Here’s a list of different events happening at the DeKalb Public Library next week!
Social Work Office Hours
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, October 30th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
In partnership with University of Michigan, a social work intern will be on site at the library to offer confidential consultations and referrals to resources in the community. Sessions may include making phone calls and conducting basic internet searches to assist our patrons in accessing the appropriate resources and finding out how to obtain them. The student intern’s services do not provide medical advice, counseling, or psychiatric care. Areas of referral include housing, food, signing up for benefits, accessing mental health care, childcare, job help, and more. A mobile “mini-pantry” of nonperishable food items and personal care items like toiletries and menstrual products will be available for free during these open office hours. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Hayley at hayleyd@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1211.
Cricut Cutting & Heat Press: Canvas Bags
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, October 30th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Creative
Customize a canvas bag with heat-press vinyl designs in the library’s makerspace! We’ll be using Cricut Design Space to make and cut the designs, then using the Cricut Heat Press to apply them to the fabric. The canvas bags will be provided, though you are also welcome to bring your own material. This class introduces the Cricut Machine and Design Space to new and interested users. Beginners are welcome. This event is first come, first served and space is limited. It is intended for teens and adults. For additional information, please contact Pen Novus at penn@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Knittin’ with Kittens: Black Cat Edition
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, October 30th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Enjoy a special session of Knit & Crochet Circle with some visiting cats from Tails! Learn how to craft with yarn or bring your own fiber arts projects to work on. Cats will be available to pet as you craft. 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.
Book Babies
Time: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
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 0-18 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 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, October 31st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
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 specially to help those growing preschool brains! Reading, singing, talking, and counting are great literacy and math activities that will help prepare kids for kindergarten. Tuesday preschool story times at 10:30 a.m. 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: Paper Plate Monster
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, celebrate the spooky season by transforming a paper plate into a monster! 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. 3350.
Toddler Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Young children are invited to join our Halloween Parade through the Children’s Department, with a few stops at various points to “trick-or-treat.” Come in costume and join the parade! No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Community Coffee Talk
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Need a little help waking up? Join us for some coffee and conversation every Wednesday morning. Regular coffee, decaf coffee, and tea will be available. This program is intended for adults. No registration is required. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9578 ext. 2100. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library.
Social Work Office Hours
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
In partnership with University of Michigan, a social work intern will be on site at the library to offer confidential consultations and referrals to resources in the community. Sessions may include making phone calls and conducting basic internet searches to assist our patrons in accessing the appropriate resources and finding out how to obtain them. The student intern’s services do not provide medical advice, counseling, or psychiatric care. Areas of referral include housing, food, signing up for benefits, accessing mental health care, childcare, job help, and more. A mobile “mini-pantry” of nonperishable food items and personal care items like toiletries and menstrual products will be available for free during these open office hours. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Hayley at hayleyd@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1211.
309 Creative Open Lab
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
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.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Join us for an evening of fun and activities, as we explore Mary Shelley’s classic masterpiece, Frankenstein. Activities will include a discussion of the story and the various film adaptations of the story, biographical information on the author, a trivia game about the story and its characters, constructing a paper craft model, and photo opportunities for the program participants. 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.
All Ages Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 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: Paper Plate Monster
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
At Craft Corner this week, celebrate the spooky season by transforming a paper plate into a monster! 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. 3350.
Toddler Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Young children are invited to join our Halloween Parade through the Children’s Department, with a few stops at various points to “trick-or-treat.” Come in costume and join the parade! No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Black Light Mini-Golf
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas and Zimmerman Meeting Rooms
After our pre-school Halloween parade in the Youth Department, CREEP on down to the lower level for more SPOOKY fun! Get your GLOW-on and play Black Light Mini-Golf in the Yusunas Meeting Room! Then SLITHER across the hall to the Zimmerman Meeting Room to make a Trick-or-Treat puppet-pal and other activities! Supplies for this program were, in part, supplied by the Sycamore Family Fun Center and Delano’s Home Decorating in DeKalb. This program is intended for children and families. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
Art Attack: Paper Cone Woodland Animals
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 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, we are transforming cereal boxes into cute woodland creatures.This event is intended for ages 8 and up. It is first come, first served as supplies are limited. No registration is required. For more information, contact us at amandah@dkpl.org or (815)-756-9568 ext. 3350.
