Community Calendar

Join local bird enthusiast Mike Ramsden on a wander along the Rock River watershed in search of waterfowl that are uniquely active at this time of year. The day will begin at Nature At The Confluence, followed by a car caravan at various stops going north, with the goal of ending at Lake Koshkonong. Please meet in the parking lot starting at 7:45; depart at 8:00 am. The ending is time is flexible and will be determined by participants day-of.

This is a free, community-led event. RSVP via Nature at the Confluence's website receive a reminder email or to request location updates during the event: https://natureattheconfluence.com/event/waterfowl-wander-pop-up/

One of the earliest signs of spring is an unusual plant called the Skunk Cabbage! Join a Boone County Conservation District environmental educator to search for this first spring wildflower at one of their conservation sites, Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area. Dress appropriately for the weather and potentially muddy/wet conditions. Be prepared for instances of hiking off trail. Registration is required.

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 most Saturdays from February 7 through April 11, 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.

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.

The March 17th primary is coming up quickly. Do you need more information about the election?

The League of Women Voters, a network of women that believes the freedom to vote is a nonpartisan issue, is joining us to educate voters about the upcoming election. Stop by their booth in the main lobby to ask questions and find out more about who is running. All are welcome.

For questions or more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.

Get ready for a fossil-filled adventure! Drop in and explore real fossils up close, build awesome 3-D dinosaur puzzles, and even make your very own fossil imprint to take home! Play “Say BONES,” a fossil-themed twist on classic Bingo. Plus, meet Mary Anning— the first female fossilist—who will bring history to life with fascinating stories about her groundbreaking discoveries. It’s a day of hands-on fun and ancient wonders you won’t want to miss!

Join Severson Dells Nature Center for these family-friendly, open-house style events. Each month will have a different nature theme full of hands-on, minds-on activities for guests of all ages to participate in. In March, learn all about migration patterns and how to identify migratory animals like birds and insects.

Narrated by Jane Lynch, “Her War, Her Story,” presents the experiences of more than two dozen women during World War II. Through accounts from members of the U.S. Women’s Army Corps and civilian witnesses to the war in Europe, this hour-long documentary examines women’s roles during the conflict and the ways they demonstrated patriotism, service, and steadfastness during critical moments. The film is rated PG and is made possible through the WWII Foundation. The program is free and open to the public.

Turn crayon shavings into wearable art in this hands-on craft activity. Participants will melt crayon shavings to create one-of-a-kind charms featuring swirls, splashes, and bold color. Each finished piece can be kept as an accessory or given as a gift. This program is geared toward adults and youth ages ten and older. The program is free and open to the public.

Michael Rehberg of Black Point Estate will introduce us to the six beer barons of nearby Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and the four major brewers in Milwaukee. Plus, learn the differences between ale and lager beer, the basics of brewing beer in the 19th century, and the brewers’ response to prohibition.

The story of Jacob Haish, widely known for his role in the early innovation of barbed wire, reaches far beyond this achievement.

An immigrant from Germany who arrived in the United States as a young boy, Haish built a successful career through barbed wire and other manufacturing ventures, including gasoline engines. His success allowed him to become one of DeKalb’s most generous early philanthropists. In his will, Haish specified that he desired his funds to provide a library and a hospital for his beloved DeKalb. His legacy includes establishing the Haish Memorial Library, supporting the DeKalb Hospital and what is now Kishwaukee Hospital, and offering substantial donations to local churches, schools, and civic causes. He also funded the library at the Northern Illinois State Normal School, known today as Northern Illinois University (NIU).

Glidden Homestead representatives—and Haish’s descendants—Jessi Haish LaRue and Jeff Marshall will share these lesser-known stories about Haish’s life, community impact, and enduring influence. Following the presentation, Emily Faulkner, Director of the DeKalb Public Library, will guide attendees on a tour of the historic Haish Memorial Library. To mark the bicentennial celebration, birthday treats will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact Emily at emilyf@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1000.