Community Calendar

April is Citizen Science Month, and the Library invites the community to take part in hands-on projects that contribute to 2.5 Million Acts of Science, a national America250 initiative celebrating civic participation and discovery. Citizen science empowers everyday people to support real scientific research by observing and sharing information about the world around them.

Featured projects include Stream Selfie, which helps document the health of local streams through shared photos; Globe at Night, an international effort to measure and raise awareness of light pollution; and iNaturalist, a global platform for recording plants and wildlife to help scientists monitor biodiversity. Information on how to participate in all three citizen-science projects is available at the Library. All projects are free and open to the public and are suitable for adults and families alike.

Join Severson Dells for this free, fun casual walking club. We'll stroll at a gentle pace and pause to take in whatever beauty we find.

Presented through Independent Lens as part of the Indie Lens Pop-Up series, The Librarians explores the growing national debate over intellectual freedom and the role of public libraries in American democracy. When Texas lawmakers begin reviewing lists of challenged books, librarians find themselves on the front lines of an intensifying cultural conflict. The film examines mounting pressure on libraries, particularly around materials addressing race and LGBTQIA+ themes, while placing today’s controversies in historical context. The 84-minute screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion with representatives from the Humankind Initiative in Ottawa. The discussion, expected to last approximately 30 minutes, will offer attendees an opportunity to reflect on the film’s themes and engage in thoughtful dialogue about education, public institutions, and the freedom to read.

This program will be offered both in person and virtually. Those planning to attend virtually are encouraged to register in advance at: https://shorturl.at/XDBc6. The program is free and open to the public and is in celebration of National Library Week.

Representatives from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) will present an informational program highlighting free, accessible audiobook services available to eligible individuals. The program is designed for those who experience temporary or permanent visual or physical challenges that make reading standard print difficult, as well as for caregivers, family members, and service providers. Participants will learn how eligible patrons can receive free access to audiobooks, a simple, easy-to-use audiobook player, and audiobook materials provided at no cost through NLS.

This program is free and open to the public and is in celebration of National Library Week.

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence products have seemingly arisen from nowhere and are taking the world by storm. Michael Gershbein of VSP Chicago will share the most-discussed AI technology and speculate on the future implications of AI on the workplace and society. Free to attend, but advance registration is required.

April is Citizen Science Month, and the Library invites the community to take part in hands-on projects that contribute to 2.5 Million Acts of Science, a national America250 initiative celebrating civic participation and discovery. Citizen science empowers everyday people to support real scientific research by observing and sharing information about the world around them.

Featured projects include Stream Selfie, which helps document the health of local streams through shared photos; Globe at Night, an international effort to measure and raise awareness of light pollution; and iNaturalist, a global platform for recording plants and wildlife to help scientists monitor biodiversity. Information on how to participate in all three citizen-science projects is available at the Library. All projects are free and open to the public and are suitable for adults and families alike.

Narrated by actress Asia Argento, Frida: Viva La Vida offers an intimate and layered portrait of Frida Kahlo, the feminist icon, painter, and complex soul whose legacy transcends borders. Through Frida’s own writings, personal reflections, and a stunning visual journey through her artwork and homeland, this film reveals the duality of an artist who turned pain into power and suffering into strength.

Banned Together is a powerful documentary that follows three teenagers fighting to reinstate 97 books removed from their school libraries. What begins as a local challenge quickly grows into a national movement, as the students confront book bans, curriculum censorship, and the forces shaping public education today.
Featuring banned authors, First Amendment advocates, legal scholars, and elected officials, the film offers an urgent look at who decides what young people are allowed to read, and why it matters. The film is 1 hour and 32 minutes, not rated, and is made possible through Kanopy. The program is free and open to the public and is in celebration of National Library Week.

Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will discuss native garden site preparation, favorite plant choices, the pollinator connection, and vital maintenance tips to make any garden a success. Free to attend. Advance registration is required.

April is Citizen Science Month, and the Library invites the community to take part in hands-on projects that contribute to 2.5 Million Acts of Science, a national America250 initiative celebrating civic participation and discovery. Citizen science empowers everyday people to support real scientific research by observing and sharing information about the world around them.

Featured projects include Stream Selfie, which helps document the health of local streams through shared photos; Globe at Night, an international effort to measure and raise awareness of light pollution; and iNaturalist, a global platform for recording plants and wildlife to help scientists monitor biodiversity. Information on how to participate in all three citizen-science projects is available at the Library. All projects are free and open to the public and are suitable for adults and families alike.