309 Oak Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
Tel: 815/756-9568
Fax: 815/756-7837
http://www.dkpl.org
Kick-off the Big Read with some great adventures! We invite everyone to join us as we whitewash the library’s “Tom Sawyer” fence, which will be displayed outside during the month of October. Stay for a quaint picnic as we offer healthy snacks and refreshments in the library’s new “picnic grove”. There will be all sorts of games and activities that were popular in the 1800s, including hoops, jacks, hopscotch, graces, ring toss and much more. Prizes will be available to the winners of each game.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
What do you think Tom Sawyer looks like? What does he mean to you? Here's your chance to express yourself creatively in making a book cover to "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". This contest is for people between the ages 10-18. Submissions are due Saturday, October 6th by 5:00pm. Voting begins Monday, October 8th at 9:00am. All the submissions will be displayed in the Youth Services department. Pick up your voting ballot at the YS desk. Voting ends Monday, October 22nd at 9:00pm. Winners will be announced Saturday, October 27th at the Square Dance and Pie Contest at Hopkins Park Shelter that begins at 6pm. Winners will be featured on DeKalb Public Library’s website, earn a certificate of honor, and a Barnes & Noble Gift Card. Pick up a free copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and a submission form at the Youth Services Desk between Wednesday, September 25th and Saturday, October 6th.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Join Miss Jen on the dragon carpet and hear a variety of fun stories that feature adventures that Tom Sawyer would approve! Pajama wearers welcome!
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Creat a fishing pole and some fish to catch! You'll be able to pretend you're fishing in The Mississippi with Tom Sawyer. This event is for children of all ages.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Why are we still reading Mark Twain? What makes his works and the man himself important to our society? These will be the types of questions asked during our panel discussion held on this night. There will be a variety of local experts on the panel talking about race, language, and social class in relation to Twain's stories. They will help us put novels like, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", into context for today's world. The goal is to learn a little of what the world was like in the 1800s and the experiences that helped shape Twain's writing. Our guest panelists include Meredith Frederich, a Twain expert from the English Department at Northern Illinois University, Art T. Burton, a African/Native American author and historian from the History Department at South Suburban College and Clark Neher, DeKalb Public Library's President of the Board of Trustees, as moderator. Note: This event will be held at The Ellwood House Visitor's Center, 509 N. First Street, DeKalb. This program is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to the Ellwood House Museum for generously donating the space for this Big Read event.
Event Location: 555 Bethany Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
Join other toddlers each week in listening to all types of stories, playing lap games and singing nursery rhymes. What a great way to spend a morning! Meet us on the dragon carpet for a grand adventure.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Be pretty as a picture, just like Becky Thatcher, in this beautiful country bonnet! This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Find out the secret of invisible ink and how to make it reappear, a trick every good treasure hunter should know! This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Genoa Public Library will be hosting a "Sawyer Family Fun Night"! There will be a variety of fun things planned for this evening for everyone. Note: The Genoa Public Library is located at 232 West Main Street in Genoa. This program is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The Genoa Public Library is generously donating the space and time to host this great event - Thank you!
Event Location: 232 West Main Street, Genoa, IL 60135
Our keynote event for The Big Read of DeKalb County will have Jim Post as a fantastic Mark Twain in this funny and witty performance. He will incorporate all types of information gems about Mark Twain's life, his books and a little music! Everyone will come away with a greater knowledge as to why Twain is one of history's greatest writers. In 1986, Jim wrote his first play, Galena Rose: How Whiskey Won the West, which he performed more than fifteen-hundred times, including a performance for the Smithsonian Institute. From family Christmas plays (The Heart of Christmas), to sequels (Mark Twain's Adventures Out West), from concerts to Northlight Theatre to the world premiere of Mark Twain and the Laughing River, all the way to the English Speaking Theatre in Vienna, Austria, Jim’s imagination has kept the theme of youth and laughter echoing through all of his performances.
Event Location: 135 N. 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Learn one of America's pastime crafts, made simple. Needles and yarn will be provided. This workshop is specially for our tweens!
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Tom and Becky heard bats in their cave adventure, join us today at the library as we make cavern bats with Carla! Using our handprints, we'll craft some bats and then enjoy some storytelling time listening to "Stellaluna" by Janell Cannon. The Big Read is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to Kishwaukee College Family Literacy Program for presenting this activity. There is a sign up for this event as it is limited to 25 participants due to the limited supplies.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Who knew an event could be educational, rewarding and fun? Well, this "Big" Read to a Huskie at the library is just for your child! Children will get a chance to turn the tables and read to an NIU student, talk about their chosen story and enter a raffle to win a large chocolate molded bear from the Confectionary! It will be a great way to keep children reading stories filled with adventure as the books will have a "Sawyer" like quality to them. Drop by at any time during 1-4pm for some fun. The Big Read is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to Northern Illinois University for participating in our Big Read endeavor and to The Confectionary for the delicious raffle prize!
