​​

​

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

​

Sound Healing: Rest & Renewal

February 21, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Noelle of Bare Soul Healing leads this free sound healing session designed to ease the nervous system and quiet the mind. Soothing vibrations from therapeutic instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Koshi chimes, drums and more create a peaceful space for grounding, relaxation, and renewal.

This session will pay special attention to the heart chakra, in honor of Valentine’s Day.

Please bring a yoga mat or towel if you wish. A limited number of chairs will also be available.

Due to the nature of this event, we will be closing the doors when the program begins at 11:00 a.m., so please arrive on time if you wish to be admitted.

This event does not require registration. It is first come, first served, and there is a limit of 50 participants. It is limited to ages 12 and up.

Noelle is a healing practitioner in Sycamore and has a passion for sharing the benefits of sound healing with the public. Bare Soul Healing is a nature-rooted practice integrating sound healing, yoga, meditation, astrology, and other methods dedicated to supporting emotional well-being and inner peace.

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

​

Jack Benny: An Illinois Original

February 28, 2026, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Jack Benny is regarded as one of the top comedians in American history, shining in vaudeville, radio, television, and film, while making a huge impact upon the sitcom genre. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Jack Benny, as she discusses his career, legacy, and early years in Waukegan, IL, in a multimedia presentation. 

This event is intended for adults. Registration is not required. This is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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

​

World of Reading

March 14, 2026, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Explore a World of Reading at one of our biggest events of the year!

Mark your calendar and join us for a day of literary exploration filled with crafts and activities, suitable for readers of all ages. Admission is free, and memories are guaranteed.

Wall up your friends in Fortunado’s catacombs, sample synonym buns and half-baked ideas in the world of The Phantom Tollbooth, craft your own Mad Hatter hat and meet Alice in Wonderland, show off your archery skills like Katniss Everdeen, and more!

Thank you to the following sponsors for making this event possible: The Treehouse Pie Company, Off the Leash Coffee, and the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library.

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

 

Rockford Peaches and the AAGPBL

March 21, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm

During the 1940s, male professional baseball players left the field to lend a hand in WW2 war efforts. To keep the game alive, Chicago Cubs’ owner Philip K. Wrigley and others started the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) which lasted from 1943-1954. Rockford’s own team, The Peaches, were one of the best teams in the league, winning the championship four times, more than any other team. Today many people know of the Peaches through the 1992 Hollywood film, A League of Their Own. 

Provided by Midway Village Museum, this presentation is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is open to all ages and sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Registration is not required.

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

 

Hits of the Ragtime Era

March 21, 2026, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Pop music comes and goes, but some songs from over 100 years ago are just as fresh in the mind as the day they were written. The Entertainer, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, St. Louis Blues, and Ballin’ the Jack are still familiar, but even when they first hit the scene, these songs were recognized as having something special.

We’ll look at some of the songs that captivated the public and how their popularity continued into the present, and we’ll also share some songs and rags that were hits back in their day. So to quote Irving Berlin, “come on along” for a great hour of ragtime and some early jazz and blues!

“Cherry & Jerry” is Isaac Cherry on percussion and Jerry Rabushka on piano. Based in St. Louis, the duo is also part of the larger “Ragged Blade Band,” and has toured music of the ragtime era throughout a several state area. They’ve found this music is great for good times – brewpubs, wineries, markets, festivals, and more! They’ve appeared in the Big River Steampunk Festival in Hannibal, MO, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Chicago and Tulsa, the RAGBRAI bicycle event in Iowa, and the St. Louis World’s Fare in their hometown.

This free event is open to all. No registration is required. It is sponsored by Gretchen and Charles Moore.

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

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

​