Come One, Come All!
Books on First once again is sponsoring "Find Waldo Local" in Dixon, all the month of July. Based on the children's Where's Waldo books in which we seek and find Waldo and friends in various locations around town and the world within the pages, children from anywhere can seek and find Waldo in 25 locations around Dixon, IL, including the Parks District building, the Next Picture Show art gallery, Discover Dixon Main Street Chamber of Commerce HQ and other fun places including of course, Books on First.
We have lots of prizes for those participating, those seeing Waldo in at least 10 spots and those becoming eligible for entry into drawings for Where's Waldo books as well as contributed prizes from There's Fun Inside and more. Get involved in a Dixon-wide search for Waldo and experience the Local Small Businesses all around town. The hunt ends in a "Bye, Waldo" party on Saturday, 1 August!

Mark the nation's 250th anniversary by creating a small but meaningful work of art inspired by America — past, present, or future. Select a creative prompt to guide your piece: Then, Now, Next (a reflection on where America has been and where it is headed), What Freedom Looks Like (your own personal interpretation), My America (what this country means to you today), or A Moment in American Life (an everyday or imagined scene from American experience).

Using a 3 x 3-inch canvas, participants may work in paint, oil pastels, markers, or bring their own materials to create a mixed-media piece that is uniquely their own. Completed artwork may be left on display as part of a community gallery running throughout the month of July. This free program is open to the public and recommended for ages 10 and older.

Nurture is a mixed media art exhibit that focuses on artists' perspective of the concept of Nurture. Join us to experience the inspiration and expressive interpretation of Nurture though art.

Take Root: A Farm Business Class Farmers Rising - The Land Connection - Food Works

January 13 – June 6, 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays
6-8pm
Four quarters · Four weeks each · One-week break between sections
Final presentations on June 6
(Last official class day: May 21, followed by a two-week break)

Mentorships to follow (optional)

About the Program

Take Root is a comprehensive virtual training program designed for people exploring farm business ownership and farmers in their first 1–5 years. This guided, step-by-step course helps participants build the confidence, clarity, and practical skills needed to launch or strengthen a farm enterprise.

The course follows a structured 4-section curriculum, each lasting four weeks. Between each section, participants take a one-week pause to reflect, catch up, and prepare for the next phase. After the final session on May 21, students will have two weeks to finalize their plans before returning on June 6 for peer presentations. Once presentations are complete, students will have the opportunity to join a mentorship program specialized to each person.

What are the benefits of Take Root?

✔ Build a complete farm business plan

✔ Join a supportive community

✔ Learn from experienced farmers

✔ Strengthen your business knowledge

Course Sections:

Quarter 1: The Dream: Foundations of Farm Life

Quarter 2: Enterprise: The Business of Farming

Quarter 3: Operations: Building it Out

Quarter 4: Finance: Keeping and Maintaining the Farm

Tuition & Accessibility

Total cost: $500 (not including mentorship)
Enrollment fee: $25 (applied toward tuition)

To ensure the program is accessible to all, we offer:

Payment plan

Need-based scholarships (based on current grant-supported scholarship fund availability)

Mentorships to follow

We can not wait for a great year with Take Root!

Jillae- Farmer Training Program Facilitator at Farmers Rising

When most people think of the American Revolution, they think of Boston, Philadelphia, and Valley Forge. But the war was also fought on the Illinois frontier, and the story is every bit as dramatic. Freelance writer and historical researcher, Tom Emery, will present his recent work, Illinois in the Revolutionary War, shining a spotlight on George Rogers Clark, the dominant figure of the Revolutionary War in Illinois. Clark's daring captures of Kaskaskia and Vincennes, including a legendary advance through frigid, chest-deep floodwaters, make for one of the war's most remarkable and overlooked chapters. Emery will also examine Clark's lieutenants, the British officers who opposed them, military engagements across the state, and the role of Illinois's American Indian nations in the conflict. The lasting legacy of the war, felt for decades and still present today, will also receive emphasis. Tom Emery is the author of numerous historical titles and has appeared in more than 150 newspapers nationwide. The recipient of 16 awards from the Illinois State Historical Society, he is a widely respected voice in regional history.

This free program is open to the public. It will be offered in-person at the Granville Branch and virtually through Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/hyHPT

Come One, Come All!
Books on First once again is sponsoring "Find Waldo Local" in Dixon, all the month of July. Based on the children's Where's Waldo books in which we seek and find Waldo and friends in various locations around town and the world within the pages, children from anywhere can seek and find Waldo in 25 locations around Dixon, IL, including the Parks District building, the Next Picture Show art gallery, Discover Dixon Main Street Chamber of Commerce HQ and other fun places including of course, Books on First.
We have lots of prizes for those participating, those seeing Waldo in at least 10 spots and those becoming eligible for entry into drawings for Where's Waldo books as well as contributed prizes from There's Fun Inside and more. Get involved in a Dixon-wide search for Waldo and experience the Local Small Businesses all around town. The hunt ends in a "Bye, Waldo" party on Saturday, 1 August!