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Make a no-sew sack to hold all the marbles you'll win during next week's activity, playing marbles. Marbles was always a popular game with Tom and his friends. This event is for children, tweens and teens!
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Join the General Book Club as they discuss the Big Read book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Color and decorate free standing circus performers so you can hold a circus in your own home! Come back Tuesday, October 23rd to make a Big Top for these creative circus performers. This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
This event is exclusive for all members of the Magic Muffins group (the Magic Muffins group is open to any tween, ages between 10 - 14). We will talk about Tom Sawyer and all his great adventures. Maybe we can even plan our own next adventure.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Have you ever wanted an authentic looking piece of parchment? Well, find out how to make new paper look old with a little crumpling and spritz of "old Juice". A great way to make a treasure map! This event is for children, tweens and teens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Join us at a special time for a walk to St. Mary’s Cemetery to discuss "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and learn a little about local DeKalb area cemeteries. Feel free to bring flashlights and blankets. Don’t forget to bring your copy of the book. Have a parent come to any Big Read Program or stop at the Reference Desk to sign a permission slip, receive a free book, and sign-up for this dark and mysterious night! Permission Slips must be on file to participate in this event.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
It's fun to bring The Big Read home and now is your chance! Join Carla at the library to make Tom Sawyer decorations out of brick pavers. Paint these bricks to make them look like Tom Sawyer and then place a kerchief and a straw hat to complete the look. It will be a great addition to your outdoor fall decoration. The Big Read is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to Kishwaukee College Family Literacy Program for presenting this activity. There is a sign up for this event as it is limited to 25 participants due to the limited supplies.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Genoa Public Library proudly hosts a Big Read 2012 book discussion on "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"! Join us for the grand adventure.
Event Location: Genoa Public Library, 232 West Main Street, Genoa, IL 60135
Go Huskies! The Big Read will make an appearance during NIU’s homecoming game at half time. We will be on the west side of the stadium handing out free copies of The Big Read Book. Join the Big Read of DeKalb County by reading “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and passing it along!
Event Location: Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, IL 60115
Mark Twain's text captures the essence of American life in the nineteenth century largely because Twain himself was exposed to America's strengths and its shortcomings. The details of Twain's life, his experience with the Civil War, his exposure to slavery, and his financial ambitions all combine in his texts to create a representation of America that, though far from ideal, is realistic and enduring. Join us for an intellectual evening on discovering more about this fascinating man and to better understand the working behind his writings. Note: This event will be at Resource Bank on 555 Bethany Road in DeKalb. The Big Read is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. A "Big" thank you to Resource Bank for donating the space and time needed for this event.
Event Location: 555 Bethany Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
Learn to play some of the same games Tom Sawyer and his friends used to play! Keep any marbles you can win and use your marble sack from last week's craft. This event is for children ages 5+, tweens and teens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Sandwich Public Library will be hosting a book discussion on Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Note: The Sandwich Public Library is located at 107 East Center Street in Sandwich. The Big Read is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to the Sandwich Public Library for donating the time and space needed for this event!
Event Location: 107 E. Center Street, Sandwich, IL 60548
The Sycamore Public Library will be hosting a book discussion on Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Note: The Sycamore Public Library is located at 103 East State Street in Sycamore. The Big Read is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to the Sycamore Public Library for donating the space and time needed for this event.
Event Location: 103 E. State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
Join us in making this movable craft creative a cave, just like the one Tom and Becky play in, with a bat flying in it and back out! This event is for children.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Create a map to where all your most prized possessions are hidden. Make sure not to leave it anywhere unsafe, you don't want anyone stealing your treasure! This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Barnes & Noble will be hosting a Big Read book discussion! We will be focusing on a character dissection of Tom, Huck, Becky and Aunt Polly. There will be coffee available for all participants. Join us in the bakery! There is no sign up necessary.
Event Location: Barnes & Noble, 2439 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
Stories are echoes from the past. Hear tales that make animals and history come alive! Generations past learned about their world by the stories that were told to them. Children were taught lessons from their elders through a rich oral history. Discover the reasons why bears have short tails or why porcupines can't throw their quills. This program contains a mixture of Native American tales from many tribes that are engaging and enjoyable as well as educational. Native Myths provide excellent lessons for living. Stories contain many levels of interpretation which makes it an excellent choice for all ages of students, both young and old. A fun filled program that demonstrates Native American cultural heritage through traditional myths and Legends! Our hosts, The Midwest Museum of Natural History, has generously donated the space for this Big Read program. Thank you! There is no sign up necessary for this free event.
Event Location: The Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
Shake and shimmy to make your very own ice cream! Back in the 1800s, they hand-made their ice cream without an ice cream maker. You'll get to eat anything you can make. This program is for tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
The Malta Public Library will host a children's book discussion on Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Note: The Malta Public Library is located on 203 East Adams Street in Malta. The Big Read is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to the Malta Public Library for donating the space and time needed for this event.
