Events

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

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After-hours: Sarah McQuaid in Concert (DeKalb)

September 25, 2026, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

“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.

 

Jimmy Keane: Irish Music and Irish Labor (DeKalb)

September 26, 2026, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Traditional Irish musician, Jimmy Keane, discusses his early life with his South Side ironworker family and his roots in the labor movement. He will also perform Irish music and songs associated with the labor movement!

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

All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

For questions or additional information, please contact Anna at annas@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.

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Tales Well Told: Halloween Hauntings (DeKalb)

October 3, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

A century ago, these stories were read aloud for family entertainment. Today they come alive in performance. 

Michèle LaRue tells a tale of sudden death, family secrets, and things that go bump in the night as she presents Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s “The Shadows on the Wall” (1903). Next she speaks of strange sightings on the prairie in Elia W. Peattie’s “The House That Was Not” (1898).

Freeman (1852 – 1930), a popular and prolific short-story writer, was born and lived most of her life in Massachusetts, continuing her work after marrying and moving to Metuchen, New Jersey. She wrote insightfully and with sympathetic humor about her fellow small-town New Englanders—and she penned many ghost stories. 

Peattie (1862 – 1935) grew up in her native Michigan. With her husband, a fellow journalist, she made her home, first in Chicago, then in Omaha. She was the Chicago Tribune’s first woman reporter and wrote fiction, as well as observant editorials and reviews, for major papers in both cities.

Michèle is a professional actress who has toured nationally for 24 years with dramatizations of stories by America’s Gilded Age authors. Her one-woman performances are sure to leave you wanting more.

“You transported us totally to another time, another place, and filled our lives with new friends.” - Livingston Public Library, NJ

This show is intended for ages 12 and up. No registration is required.

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

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The Essential Houdini (DeKalb)

October 8, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Discover the art of magic and illusion as William Pack presents this special interactive program commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini! Learn about his rise to stardom and his legacy of creating entertainment that tricked the eye and teased the mind.

Born and raised in Chicago, William Pack is a magician, storyteller, and author. At 11 years old, William got his first job in a magic shop and has been performing ever since. William has won numerous awards for his magic and comedy performances. In 2001, he taught actor Will Smith sleight of hand for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in the film, Ali.  

This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is intended for ages 16 and up. No registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

For more information, contact Leah at leahh@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2112.

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Lizzie Borden and the Borden Murders (DeKalb)

October 10, 2026, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

On August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were murdered with a hatchet in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie Borden, was charged with the double murder, but was eventually acquitted of the charges. The murders remain unsolved to this day.

Chicago actor and storyteller, and native of Fall River, Massachusetts, Edward Dzialo, shares the details of the unsolved double murders, and paints a fascinating picture of Lizzie, both before and after the gruesome event, including the use of photos and Lizzie Borden memorabilia.

This free presentation is intended for teens and adults. Parental discretion is advised for younger children. No registration is required. It is part of the America 250 initiative, celebrating our nation throughout the year.

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