Community Calendar

Give the Gift of Life! The American Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive at the DeKalb Public Library.

American Red Cross blood donors are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Right now, we’re urging donors to continue to help us strengthen the blood supply. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors – are crucial to meeting daily hospital demands.

An advance appointment is preferred. Visit the American Red Cross website, type in your zip code, and select the DeKalb Public Library to make an appointment, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or ask questions about giving blood.

You can also visit the Red Cross website for more general information about the donation process.

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

Ever wondered how to turn a simple branch into your very own loom to weave on? Learn how with Catherine from The Urban Art Studio at Nature At The Confluence on Tuesday August 5th from 6:00-8:00pm. Your $45 cost includes one small tree branch, weaving materials in a variety of colors and textures, and instruction. This class is beginner friendly, with options for experienced weavers.

Join Us for Our 171st Season!

Set sail with the DeKalb Municipal Band as we launch our 171st consecutive summer concert series starting June 10th!

This season, we’re taking you on a musical voyage—each Tuesday night in the park will be filled with fresh breezes, familiar tunes, and new adventures. From maritime melodies to toe-tapping favorites, there’s something for everyone aboard.

So grab your lawn chair and join us under the summer sky. Your Tuesday night tradition awaits!

Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee

Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions
Journey into the icy kingdom of Arendelle with Disney’s Frozen, a magical stage adaptation of the Disney classic filled with stunning visuals, beloved characters, and unforgettable songs like “Let It Go.” & “Do You want to Build a Snowman?”. It’s Disney’s Frozen!

Disney's Frozen Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
August 1 – 17, 2025

Friday, August 1st - 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 2nd - 2:00 pm
Saturday, August 2nd - 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 3rd - 2:00 pm
Tuesday, August 5th - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, August 6th - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, August 6th - 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 7th - 2:00 pm
Friday, August 8th - 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 10th - 2:00 pm
Tuesday, August 12th - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, August 13th - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, August 13th - 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 14th - 2:00 pm
Friday, August 15th - 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 16th - 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 17th - 2:00 pm

It’s summertime, so join John and Laura at the park for our 5th summer of outdoor story times! We will be reading stories, singing songs, and having fun. After the stories, go play on the playground. We encourage you to bring a blanket to make sitting on the grass a little more comfortable.

All of the story times are at Huntley Park at 2nd and Garden Street in DeKalb. Look for us in the southwestern corner.

We will announce on the DeKalb Public Library Facebook page if the program is cancelled due to weather.

For questions or further information, please contact John at johna@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

The Next Picture Show community arts center in Dixon presents 2 juried shows through Aug. 9: "Abstract," an exhibit that explores artists who push the bounds of their 2-and-3-D artwork through abstraction; and "The Power of Words," exhibit that invited artists to find a fusion between word and visual arts in their works.

An opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Friday, Jul. 9, from 6-8 p.m.

The Next Picture Show community arts center in Dixon presents 2 juried shows through Aug. 9: "Abstract," an exhibit that explores artists who push the bounds of their 2-and-3-D artwork through abstraction; and "The Power of Words," exhibit that invited artists to find a fusion between word and visual arts in their works.

An opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Friday, Jul. 9, from 6-8 p.m.

Larry Bond, Lowden Gallery, July 1 - August 31

Through the years I have experimented with different forms of 2D and 3D art .Acrylics, oil, charcoal, pen and ink, and watercolor have been my primary painting and drawing mediums; however, my first love is Watercolor.

In terms of competition and recognition I have won several awards, entered numerous art show competitions, and was accepted into the 2018 San Diego Watercolor Society’s International Watercolor Show. I have won awards from shows at The Next Picture Show, Dixon, Illinois, Norris Gallery, St. Charles, Illinois, and Illinois Watercolor Society Member Shows. I am a Signature Member of the Illinois Watercolor Society.

When asked to describe my style I often describe it as “realistic contemporary with an occasional abstract slant”. In short, I want the viewer to see the painting as mostly realistic and be drawn-in to the scene. I enjoy painting Urbanscapes, Abstracts and Rural Landscapes.

Parents, are you looking for fun ways to keep your kids engaged this summer? Bring them to Camp Creativity — a series of interactive activities designed for school-aged children and led by Northern Illinois University students. Fuel your child’s curiosity and watch their creativity come to life!

This program is limited to the first 20 children. Sign-up will begin at the children’s desk one hour before the event.

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

Curious about local programs and services for seniors? Not sure where to start? Join us at the library for an exposition of organizations offering programs and services for seniors in Woodstock and McHenry County. No registration is required.