Your public library wants to resource you with high-quality, engaging events that promote learning and equip our community to dream up new possibilities. On this page you will find helpful information about all kinds of upcoming programs. To sign up for an event that requires registration, visit the events calender page by clicking here, stop by the library, or call 815-786-8308. To inquire about an event, a recurring program, or our video archives, or to suggest an event, please call 815-786-8308 ext.209. Click here to see our cancellation & refund disclaimer.
Upcoming
UPCOMING EVENTS
Emergency Preparedness Kit Distribution
Tuesday, September 19th | 12:00pm-3:00pm
No Registration Required
Our friends at the DeKalb County Health Department want to make sure you’re ready to face whatever comes. While supplies last, each attendee will receive a free Emergency Preparedness Kit at this open-house style program!
Medicare Help Desk
Monday, October 2nd | 10:30am-1:30pm
Tuesday, October 17th | 10:30-1:30pm
No Registration Required
2024 brings big changes to Medicare drug plans. Stop by with your annual enrollment questions and learn about benefit changes, out-of-pocket expenses, network changes, and other plan options to fit your health care needs. A local agent will address your questions one-on-one, guiding you to the info that will help you best!
Pumpkin Painting
Saturday, October 7th | 1pm-2:30pm
No Registration Required
Come paint a pumpkin with the family! All painting supplies will be provided, and a selection of pumpkins will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Feel free to bring your own! All ages.
Break the Silence Vigil with Safe Passage
Wednesday, October 11th | 5:30pm-7:30pm
No Registration Required
Break the Silence is a vigil to raise awareness about domestic violence, which will include a time to speak out. This event is a collaboration with our friends at Safe Passage. All are welcome.
Wall of Thankfulness
November 1st - 30th
William Faulkner once wrote, “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” Here at the Sandwich Public Library, we invite the community to practice gratitude together by making something beautiful. From Nov. 1st-30th we will cover our entryway wall with those things for which we are thankful. Here’s how you can participate: Come to the library, write what you’re grateful for on a “thankfulness leaf,” and give it to a staff member. Then we’ll add it to our “wall of thankfulness.” Come by before Thanksgiving to see what our community is grateful for!
Masterpiece Massacre
Tuesday, November 7th | 6:30pm-7:30pm
Registration is Required by November 6th. $5 per registrant.
Poorly recreate your favorite work of art! You may not be the next van Gough, Picasso, or Kahlo, but you’re invited to join us for a relaxed night of art, snacks, and lots of fun. Choosing from a variety of mediums, you will make a playful (though perhaps feeble) attempt to recreate a masterpiece. Bring a friend and unwind! Participants should bring a print copy of the masterpiece they want to recreate.
2nd Annual Scrabble Tournament
Tuesday, November 28th | 6:00pm-7:45pm
Registration Required by November 28th at 4pm
Who will be crowned this year’s SPLD Scrabble champion? Play against other word lovers in a head-to-head tournament to find out! The winner will receive a new Scrabble set. Refreshments provided.
Recurring
RECURRING PROGRAMS
Local Writers Group
1st & 3rd Thursdays | 5:00pm-6:30pm
1st Thursday Hosted by Sandwich Public Library District
3rd Thursday Hosted by Somonuak Public Library District
Gather with area writers of all levels to strengthen your skills as an author. These sessions, led by Dave Dean, will focus on the needs and desires of each participant, equipping and empowering you to take the next step in your writing journey. Whether you’re just getting started or have published dozens of books, this group is for you!
Shelf Indulgence
3rd Tuesday of the Month | 6:30pm
This book club exists to provide a place for thoughtful dialog around discussion-worthy books. If you’re interested in joining the book club, or to find out what the group is currently reading, call (815-786-8308 ext.209). Copies of each month's selections will be made available at the front desk of the library.
- On September 19th we'll discuss This Is What It Sounds Like by Susan Rogers, led by Matthew Jones, Adult Services Coordinator.
- On October 17th we'll discuss The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix, led by Heather Lee, Library Board Member.
Sandwich Film Club - Currently On Hold
2nd Tuesday of the Month | 6:30pm at SPLD
"Think outside the frame!" Do you love talking about movies? This is the club for you! Each month we meet at the library to discuss what films and TV shows we've been watching. Join us for a fun, engaging conversation (and for some awesome giveaways, including gift cards to Classic Cinemas)!
Virtual Reality Sessions - Currently On Hold
By Reservation Only - Not accepting reservations at this time.
