Northern Illinois Community Calendar

The Forest City Rainbow Chorus is pleased to host its fall concert, "This is Me." The Forest City Rainbow Chorus kicks off its third full season by exploring the themes of loving who you are and embracing your true self. The concert is free and open to the public; all ages are welcome.

If accessibility accommodations are needed, please email forestcityrainbowchorus@gmail.com by September 27th and put "Requesting Accommodations" in the subject line.

Bitten by the curiosity bug?? Join Extension Educators and Master Naturalists to discover amazing facts about our smallest neighbors, the “superhero” bugs in our backyards and around the world. Look through a “bug's eye”, take a bug challenge, make a bug craft, meet some live bugs, and see some special collections! Even go on an insect safari!

If you are interested in museum careers or ever wondered what it is like to work in cultural institutions, Pros at the Pick is a space to make connections and gain insight about what really goes on in museums.

This semester, we will be featuring Cassie Coffey, Director of Playful Experiences at DuPage Children's Museum. Cassie Coffey holds a master's degree in anthropology and museum studies from UW-Milwaukee. In her role, she oversees the Playful Experiences department including front desk and floor operations, public programming, volunteer resources, and housekeeping. Together, the Playful Experiences team works to create a welcoming environment where children and families can engage in joyful, play-based learning.

Coffee and bagels will be provided.

The Inaugural Overnight Cafe Experience Benefit will include a simple dinner and program about the Overnight Cafe. The Cafe provides a warm, safe space for the unhoused in the Rockford community to sleep during the coldest weather. Funds raised to help cover staffing expenses.

The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library invite you to the Fall Book Sale! Customers will find a huge selection of great quality hardcovers and paperbacks — children’s and teen books, fiction, history, science, art, animals, film, cookbooks, gardening, biographies, mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, and much more. There are many CD’s, both music and audiobooks, and this fall, an especially large collection of DVD’s.

On Sunday we’ll have a $5.00/bag blowout sale. Most materials were donated by the community and the library and are new to the sale. All proceeds are used for library books, materials, and programs.

Donations of gently used books, DVDs, and CDs are accepted year-round at the circulation desk; please, no textbooks, magazines, LPs or videotapes or materials that smell moldy.

For additional information, please contact the Friends at (815) 756-9568 ext.1030 or email friends@dkpl.org.

Artists' Reception: Friday, October 16, 2026, 5:30pm-7pm
Exhibit Dates: October 16, 2026-December 20, 2026
Exhibit free and open to the public: M–Th | 10am–5pm
Loretta & William Reif Gallery at Womanspace

This exhibition celebrates the creative spirit in all its forms, bringing together a vibrant mix of styles, subjects, and mediums. From painting and photography to sculpture, mixed media, and beyond, each piece offers a unique glimpse into the ways artists see, interpret, and connect with the world. Come explore, discover, and be inspired by the creativity on display.

The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library invite you to the Fall Book Sale! Customers will find a huge selection of great quality hardcovers and paperbacks — children’s and teen books, fiction, history, science, art, animals, film, cookbooks, gardening, biographies, mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, and much more. There are many CD’s, both music and audiobooks, and this fall, an especially large collection of DVD’s.

On Sunday we’ll have a $5.00/bag blowout sale. Most materials were donated by the community and the library and are new to the sale. All proceeds are used for library books, materials, and programs.

Donations of gently used books, DVDs, and CDs are accepted year-round at the circulation desk; please, no textbooks, magazines, LPs or videotapes or materials that smell moldy.

For additional information, please contact the Friends at (815) 756-9568 ext.1030 or email friends@dkpl.org.

Journey back in time as you Trick-or-Treat your way through the library, sampling classic American candies from Halloweens past!

Stop by the Circulation Desk, the Adult Reference Desk, the Tech Desk, the lower level, and the Youth Reference Desk to find each type of candy.

Please be aware of any allergies. Some candies contain nuts and/or were manufactured in facilities which process nuts. Some candies may pose choking hazards to small children; parental supervision is required. One of each item per person, please.

This free program is open to all ages.

Candy samples will be available while supplies last. Available treats include Mallo Cups, Mini Moon Pies, Tootsie Rolls, Cherry Mash Minis, Wax Bottles, Razzles, Cow Tales, Mary Janes, Bit O Honey, Chick O Sticks, Banana Split Taffy, Black Cows, Zebra Bars, Dad’s Root Beer Barrels, Butterscotch hard candies, Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups, and Red Bird Peppermint Puffs.

This program is sponsored by the Rick Johns Memorial Fund. It is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation's anniversary throughout the year.

For more information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Millennials, it’s time to dust off those American Girl dolls in storage and join us at the library as we celebrate the release of Samantha: The Next Chapter by Fiona Davis.

In this continuation of Samantha’s story for adults, we learn about her involvement as a 25-year-old fighting for Women’s Suffrage in the year 1920. We’ll party like Samantha and prepare to read the continuation of her story with tea and refreshments, American Girl trivia, photo ops, crafts, and conclude with a presentation from McHenry County College instructor Jeanne Schultz Angel discussing Suffrage for Women in Illinois.

Copies of the book will be available to purchase from Read Between the Lynes during the first half of the event.

Just interested in the presentation? Feel free to register!

Ages 18 and up.

There is no reason to be afraid of the woods! This Halloween, come out to Severson Dells to learn more about nocturnal animals at this family-friendly event. Join us along our paved path for an interactive theater experience that highlights the amazing nocturnal animals that call Severson Dells home. Enjoy a s'more by the fire at this FREE family friendly event. Space is limited and registration is required.

Register at: https://wildrootsnaturecenter.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/event-detail?event=9633