Events

Story Time: Ages 0-8+ and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, crafts, and more on Monday mornings at 10:15. Please contact the library to register.

Make a Mess: A new sensory art program for ages 1-5 with a caregiver. No registration is needed. Clothes may get messy. Tuesdays, September 2 through October 28, 10:15-10:45am.

Chess Club: All ages and skill levels are welcome at the weekly chess club meetings on Wednesdays 6-7:30pm above the library.

Lego Club: Meet up with your friends after school for fun challenges and free building. No registration. Fridays 4:30-5:30pm starting September 12. All ages welcome, but anyone under 8 must bring an adult.

Kid Book Club: Grades K-5+ are invited to pick up a copy of this month's book at the library then join in a discussion while eating free snacks. Monday, September 8th at 4pm. Books available now.

Adult Book Club: This fun group meets at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Pick up a copy of this month's book selection at the library and join in the discussion.

Lunch & Learn Career Workshops: Upgrade your job search with a series of virtual programs designed to help you find and land your next career. These will be live, interactive workshops presented on Zoom. You are welcome to watch from home, but lunch will be provided if you choose to watch at the library. Registration is required for each workshop.

Each workshop will be on a Thursday from Noon to 1pm:

Register for September 4: Searching for a job is very stressful and can lead to many questions, but nobody is there to answer them. In this workshop we will have a conversation about all aspects of job searching and discuss questions you may have in an interactive environment.

Register for September 11: Effective communication skills are so important for success in your job or at anything in life. Learn some ways to improve your communication skills.

Register for September 18: In this workshop you will learn how to write a resume, gather resume tips, and explore different types of resumes.

Register for September 25: In this interactive role-playing workshop, you will learn how to prepare for an in-person interview and a telephone interview. You will be asked the 15 most important interview questions, and learn how to answer them.

Finding the Clues: Then and Now with Steve Burns

Virtual program presented on Zoom: Tuesday, September 16th at 7pm

Join Illinois Libraries Present for a nostalgic and intimate hour-long conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Steve Burns, best known as ‘Steve’ from the beloved Nickelodeon show Blue’s Clues.

Beyond the iconic blue paw print and memorable striped green shirt, Burns has built a unique career in entertainment, encompassing acting, directing, music, and, new this fall, a podcast which “listens back” - Alive with Steve Burns.

This special interview offers a closer look at Burns' journey, from the early fame of Blue’s Clues to his personal growth and creative evolution. Arionne Nettles, a Chicago based storyteller and cultural reporter, will join Steve in conversation.

This event is intended for adults.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed.

Hinckley Hub Event Calendar for All Things Hinckley

Try out these upcoming programs at the DeKalb Public Library, generously shared with the Hinckley community:

After-hours Concert: Music of the West African Kora

September 5, 2025, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Sean Gaskell brings music of West Africa to the library in an after-hours concert that features the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp!

Sean studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800-year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. Sean has performed at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities, and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

This event is free and open to all. No registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. It is graciously sponsored by Gretchen and Charles Moore.

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

8 Countries in 1 Day

September 13, 2025, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Are you ready to travel the world from the comfort of your own library? Prepare for takeoff at our annual “8 Countries in 1 Day” event when we take you on a journey around the globe!

Attend a Masquerade Ball in Italy, play Dinifri in Morocco, gobble down pineapple cake in Taiwan, and much more! Other countries included will be South Korea, Montenegro, Armenia, Myanmar, and India. Each country will have crafts, activities, and food.

Stop by the welcome table to get your “luggage” and passport before your adventure begins. Visit every country, get your passport stamped, and enter for a chance to win one of many prizes. Bring canned food items to get additional raffle tickets.

The library welcomes back the Northern Illinois University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies and International Student Affairs as partners.

Off the Leash Coffee Company will provide samples of coffees and chocolates from around the world at their kiosk in the lower level.

Gather in the main lobby for big performances throughout the day!

11:00 a.m.: Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance

12:00 p.m.: Indian Classical Dance

A big thanks goes out to our many sponsors who make this event possible: Friends of the DeKalb Public Library, Egg Haven, WNIJ, Banner Up, The Suter Company, Off the Leash Coffee Company, Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis Club, Old National Bank, Nestle Distribution Company, Integrated Store Systems, Inc., and China House.

No registration is required to attend this free event. All are welcome!

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

Afternoon Concert with Chris Prola

September 27, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Enjoy modern variations on classical composers as pianist Chris Prola plays pieces by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Paganini, and more! To help transport us to a more classical time, Chris will perform dressed in traditional 18th century attire.

This free performance requires no registration, and all ages are welcome.

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

Events

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