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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 Concert: NIU Steelband

April 17, 2026, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Join us in the library’s main lobby for an after-hours concert performed by the Northern Illinois University’s renowned Steelband. The concert will be an eclectic program of musical styles highlighting the versatility and profundity of the steelpan.

The NIU Steelband is dedicated to demonstrating the versatility and profundity of the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. Created in 1973 by G. Allan O'Connor, the NIU Steelband is the first active steel orchestra formed at an American university and celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, April 16th, 2023.
NIU is also one of the few institutions in the world at which students may pursue undergraduate and graduate music degrees with a steelpan emphasis.  

The ensemble has performed throughout the United States and across the globe. Some of the band’s most notable appearances include a performance for 18,000 soccer fans at Yankee Stadium, tours of Taiwan in 1992 and 1998, concerts with symphony orchestras (including the St. Louis Symphony and the Chicago Sinfonietta), and several performances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). In 2000, the NIU Steelband had the distinction of placing 2nd at the World Steelband Festival in Trinidad and represented the USA at the 2002 Seoul Drum Festival in South Korea.

The NIU Steelband regularly appears in concert at public schools, universities, conventions, and arts series, and has many recordings to its credit, including Dangerous, which features an eclectic blend of musical styles.

After many years under the leadership of G. Allan O’Connor and steelband legend Clifford Alexis, the ensemble is now directed by head of steelpan studies and professor of music, Liam Teague. The band’s instruments are maintained by Yuko Asada, music instrument technician, and she also significantly contributes to the daily operations of the NIU Steelband.

This concert 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.

Jah Love Jamaica Food Truck will have food available for purchase outside the library, including curry chicken, jerk chicken and pork chops, and fried plantains with red beans and rice.

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

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Nellie Bly: Around the World in 72 Days

April 29, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran (1864-1922), this pioneer of investigative journalism is better known by her nom de plume, "Nellie Bly." She became famous for her exposé of the New York City Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island. 

On November 14, 1889, Cochrane began a solo trip around the world in emulation of the fictional character Phileas Fogg from the 1873 Jules Verne novel "Around the World in Eighty Days" - completing her trip on January 25, 1890, in the record-breaking time of 72 days, six hours, 11 minutes, & 14 seconds.

During this presentation, you’ll meet Nellie Bly in the US Embassy in Paris in February of 1919.  The Great War has ended, and Nellie recounts her adventures as a reporter, in the US, Mexico, and as a war correspondent, as she awaits permission to return to the US.

The presentation is followed by a Q&A and photo opportunities. 

This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Library and is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome. 

For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

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The History of The Beach Boys

May 14, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

The soundtrack for an American summer wouldn’t be complete without The Beach Boys…surf, sun and California dreaming.  This presentation will focus on The Beach Boys “sunniest” years from 1962-1967.  With the use of performance and interview clips, we’ll trace the arc of the Beach Boys’ early career from “Surfin’ U.S.A”., “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “California Girls” to the more mature Pet Sounds, “Good Vibrations” and the abandoned Smile project.  Surf’s Up!

After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton Community College. He has lectured at over 80 Chicago area libraries.

This event is part of the America 250 initiative; celebrating our nation throughout the year. This event is free and open to all. No registration is required.

This program is open to all ages, but please note that the presentation may include discussion of mature subjects.

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

 

Science Myths and Misconceptions: The Truth Behind What We Thought We Knew

May 23, 2026, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Is blood blue? Does lightning ever strike the same place twice? What about ‘the five-second rule’? Whether they were taught in school, shared on the playground, or overheard in everyday conversation, science myths like these are all around us. But how many of them are true?

In this lively and interactive talk, science education ambassador Jessica Burgess guides us through some of the most widespread science myths and misconceptions. Through demonstrations and clear explanations, we’ll uncover the real science behind several of these familiar ideas and explore why they continue to persist.

Perfect for curious adults and lifelong learners, this program will leave you with a new appreciation for science. It may also inspire you to become a science myth-buster yourself!

Jessica Burgess is a science communicator, educator, scientist, and founder of STEM Translation Co., where she specializes in making complex science and technology topics understandable for everyday audiences.

Jessica has over 15 years of experience in science education and outreach, including serving as Manager of STEM Partnerships and Outreach at Argonne National Laboratory and developing STEM programs at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Jessica holds a degree in Marine Biology and a master’s degree in Science Education. Known as The STEM TranslatorTM, she is passionate about helping people of all backgrounds feel confident exploring the science shaping our world.

This program is intended for teens and adults. No registration is required.

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

 

Music the Native Way

May 30, 2026, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

In this program, Kim Sigafus McIver will present on the history of Native instruments and their use. The drum, rain stick, and flute will be introduced, and attendees will be invited to play an instrument and learn a song. Everyone will also receive a handout of music to take home. A brief Q&A will follow the presentation.

Kim Sigafus McIver is an award-winning Ojibwe author and speaker.  

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

This program is for all ages. No registration is required. It is sponsored by the Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis Club.

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

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