Community Calendar

An annual tradition and family favorite, Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular returns for three performances Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 15, at 2:30 p.m. The program includes favorite carols, new spins on modern favorites, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

An annual tradition and family favorite, Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular returns for three performances Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 15, at 2:30 p.m. The program includes favorite carols, new spins on modern favorites, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Warm your toes by the fire as we gather to celebrate the winter solstice through engaging storytelling, activities, and crafts!

This program will take place at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on December 21.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. We will celebrate the return of light and the promise of warmth and growth in the coming months.

This program is first come, first served, as space and supplies are limited. It is intended for children.

For additional information please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.

Do you hear sleighbells? A jolly fellow from the North Pole and his cheerful helper elf will visit the library twice this December. Bring your holiday cheer and meet Santa before the holidays!

Santa will visit on Saturday, December 21, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, and again on Monday, December 23, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

While children chat with Santa, parents may snap a photo on their phone or let our library staff capture the moment for you—perfect if your battery’s low or you want to join Santa in the picture. Santa’s happy elf helper will be there to give every visitor a treat and a special holiday coloring picture to remember the day.

This program is free and intended for families with children. No registration is required.

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

We’re looking forward to the New Year, and as 12:00 approaches we’ll celebrate its advent with a ‘noon year’ countdown and confetti toss! We’ll make hats and confetti-tossers, then grab noisemakers and march around the department, ending in the Story & Activity Room to begin the countdown.

No registration is required for this free program. It is intended for families with children.

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

Run, run as fast as you can, to the library to see the Gingerbread Man! Cozy up with your favorite blanky in our children’s story time room while Miss Stormy, and her friend ‘Gingy’, read and sing-along to their favorite Gingerbread Man tale. Following story time, stay for some warm cocoa and to decorate your very own ‘Sugar Cookie Man’.

This program is free and intended for ages 3-12. Younger children will need a parent to assist.

This program will be first come, first served, as space and supplies are limited.

For more information, please contact Stormy at stormye@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3310.

Can you build an egg holder that will survive a great fall? For this month’s Family Fun Science, we’ll have supplies to build an egg container. Then we’ll drop them off the library’s balcony in an egg-stra special competition. Will your egg survive the descent, or will it smash?

The program is limited to the first 30 children to arrive. Sign-up will begin at the children’s desk 1 hour before the event.

For additional information, please email Laura at lauraw@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

Can your team be the first to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle? Join us for the Library’s first Puzzle Competition. Sign up your team of 2-4 people, all ages. All members of the winning team will receive a prize. Light refreshments will be provided while you puzzle. Registration for this event will open December 2. Thank you to New York Puzzle Company for kindly donating new Harry Potter-themed jigsaw puzzles for this puzzle competition.

REGISTRATION NOTE: Please register for ONE SLOT. The person registering will enter the names of their other team members on the registration form. Need help registering? Contact a staff member at 815-943-4671.

Experience the magic of a 30-minute Variety Show, where every second is packed with entertainment! This show is a kaleidoscope of talent, featuring spellbinding magic, expert juggling, imaginative balloon creations, and side-splitting comedy.

After the show, for those who have the time, children may wait for a turn at the swift and spectacular balloon twisting station of Fantastic Balloon Inventions. The expert twister will craft balloon favorites with speed and flair. Watch in awe as balloons transform into playful pups, snakes, laser blasters, and more - all in the blink of an eye.

This program is free and open to all. Registration is not required. This program is for all ages. Parents must be present.

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

Since 1986, James Ember has been creating and performing magic.

He has performed his award winning, interactive, comedy magic show throughout the world.

Performing magic with a wild passion since he won his first talent show at the age of 6, his exceptional magical talent has been showcased at school programs, during weddings, at corporate events, on stages, on the street, and everywhere in between.

There’s one thing that drives every single one of his performances – he knows joy is contagious. It’s passed from the performer to the audience, then from audience members to each other and, by the end of the show, everyone is laughing, amazed, and having fun.

This magic show is free and intended for ages 5 and up, even adults! No registration is required.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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