Enter a whole new world—feel the breath of a dinosaur, wield a lightsaber, or work in the International Space Station—without ever leaving the library. You can request a session for an individual or a group. A brief tutorial will be provided by our staff before you experience reality like never before. Where will you go first?
All participants must sign a waiver. Only persons ages 13+ are allowed in the VR headset. Reservation Request forms are available at the circulation desk.
Read Aloud Club
2nd Wednesday of the Month | 10:00am | Hosted at Pavilion on Main (formerly known as Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion)
Bring a reading you’d like to share—or just come to listen—and we’ll take turns reading aloud to the residents of Pavilion on Main! All kinds of readings are welcome.
Sandwich Game Club
3rd Saturday of the Month | 11am
The Sandwich Game is a friendly group of board game enthusiasts. We love to play modern board games and socialize. Some games we play that you might recognize or see in the store include Catan, Splendor, and Code Names! All players are welcome! Whether you are new to modern board gaming or have been in the hobby for years. We’ll bring the games, but feel free to bring your favorites too.
Card Making with Jennifer Boring
3rd Thursday of the Month | 6:30pm | $5
Fold, cut, and paste under the direction of local paper-crafting wizard Jennifer Boring, making beautiful handmade cards for your loved ones and friends. Registration is required. See our program cancellation and refund disclaimer.
Registration now available online! Click here to find the date you want to attend & register.
- November's session will be held on the second Thursday, November 9th.
Vocab Club - Currently On Hold
4th Wednesday of the Month | 4pm
Do you love words? We do, too! Bring your new favorite word to share, and via group dialog we will explore its etymology. Come geek out with us!
Book2Movie Club (Hosted at Fox Valley Community Services)
4th Fridays of the Month | 10:30am | At FVCS
Read the book, join us for a lively discussion at FVCS, then stick around for a screening of the movie. Call (815-786-8308 ext.209) with questions or to find out what the group is currently reading.
- Program on hold until futher notice.
Movie Night Kit
Pick-Up Program | Free!
Who doesn't love a good movie night? Our starter kits include popcorn, candy, photo props, and three movies (PG, PG-13, & R)—a great way to find your new favorite film, with options for all ages. Library card required. Request a kit by filling out a form at our front desk.
Book Clubs
BOOK CLUBS
Shelf Indulgence
3rd Tuesday of the Month | 6:30pm
This book club exists to provide a place for thoughtful dialog around discussion-worthy books. If you’re interested in joining the book club, or to find out what the group is currently reading, call or email Matthew (815-786-8308 ext.209,
- On September 19th we'll discuss This Is What It Sounds Like by Susan Rogers, led by Matthew Jones, Adult Services Coordinator.
- On October 17th we'll discuss The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix, led by Heather Lee, Library Board Member.
Book2Movie Club (Hosted at Fox Valley Community Services)
4th Fridays of the Month | 10:30am | At FVCS
Read the book, join us for a lively discussion at FVCS, then stick around for a screening of the movie. Call (815-786-8308 ext.209) with questions or to find out what the group is currently reading.
- Program on hold until futher notice.
Oddities Book Club *NEW
Meets quarterly - January, April, July, October | 4th Tuesdays at 6:00pm
Explore a mix of horror, science fiction and fantasy titles in this new genre-specific book club. Club will meet quarterly on the 4th Tuesdays of April, July, October and January at 6:00pm. Copies of each month's selections will be made available at the front desk one month prior to each meeting date. If you'd like to read the title early, feel free to check it out from our catalog. See you at the next meeting!
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Oddities Archive
Video Archive
VIDEO ARCHIVE
Ser Extraordinario con Ricardo Molano Nieto
Quieres ser una persona notable? Independientemente de tu contexto, ya sea en el lugar de trabajo, en la comunidad o en la familia, este taller de cuatro semanas te ayudara a convertirte en lo mejor que puedas ser, presentandote ideas sobre como escuchar/hablar y nuestra mentalidad. Puedes participar en linea a traves de Zoom o en persona en la Biblioteca Publica del Distrito de Plano.
Este programa se ofrece en colaboración entre la Biblioteca Publica del Distrito de Plano y la Biblioteca Publica del Distrito de Sandwich.
Nuestro presentador será Ricardo Molano Nieto. Ricardo es socio de Faro Partners. Ha dedicado su carrera de más de 25 años a ayudar a las organizaciones a mejorar la experiencia de sus empleados: reclutamiento, incorporación, desarrollo profesional y salida. Ricardo ha visto el impacto que los empleados y líderes pueden tener en una organización. Comparte su experiencia con las empresas con las que trabaja Faro Partners y como facilitador avanzado del curso optativo de MBA de la Graduate School of Business de Stanford "Dinámica interpersonal".