Adult Chess Club
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Chess enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to the Adult Chess Club. Whether you are an experienced player wanting to be challenged or a complete beginner looking for advice, come join us in playing one of the most iconic strategy games of all time. No prior experience necessary, chess sets are provided on a first come, first serve basis. This club is intended for adults only. If you have any questions, please contact Matthew at matthews@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Adult Coloring
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 1st
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
A time to relax and unwind and enjoy creative freedom while coloring in adult coloring books! Coloring books, colored pencils, gel pens, and markers will be provided. This program is intended for adults. No registration is required. For more information, contact us at elizabethh@dkpl.org or call (815)-756-9568 ext. 2110.
PS4 Sports Tournament
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 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, November 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.
Introduction to Excel
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Microsoft Excel is the business standard for spreadsheet programs and just plain useful to know. We’ll cover what a spreadsheet is, some things it can do, and how to do some basic functions and equations. Laptops and example Excel files will be provided during this class to help you become more familiar with Excel. This program is first come, first served as space is limited. It is intended for adults. For additional information, please contact the Tech Desk at techdesk@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
Bookworm Barbs: Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot
Time: 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Violet Mackerel must go to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday where her mother sells her knitting. On one trip, she sees a blue china bird that costs $10. But Violet doesn’t have $10! How can she earn it? Violet Mackerel’s Beautiful Plot is the first book in Violet Mackerel series, and it’s our book this month for Bookworm Barbs. That’s our book club for students in grades K-2. We read shorter chapter books with lots of pictures. Older first and second grade students may be able to read on their own, but the books also make a nice family read aloud, too. Bookworm Barbs is a book party! Not only will we talk about the book, we’ll enjoy a snack and do a craft, too. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children’s Department Desk while supplies last. Please register at dkpl.org, as space is limited. For additional information or help with registration, please contact Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.
BARB Book Club: The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great
Time: 5:00 – 5:45 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Story & Activity Room
Sir Lancelot is one of King Arthur’s knights. He’s the best, the strongest, the shiniest, and…the most likely to be taking a nap. (Being a knight requires good sleep, ok?!?) Join us this month for the adventures of Sir Lancelot, retold with lots of shiny armor and afternoon siestas. The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great is this month’s hilarious BARB book club book! BARB (Books Are Really Brilliant) book club is for students in grades 3-5. At our meeting, we talk about the book, but that’s not all! We’ll also play a game and eat a fun snack inspired by the book. Pick up a copy of the book and a free bookmark at the Children’s Department desk while supplies last. Registration at dkpl.org is required to attend this book club, as space is limited. For additional information or help with registration, please contact Laura at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 or at lauraw@dkpl.org.
Get That Job!
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Join us for a three-part series on how to apply and interview for a job. Paper and pencils will be provided. You may also bring your own laptop to work along as we learn. At the first workshop we will cover Résumés. The program is intended for adults and older teens. There is no registration, but spaces are limited and attendance is first come, first served. For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Honor Your Ancestors on Day of the Dead
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
Join Laura Anderson in decorating sugar skulls and creating tissue paper marigolds for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). As you are crafting, Laura will discuss the traditions of this beautiful Hispanic Holiday and give instructions on how you can build an altar. When we are done you will have two significant pieces to place on your altar at home! This program is free and intended for ages 8 and up. Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult. The program is first come, first served as supplies are limited. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
George Harrison: The Solo Years (1970-2001)
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 2nd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Commonly thought of as the “quiet” Beatle, it would be more accurate to say George Harrison was the “reluctant” Beatle. Never one to crave the spotlight, George was still plenty successful as a solo artist. He scored the first solo Beatle #1 with “My Sweet Lord” and the last solo Beatle #1 with “Got My Mind Set On You.” Using interview and performance clips, we’ll trace the arc of George’s solo career from his popular hits to his spiritual quest with stops in between for The Concert for Bangladesh and The Traveling Wilburys. After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton Community College. He has lectured at over 80 Chicago area libraries. This event 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: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, November 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 brittak@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
Shake Out the Wiggles
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, November 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.
