every Saturday starting February 3 through April 13th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a photo ID and all necessary tax documents, as well as last year’s return forms. For a complete list of important documents to bring click here. Please sign up for an appointment by contacting Frances at (815) 991-9418. For more information, please contact the reference desk at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or at reference@dkpl.org.
Lightbeam Players Present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Step into a whimsical world with Lightbeam Players’ twisted rendition of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”! Follow Dorothy and her eccentric companions – the Scarecrow, Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion – down the Yellow Brick Road as they unravel the mysteries of friend and foe. This imaginative production of a classic tale promises enchantment for all ages. Best of all, it’s entirely free and requires no registration. Don’t miss this spellbinding journey through the Land of Oz. Lightbeam Players is a theatre company run by kids, for kids. This program is free and intended for all ages. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Who Turned Out the Lights? Preparing for the Eclipse
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Join the NIU Observatory’s Jeremy Benson as we learn all about eclipses! We’ll talk about what an eclipse is, what causes them, and the best ways to view them. We’ll also discuss how scientists can use eclipses to help answer questions, as well as how we can create our own tools to safely view the upcoming solar eclipse this April 8. Everyone who attends will also receive a free pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last. This presentation is suitable for learners of all ages and is provided by the NIU Dept of Physics. For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815)-756-9568 ext. 1700.
Lightbeam Players Present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 6th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Step into a whimsical world with Lightbeam Players’ twisted rendition of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”! Follow Dorothy and her eccentric companions – the Scarecrow, Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion – down the Yellow Brick Road as they unravel the mysteries of friend and foe. This imaginative production of a classic tale promises enchantment for all ages. Best of all, it’s entirely free and requires no registration. Don’t miss this spellbinding journey through the Land of Oz. Lightbeam Players is a theatre company run by kids, for kids. This program is free and intended for all ages. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Annie’s Story Time @ Glidden Homestead
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, April 7th
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. Annie’s Storytime is named for Joseph F. Glidden’s niece, Annie Glidden, who was a major promoter of DeKalb’s cultural and social causes during her lifetime. In 1898, seeing the need to supply the recently formed DeKalb Public Library with good books, Annie formed the Library Whist Club. On Monday afternoons, this group of women came together to play the card game whist. Monies from their membership dues were used for library book purchases. To date, the library has received over 10,000 volumes from their activities. 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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