Community Calendar

Spring is here and NIAAA is having our 2nd photo contest. We hope to have all nine counties we serve represented. We are looking for an iconic photo to represent each county: it should be something easily recognizable, a hidden treasure or notable view.

Please remember, this contest is open to everyone so please feel free to submit your own entries.

Severson Dells staff lead this engaging program that introduces children and their parents to great nature books. After the story, participate in an outdoor activity that relates to the book's theme. Ages 5-9. FREE!

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of the historic Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, PFLAG Sauk Valley is sponsoring a photo exhibit titled Wedding Album. The exhibit honors a decade of marriage equality by featuring photos of couples with connections to the Sauk Valley area. Each photo offers a window into lives shaped by courage and love. More than just images, the exhibit weaves in text that recounts the journey toward equality and the legal triumph that changed countless lives. Running from June 4 - July 2, 2025 (Wednesdays - Saturdays) at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois, the exhibit is free and open to all, including Saturday, June 14, which coincides with Dixon’s Pride Festival–two great events in one location!

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana presents Around the Farm, juried art show that celebrates farm life and farming and highlights the importance of agriculture in our area in original works in a wide variety of media, Jun. 6-Jul. 12.

It’s the fourth year of Stories & a Stroll with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve! Just like in years past, the DeKalb Public Library children's librarians will lead a short nature-themed story time, and then naturalists with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve will take us on an approximately 40-minute guided hike. This month’s hike is by the wetlands of Wilkinson-Renwick Marsh.

Note there are no bathrooms at Wilkinson, so please plan ahead!

There is no registration required for this program. Families with children of all ages are welcome. Wilkinson-Renwick Marsh is located at 25855 Glidden Rd. Claire, IL 60111.

Please email lauraw@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350 with any questions.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the show runs through July 19, 2025. As FAM has gained a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art, this exhibition has become a visitor's favorite.

Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. This year's juror is Rodrick Whetstone, an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Award winners are announced at the opening reception.

The museum is open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday; 12-5 Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

This new juried show has works of art that explore the use of color to share different narratives. Reception and announcement of awards on June 20, 6-8 pm.

You already know our library is great; now you’re invited to an exclusive virtual tour of the National Library of Costa Rica!

Learn about the valuable resources and services this library provides to its community and meet their Director and staff.

This virtual tour will be hosted on Zoom. Please use the below link/meeting ID and passcode to join the event when it begins.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86489446682?pwd=ku2yP5nMbVToBVajKauW5eQn950oWF.1
Meeting ID: 864 8944 6682
Passcode: 891673

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Lean into your creative side and learn to draw woodland animals and plants with the guidance of local artist Pete Stasukevich. This weekly series is geared for ages 6 through adult. Participants can pay a one-time $10 fee to receive a drawing book and erasable pen, or participate for free and bring their own drawing materials.