Read to Rover
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, November 3rd
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Children’s Department
Collie Emma loves to hear stories and spend time with kids! Emma, a Canine Good Citizen, will visit the library the listen to kids read. Children may register at the Youth Reference Desk for a 10-minute time slot to read to the dog. For more information or to register, please call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 or ask at the Youth Services Desk.
Ofrenda Display
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Main Lobby
What is an Ofrenda? Ofrenda translates to “alter” and it is a traditional component to the Hispanic Community when celebrating the “Day of the Dead”. Ofrendas are built to honor those who have passed. Members of the DeKalb community have volunteered to create an elaborate Ofrendas and share their family traditions with you. Stop by the library’s main lobby during open hours to take in the vibrant colors and rich traditions of ten beautiful Ofrendas. This exhibit is free and open to all. No registration is required. It is offered in partnership with Create Health Mobility Clinic. In addition to the Ofrenda display, the library will host a face painter from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Free and open to all! For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
National Novel Writing Month
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Bilder Family Meeting Room
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Join us every Saturday in November to be with other writers and try to meet the challenge of writing 50,000 words of a novel between November 1 and 31. Bring your laptop, or use the paper and pencils provided by the library. The library will have books about writing as well as writing prompts available. This program is open to adults and teens and does not require registration. For more information or to ask questions, please contact Grace at graces@dkpl.org or Matt at matthews@dkpl.org. You may also call the reference desk at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Social Work Office Hours
Time: 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Adult Study Room
In partnership with University of Michigan, a social work intern will be on site at the library to offer confidential consultations and referrals to resources in the community. Sessions may include making phone calls and conducting basic internet searches to assist our patrons in accessing the appropriate resources and finding out how to obtain them. The student intern’s services do not provide medical advice, counseling, or psychiatric care. Areas of referral include housing, food, signing up for benefits, accessing mental health care, childcare, job help, and more. A mobile “mini-pantry” of nonperishable food items and personal care items like toiletries and menstrual products will be available for free during these open office hours. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Hayley at hayleyd@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1211.
The Reigning Belle of the Bluegrass Region
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 4th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Rose Buckner performs her solo play The Reigning Belle of the Bluegrass Region. Based on actual events, Reigning Belle is the story of a Kentucky woman, Olivia Buckner, who risked death threats and made national news by marrying a Japanese seminary student, Yutaka Minakuchi, in 1903 in Kentucky. The title — taken from a newspaper article written about her at the time–is ironic, as Olivia was the antithesis of a typical southern “belle.” Olivia’s family planned to kill Yutaka and so the couple fled to the east coast where Yutaka lectured on East-West relations on the Chautauqua Circuit. Racism and financial struggles ultimately led to divorce, with Olivia returning to Kentucky to raise their half-Japanese son (my father) as a single mother. Despite the challenges, Olivia embraced life with courage, humor, resilience, and love. The performance is followed by a Q&A with Rose. This performance is free and open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Annie’s Story Time @ Glidden Homestead
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, November 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. 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 year marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of Glidden’s “The Winner,” the most widely-used barbed wire in the world, which also earned Glidden the title “The Father of Barbed Wire.” 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.
Open Poetry Reading with the DeKalb Poetry Guild
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, November 5th
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Meeting Room
Do you love poetry? Are you a poet in your off time? Meet with the like-minded folks of the DeKalb Poetry Guild. Get to know the members and learn about the organization. Please bring a poem to share. It does not need to be one you wrote. This program is intended for teens and adults. No registration is required. For more information, contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.
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