Community Calendar

Learning English can be difficult, and pronouncing the words correctly is a real challenge. In this six-week workshop you’ll learn to pronounce consonant and consonant blend sounds, practice hearing and saying the 20 vowel sounds of English, and learn how to pronounce common prefixes and suffixes.

This program is for adults. Registration is required.

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

Speakers:

Nick Newman, ENV-SP, Environment and Technology Manager, Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, NIU Alumnus (2019, ENVS/NNGO)

Ben Meier, Operations Foreman, Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District

Wastewater treatment is crucial for public health and has saved more lives than penicillin. However, treating wastewater is an extremely energy intensive process. The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District (KWRD) has developed exciting innovations to make this high-energy process much more environmentally sustainable. By turning the waste that remains at the end of the treatment process into a source of energy, they’ve made the treatment process nearly energy neutral.

Each day, an average of 5.5 million gallons of wastewater flows through the sanitary sewers under DeKalb, NIU, the Village of Malta and Kishwaukee College. During heavy rainfall, the volume can be as much as 10 times that. Join Nick Newman and Ben Meier to learn about the daily operations at KWRD and hear how innovation helps the district monitor and evaluate the condition of more than 180 miles of sanitary sewer mains, while prioritizing energy efficiency.

Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of. The film is 60 minutes, not rated, and is made possible through partnership with Independent Lens. The program is free and open to the public.

Whooooo's that calling?! Join the Boone County Conservation District for a special evening program to discover all about owls! The program will start indoors at the Roger Gustafson Nature Center for a presentation about IL owls and then head outside for a hike to listen for our nocturnal friends. Registration is required. This program is best suited for ages 10+.

Curious about sourdough but not sure where to start? Sourdough 101 is an introductory program that breaks down the basics of this popular bread: from what a starter is and how to care for it, to the simple science behind fermentation. You’ll learn beginner-friendly techniques, common troubleshooting tips, and how to bake your first loaf with confidence.

This program is free to attend. Registration is not required. Intended for adults.

For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 6108.

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!

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.