Community Calendar

Whether you are curious to start or want to connect with others who practice herbalism, this workshop series is for you. Herbalism is the ancient practice of using plants to support health and well-being. Each session will begin with a brief round table discussion, then move into a practice with herbs led by Krysta Wasilewski. This program is best suited for ages 15 and up. Please register in advance to help us prepare.

September 19th – Fire Cider – Herbal crafting is always more fun together! As we gather to make fire cider, we’ll discuss the purpose and possibilities of various herbal vinegar preparations.

Nature At The Confluence is committed to providing affordable environmental education for our community. We invite you to choose the participation fee that is most accessible to you, either $15, $20, or $25 per person. Your participation fee helps offset our cost of supplies and staff time.

The World's Finest Tribute to CCR

The Fortunate Sons are the world's premier tribute to America's greatest band: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Between the years of 1969 and 1971 Creedence Clearwater Revival produced 14 consecutive top 10 hits. At a Fortunate Sons concert you will hear these hits, and many more of the band's legendary catalog including; Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary, Have You Seen the Rain?, Green River, Lookin' Out My Back Door, Run Through the Jungle, Up Around the Bend, and of course Fortunate Son.

Journey through the cosmos with the colorful storytelling of Holst’s The Planets. From the fury of Mars to the jolly giant Jupiter, the RSO explores the sounds of the Solar System. The evening also features violin soloist Philippe Quint performing beloved themes from Cinema Paradiso, Schindler’s List, Scent of a Woman, and other cinematic favorites. Join us for a powerful season opener that showcases the connection between classical music and the silver screen.

Discover the history, craftsmanship, and cultural impact of America’s native spirit! A representative from Whiskey Acres will share the story behind Illinois distilling, the bourbon-making process from grain to glass, and how bourbon became woven into American history and culture. Learn about locally grown ingredients, barrel aging, and the traditions that continue to shape the industry today.

This program is free to attend and is intended for adults. It is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year.

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

Come join in for this monthly series of community-led conservation conversations. Together, we will share knowledge, experience, and perspectives in working to restore and care for the land. Each month will be focused around a different conservation practice topic, selected by community interest. This series is hosted in partnership with Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves.

Open to all levels of conservationists – from curious beginner to expert, come share your perspectives and learn with the community. This series is intended for conservation volunteers, students, professionals, and anyone who feels a connection to the natural world in any capacity.

Tea and granola bars will be provided, feel free to bring a snack to share! Please RSVP if you plan to attend or would like to receive emails about future conversations.

“One of the most instantly recognizable voices in current music.” —Trust The Doc

Sarah McQuaid’s lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.

Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship, and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorization.

All this is abundantly demonstrated by her new live album and video series The St. Buryan Sessions — but needs to be savored in person to be fully appreciated.

This concert is free and open to all. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. This event is part of the after-hours concert series in partnership with the Friends of the Library and 94.9 WDKB.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Explore the history of DeKalb’s most famous road! The Lincoln Highway is a fascinating highway with a great story. Retired history teacher and docent Karl Bruhn will share stories and images of its history, from its inception to its final mile.

While Route 66 tends to receive more publicity, The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental U.S. highway designed for automobiles. It crosses our great nation from coast to coast, New York City to San Francisco, even pre-dating the Golden Gate Bridge. This “Main Street Across America” brought prosperity and recognition to many towns and villages along its route, including our own.

Karl Bruhn is a retired history and English teacher living in Batavia. Since retirement, he has been a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center, leading walking tours in The Loop. He also serves as a docent at the Fabyan Villa in Geneva. He has lived in Batavia (just two blocks “off” The Lincoln Highway) for 42 years. His connection to the Lincoln Highway stretches back to its very first “seedling mile”, which was built just two months before his mother was born in DeKalb.

This program is free and open to all ages. There will be time for questions after the initial 60-minute presentation.

This program is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation throughout the year.

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

Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Check the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.

When Sir John Falstaff, an impoverished knight and self-proclaimed ladies’ man, decides to stay in the town of Windsor he makes quite the splash. His attempts at wooing not one, but two of the town's most high-profile women (who both happen to be married), are met by less than what he was hoping for. Amid other town antics, young love, music, and masquerade fun, Merry Wives is a peek at a frivolous moment as we celebrate all the people in Windsor's neighborhood.

Merry Wives includes slapstick, puppets, music, silliness, and a few sips of sangria (so to speak) as audiences attempt to sort out just who in this small town of Windsor knows what’s going on. Stone Soup Shakespeare's production includes 6 versatile actors and might just offer a chance for our audience to join in the laughter and merriment too (should they be feeling merry themselves).

This performance will be held at Huntley Park at 2nd and Garden Street in DeKalb. Bring blankets, chairs, food, and anything else you’ll need to enjoy Shakespeare in the Park! It is offered in partnership with the DeKalb Park District. All ages are welcome, no registration is required.

In the case of poor weather, the performance will be held at the library.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

In Detroit in the 1960’s Motown Records produced hits as efficiently as the Ford Motor Company produced automobiles. It was the “Sound of Young America” sung by performers like The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

Using audio and visual content we’ll trace the amazing musical journey from the power soul of “Dancing in The Streets” and “I Heard It through the Grapevine” to the psychedelic soul of “Cloud Nine” and “What’s Going On” to the pop soul of The Jackson 5. Timeless music that moved us then and moves us now.

After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton Community College. He has lectured at over 80 Chicago area libraries.

This free event is open to all and is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.