National Sandwich Day Celebration!
What better way to celebrate National Sandwich Day than to get all three Sandwich libraries from across the country together for one special online event? You’ll learn about the Sandwich Public Library District in Illinois, the Sandwich Public Library in Massachusetts, the Sandwich Library in New Hampshire, and the towns that they serve. Join us for a time of fun and learning as we cheer on all of the Sandwich libraries!
The Paramount Theatre: Then & Now
Join theatre staff member, Joel Friend, as he shares the fascinating history and current inner-workings of this gorgeous and iconic Aurora theatre!
Charles Dickens’ The Chimes: A Public Reading
Join library staff member Matthew Jones as he reads Charles Dickens' lesser-known holiday novel!
An Evening with Agnes: Holocaust Survivor from the Illinois Holocaust Museum
From Budapest, Hungary, Agnes Schwartz was 10 years old when German forces occupied her town and her family was forced to move into a “Jewish Designated” or “Yellow Star” building. Their Catholic housekeeper, Julia, took Agnes to her home before the ghetto was established and claimed her as her niece. Agnes became a “hidden child,” living in the open but living in fear, not knowing when her family would be reunited. During the Allied bombings, she was sent underground to hide for months. Her father was saved by Raoul Wallenberg and hidden in one of his safe houses. Her grandmother, aunt, and uncle were rounded up and shot into the Danube River. Agnes’ mother was deported and perished at Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Her book, “A Roll of the Dice,” is in its second publication.
Detencion Familiar en el suelo con Megan Klein
Encuesta: www.surveymonkey.com/r/IHGG358
Megan habla sobre su experiencia como voluntaria de Proyecto Dilley en el centro de detención más grande para mujeres migrantes y niños en los Estados Unidos. La presentación centra las historias de las mujeres y los niños que ella defendió en un esfuerzo por establecer el tema de la inmigración con los propios migrantes.
Este evento fue posible gracias al programa Illinois Humanities Road Scholars.
Family Detention on the Ground, Featuring Megan Klein
Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/IHGG357
Megan discusses her experience as a Proyecto Dilley volunteer at the largest detention facility for migrant women in children in the US. The presentation centers the stories of the women and children that she advocated for in an effort to situate the topic of immigration in the individual migrants themselves.
This event was made possible by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars program.
Composting 101 with Steve Wolf
Steve has many years of gardening experience and will explain what every gardener needs to know about composting. Sometimes called "Black Gold" for your garden, composting is essential to a garden's success. It is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil for your vegetable garden or landscape plants.
Star Wars & the Hero’s Journey: A Literary Adventure
This IS the webinar you’re looking for! Join educator, author, host of the Coffee with Kenobi podcast, and all-around Jedi master, Dan Z, as he helps us explore a galaxy far, far away. #maythe4thbewithyou #starwarsday
Learn more about the Coffee with Kenobi podcast by clicking here.
Reach for the Stars: A Day in the Life of NASA
Some people wish upon the stars, others bring them into reach. You’re invited to liftoff with NASA engineer Jeffrey Woytach, who will share his story, describe his work, and answer your questions.
Click here to view Mr. Woytach's slides
Creative Writing Roundtable
We all have a story inside. Do you want to tell yours? Join Dr. Julie Iromuanya, professor of creative writing from the University of Chicago and author of Mr. and Mrs. Doctor as she reads from her work and responds to your questions about the process of putting the pen to page.
Mayoral Candidate Community Forum
All three candidates for mayoral office (Latham, McMaster, and Robinson) respond to your questions in a forum hosted by the SPLD.
Author Session: Laurent Pernot
Tune in for a presentation and Q&A with the author of There and Here: Small Illinois Towns with Big Names, a new book that features the history of our very own town: Sandwich!
Planning & Planting a Veggie Garden
Presenter: Steve Wolf, Master Gardener, U of IL Extension, Kendall County
Steve has many years of gardening experience and will cover the basics of vegetable gardening. From Winter planning, Spring/Summer planting, to Summer/Fall harvesting, we hope to offer both the beginner and experienced gardener new tips for success!
The Power of Story: Reading Aloud Toward Connection, Empathy, & Joy
Many of us are blessed to have fond childhood memories of listening to stories being told, or read to us. Sharing stories aloud connect us with each other and with the characters in the story. Dr. Julie Hoffman will discuss several benefits of reading aloud and will explain why read-alouds are great for people of all ages. She might even share a favorite story, or two.
