Apr 26 Friday
The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library invite you to the Spring Book Sale! Join us during the library’s opening hours in the lower level for an astonishing selection of great quality hardcovers and paperbacks — children’s and teen’s books, fiction, history, science, art, film, cookbooks, gardening, biographies, mysteries, science fiction, and more. There’s a wide selection of jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, audiobooks, LPs and music CD’s. Come back on Sunday for the $5.00 a bag blowout sale.
All proceeds are used for library books, materials, and programs.
Donations of gently used books, puzzles, DVDs, LPs and CDs are accepted year-round at the circulation desk; please, no textbooks, magazines, or videotapes.
For additional information, contact the Friends at (815) 756-9568, ext. 1030 or email friends@dkpl.org.
Enjoy a staff guided hike and learn how you can contribute to science by participating in the City Nature Challenge! Join over 60,000 nature enthusiasts worldwide as we post pictures of plants, animals, and fungi to map the biodiversity of nature. All posts made on iNaturalist, a free app and website, count toward our city team’s total in the competition between more than 400 cities. When you participate, you connect with and learn about nature while contributing to scientific research worldwide!
City Nature Challenge is organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences. The Rock River Valley team is organized by Severson Dells Nature Center. View a full list of City Nature Challenge events in the Rock River Valley region via our website.
This event is free and your RSVP is appreciated! We will take a slow pace as we notice all the living things along our trail. Trails are grass and mulch and may be muddy.
Apr 27 Saturday
The Literacy Connection invites you to our 2024 Spelling Bee Fundraiser! Show off your spelling skills or cheer on your favorite speller. Enjoy a light breakfast, mingle with community members, and raise funds for The Literacy Connection.
Doors open at 9 a.m. Spelling Bee teams are made up of 3-4 people. Participant tickets available in advance. Audience tickets available in advance and at the door until sold out.
The Literacy Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults in Elgin and surrounding areas reach their literacy goals through one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction. We have been accomplishing this mission since 1984.
Apr 28 Sunday
A Celebration of 41 Years of Costume DesignSunday April 28, 2-5:00pmMaddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
A costume-style show spotlighting the designs of Jeff Hendry, award winning costume designer and Rockford University professor emeritus. Master of Ceremonies will be Mike Garrigan of Channel 23 News, The Groove Hotel Trio is performing, and featured models include Mayor Tom McNamara, State Senator Steve Stadelman, State Representative Dave Vella, some RU faculty, and many more! Tickets are $30.
The Whiteside Forum will host the Reverend Violet Johnicker for our season finale, at 2:00pm on Sunday April 28 in the Community Room of the Odell Public Library speaking on "Unity Beyond Labels: Building a Respected, Strong Community Together." Rev. Johnicker is the senior pastor at Brooke Road United Methodist Church in Rockford, IL, and the Executive Director at Rockford Urban Ministries.
Violet holds a Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and a Master of Public Policy degree from Adler University with a Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management. She has been involved with faith-based policy advocacy and social justice work ever since her undergraduate internship at the General Board of Church and Society, the United Methodist agency devoted to working for policies that live our faith, seek justice, and pursue peace. Violet joined the staff of Rockford Urban Ministries in July 2021 and is proud to be part of the community’s interfaith work to build love for neighbor into our public policies.
The Odell Public Library is located at 307 S. Madison St., Morrison, IL and the presentation begins at 2:00pm, and is open to everyone free of charge. All are welcome and your questions about political polarization, faith, and social justice and Pastor Violet's work are encouraged.
For more information about the Whiteside Forum, this event, or to suggest topics or speakers for future events, please contact Marc Adami by email marcadami53@gmail.com, or text 815-718-5347, or visit Whiteside Forum on Facebook.
The Whiteside Forum, established in 1985, is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit community group which sponsors presentations and discussions of issues of importance and interest to the public. Issues chosen for conferences have an international dimension as well as local interest and importance. The organization is supported entirely by individual, special and business contributions and all events are free and open to the public.
Apr 29 Monday
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.
Join us to discover the powerful link between physical activity and mental wellness. Uncover the science behind how exercise combats anxiety, depression, and stress, and learn easy and practical ways to integrate fitness into your daily life for a healthier mind. Join us for an engaging, informative session complete with real-life examples and interactive elements. Presented by Jesse Golliher, owner of Rewire Fitness and Nationally Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Free and open to the public, but registration is required. To sign up, visit www.harvard-diggins.org/events
As an outreach to more than gardeners, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in DeKalb is sponsoring a lecture from Dr. Mylan Engel, a professor at NIU and head of VEG – the vegetarian club on campus. He will speak on “Eating for Optimal Health”, talking about the health benefits of plant-based eating and designing a healthful nutritionally complete plant-based diet.