Event Location: 203 East Adams Street, Malta, IL 60150
Fishing is a great way to spend some quality time together with family. Why not enjoy the day with us at Shabbona Lake State Park? Tom Sawyer loved to spend his afternoons lazily fishing away without any worries. Read his adventures as you try to catch some of your own. We will be at the 3 Fires Picnic Shelter handing out free Big Read books and serving some sweet sustenance to our “fishers”. The Lakeside Bait Shop offers bait, tackle, fishing licenses and other fishing equipment for sale or bring your own! Fishing poles will not be provided so come prepared. This is a free event open to all of the community. We will be there from 8am until 4pm, feel free to join us for an hour or two or the whole day! The 3 Fires Picnic Shelter is located near the Lakeside Bait Shop.
Event Location: Shabbona Lake State Park, 3 Fires Picnic Shelter, 4201 Shabbona Grove Road, Shabbona, IL 60550
Stage Coach Players is proud to be involved with the DeKalb Public Library and the BIG READ. This year Stage Coach Players will be presenting a staged reading of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" on October 21 at 7pm at the Stage Coach Theatre. This performance is free and open to the public! Note: This event is at Stage Coach Theatre at 126 South 5th Street in DeKalb. Performers of the reading include: Scott Montovan, Lana Martin, Jennifer Snow and Jim Doherty. This performance is an adapation of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, directed and adapted by Gloria Dennison and stage managed by Susan Johnson. This program is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to the Stage Coach Players and Theatre for donating your time and space for this great event!
Event Location: 126 S. Fifth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
The year Tom Sawyer's adventures take place, is the same year covered wagons started to head west. Make a covered wagon to go on your own adventure! This program is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Make a Big Top for your Creative Circus Performers that you made last week! It's not a circus without the giant tent and huge audience. This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Considered the funniest man of his time, Mark Twain was a critic of human nature who used his humor to attack hypocrisy, greed, and racism. As America's best-loved author, he created some of its most memorable characters and quoted sayings. Director Ken Burns digs beneath the legend to discover the true Twain and reveals his extraordinary life, filled with adventure and literary pursuit, incredible success and defeat, comedy, and tragedy. We will be watching the first half of this film, while enjoying some light snacks and refreshments. This free event is open to all with no registration necessary.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
We will make a wooden looking box to hold all of your most treasured items. This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Join us for a cozy evening of reading sections of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” aloud, while viewing various aspects of Mark Twain’s life.
Event Location: Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Road, Malta, IL 60150
Malta Public Library will be showing a film related to "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". The movie has yet to be determined. More information will be forthcoming. Note: This event will be at the Malta Public Library located on 203 East Adams Street in Malta. The Big Read is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to the Malta Public Library for donating the space, organizing and planning this event.
Event Location: 203 East Adams Street, Malta, IL 60150
Do-Si-Do! Swing Your Partner! The Big Read winds down with a good old fashioned Square Dance. There will be music to swing your partner along with an authentic Square Dance Caller! Judges will taste delicious homemade pies that have been baked by local residents. The winner will receive something special… The winner of the Tween & Teen Cover Art Contest will be announced. There will be lots of things going on. There will be of course, pies for dessert, refreshments, good company and music. Did I mention that it will be an authentic Square Dance as the Hopkins Park Shelter doesn’t have any heat! Dress down and warm for a good harvest square dance.
Event Location: Hopkins Park Shelter, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
Meet us at the YMCA and train for proper canoe use and paddle around the pool in an actual canoe! We will also be learning water safety tips. Have a parent come to any Big Read Program or stop at the Reference Desk to sign a permission slip, receive a free book, and sign-up for this wet and wild day! Permission Slips must be on file to participate in this event.
Event Location: The YMCA, 2400 Bethany Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
Barnes & Noble is hosting the Big Read Wrap Up "party" for children! There will be stories, crafts and activities that will remind us why Tom Sawyer was such a fun kid! Note: This event is held at Barnes & Noble on 2439 Sycamore Road in DeKalb. This event is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Thank you to Barnes & Noble for donating the space and time for this great event!
Event Location: 2439 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
Make a raft just like the one Tom and Huck tried to run away on. Only yours will be made of craft sticks! This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Party like it's 1840 at this Halloween party just for tweens! Music and treats will be provided, you bring the costumes. Ask our reference staff for books on ideas for your costumes.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Vengan el martes, 30 de septiembre a las 7 de la noche a la biblioteca para hablar de el libro de Mark Twain, "Las Aventuras de Tom Sawyer". Este evento es gratis y todos son bienvenidos. La Gran Lectura es traido a usted por el Fondo Nacional de las Artes, en colaboracion con Arts Midwest. Come to the library to discuss Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Mark Twain". The Big Read is brought to you by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. This event will be held in Spanish.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Make a wonderful river scene, complete with sandy banks! Be prepared to get your hands dirty. This activity is for children.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Make this toy to play hide-n-seek at home or at a friend's home. It's a fun way to keep your treasure hunting skills up to par. This event is for children and tweens.
Event Location: 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