Here are the titles that Julie mentions in her talk:
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. James
The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
Shout by Laurie Halse Andserson
Drums, Girls + Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
The Bad Seed by Jory John & Pete Oswald
The Life I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
In Defense of Read-Aloud by Steven L. Layne
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Vocab Corner
Calling all word nerds! Check out some of the fun words we discussed and then join us at the next Vocab Club (meets online the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm).
Film Fan Friday
Do you love movies? We do, too! Check out the latest episode of FFF, where we give an overview of that month's Film Discussion Group.
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens' classic novella read by library staff member, Matthew Jones.
Stave One
Stave Two
Stave Three
Staves Four & Five
Cultivating Mental Health in a Pandemic
Hear from our friend Annie Fish (Program Coordinator, NAMI-KDK) as she speaks to us about caring for ourselves and others in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Click here to visit NAMI, KDK online
Cooking Sustainably with Molly Fraser
Learn what sustainability is all about and how it can relate your kitchen and the way you cook. We’ll hear some practical tips and tempting recipes that are good for us and our common home, Earth!
Click here to view the presentation slides, including several delicious recipes!
Click here to find Molly's blog.
Find Molly on instagram @sustained.kitchen
Books & Ballots: The Intersection of Literacy and Women's Right to Vote
Our centennial celebration of women’s right to vote! This live webinar was open to the public and featured Congresswoman Lauren Underwood in both an address and Q&A.
Click here to access the document mentioned by Congresswoman Underwood
"As an individual, I think literacy is a fundamental human right. I am an avid reader and a life-long learner. When I want to learn about a new subject, I take pride in knowing that I will be able to comprehend the process of educating myself.
As I nurse, I think that literacy is a critically vital part of the community. It is an essential part of social and human development as well as having proven links to reducing poverty and crime, and increasing disease prevention. Literacy also empowers a person to literally transform their life.
As a woman, my right to vote is a gift purchased by generations of women who were as proud of their literacy and capability as I am today. Even when I am not a fan of either choice on the ballot sheet, I choose to inform myself and investigate my choices so that I can honor those women with my vote."
-Jack Zielke, Local Nurse
Houseplants 101 with Nancy Christian
Nancy Christian from Redbud Creek Farms presents the basics and takes your questions in a Q&A. Let’s get green!
All Things British with John Gowing
Ever wondered why our flag is called the Union Jack but it is actually the Union Flag? Ever wonder why the Queen reigns but doesn't rule? Confused about the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and the British Isles? Come along and have this and more explained in a fun and informative way!
The Story of Sue the Dinosaur with Bill Simpson
Hear from Bill Simpson (Collections Manager, Fossil Vertebrates of the Field Museum) about Sue the dinosaur! The whole family will enjoy learning new information from one of the experts.
Mindful Breath and Movement with Hannah Ramlo
Experience practices for healthy living with the founder of Soulside Healing Arts.
Click here for the program PDF
Click here to learn more about Soulside Healing Arts
Understanding Fake News with Amy Franco
Fiction and nonfiction are not just library sections. People constantly get bombarded with unreliable information from untrustworthy sources. So how do you know what's real and what's fake? Learn to weed through the noise and evaluate sources for authenticity at this timely program.
Presenter Bio: Amy Franco leads a nationally recognized programming team at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, where she has worked for eight years. She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Franco designs and coordinates public events, traveling exhibitions, and community engagement efforts; skills that have solidified her reputation as a leader in creative programming and continuing education for library workers. She previously served on the 2019 ILA Conference Program Committee.
Cancellation & Refund Disclaimer
- If an event is cancelled by the library, a full refund will be made to all paid registrants.
- If a paid registrant is unable to attend an event, a refund will be made only if the registrant cancels their registration with the library in the time frame set for that particular event. Unless otherwise specified, the cancellation deadline is 24 hours prior to the event, but each event may have its own specific cancellation deadline.
- If a paid registrant does not attend an event and does not cancel their registration before the cancellation deadline, no refund will be made. Thank you for understanding.
- If registering for a paid event online, your registration is not complete until payment has been made. If you pay with a credit card, your registration will be complete. If you choose to pay with cash or check, your registration is not final until payment has been made. We reserve the right to register someone else in your place if payment has not been made by the start of the event. Additionally, if you (1) register for a paid event online, (2) do not finalize your registration with payment before the event begins, (3) fail to attend the event, and if (4) we are not able to fill your spot with another paying registrant, you will not be permitted to attend another paid event until you have paid the registration fee for the prior event. If you are a Sandwich Public Library District cardholder, a fine with the registration amount will be placed on your card.
- When a patron registers for a paid event, they agree to abide by this disclaimer.