Community Calendar

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.

Participants will use green and gold paint to create a shamrock design with their fingerprints, resulting in a festive and colorful keepsake. All supplies will be provided. This free program is open to the public and geared toward youth ages five and older.

It was the deadliest workplace accident in New York City’s history. On March 25th, 1911, a dropped match on the eighth floor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory sparked a fire that killed more than one hundred workers who were trapped inside. The tragedy marked a turning point in American industrial history, leading to major reforms in labor laws and workplace safety. This 54-minute film is rated PG and is available through Kanopy. The program is free and open to the public.

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.

Blue Carbon is told through the perspective of Grammy-nominated music producer, DJ, and environmental toxicologist Jayda Guy. Featuring a score by RZA and music by Seu Jorge, the documentary brings together science and storytelling to examine the emerging role of coastal ecosystems in addressing climate change.

Filmed in the United States, Senegal, Vietnam, France, Colombia, and Brazil, the film explores the science behind “blue carbon,” the ability of salt marshes, seagrasses, and mangroves to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Through encounters with wildlife such as Florida manatees, humpback whales, and the American crocodile, and by highlighting community-driven conservation efforts, the documentary offers a thoughtful look at both the urgency and the potential of protecting these vital ecosystems.

The film is 1 hour and 24 minutes, not rated, and made possible through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Tangled Bank Studios. The program is free and open to the public.

Join the Boone County Conservation District for a morning of giving back to nature as we put our efforts towards clearing brush and removing invasive species from our native habitats. No experience is necessary - instruction and tools are provided.
Make sure to wear clothing and shoes that are sturdy and are acceptable for outdoor work.

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.

Explore a World of Reading at one of our biggest events of the year!

Mark your calendar and join us for a day of literary exploration filled with crafts and activities, suitable for readers of all ages. Admission is free, and memories are guaranteed.

Wall up your friends in Fortunado’s catacombs, sample synonym buns and half-baked ideas in the world of The Phantom Tollbooth, craft your own Mad Hatter hat and meet Alice in Wonderland, show off your archery skills like Katniss Everdeen, and more!

Thank you to the following sponsors for making this event possible: The Treehouse Pie Company, Off the Leash Coffee, Sycamore Hy-Vee, and the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library.

For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.