Art and Crafts, Family Fun, Kids, News, STEM

New STEAM Program, DIY Gingerbread Houses

Dec 2, 2020

Calling all kids who love to design buildings with candy, frosting, and graham crackers! Are you in a competitive mood this year? Then we have the perfect activity for you.Come to Curbside Pickup starting December 5 to get your supply packs full of...

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Kids, News, Reading, STEM

New STEAM Interview With Tania Nezrick from Kishwaukee College!

Nov 11, 2020

The Children's Department is thrilled to introduce you to Tania Nezrick from Kishwaukee College's Biology Department. Read on for some fantastic advice on how to achieve your goals and some great reading suggestions that are highlighted with blue...

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Art and Crafts, Family Fun, Kids, News, STEM

The Children’s Department Wraps Up a Fun September

Oct 3, 2020

Despite our current pandemic situation, the Children's Department has still been able to provide our area's children and families with some fun activities to keep them safe, busy, and learning all month long. Between story times, virtual crafts and...

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Kids, News, STEM

STEAM Interview with Dr. Wesley Swingley from NIU!

Sep 10, 2020

Do you love Legos? Well, so does Dr. Swingley! Read on to find out all about astrobiology, microbes, and the great kinds of books that Dr. Swingley loves to read. What is your name?  Wesley Swingley  What is your job title and where do...

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Kids, News, STEM

STEAM Interview with Professor Duvall from NIU!

Aug 26, 2020

Do you know what a botanist does? This week, The Children's Department is delighted to welcome Dr. Duvall from NIU's Biology Department, so keep reading to find out more about what a botanist studies, and get some reading ideas to enhance your own...

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Kids, News, STEM

STEAM Challenge # 6: Solar Cooker

Aug 25, 2020

Let's take advantage of our August summer sun and cook some food! Sunlight is very powerful. Using a solar cooker, we can use some of that solar energy to heat up some food! This is a great project for kids of all ages (K-12th grade) to learn about...

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Kids, News, STEM

STEAM Challenge #5: Pet Worms aka Vermicompost

Aug 6, 2020

Did you know you can raise worms AND they can make compost for your garden? This project can take a while (worms are garden superheroes, but they are slow superheroes), so start now to get ready for next spring. Parents, this could be a good...

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Kids, News, STEM

STEAM Interview with Dr. Chris Hill

Aug 4, 2020

This week, the DKPL Children's Department would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Chris Hill,  Assistant Professor of Biomechanics at NIU. If you have ever wondered how the brain makes your body work, then read on to find out about Dr....

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Kids, News, STEM

Llama, Llama… Diorama? The August Lego Challenge

Jul 30, 2020

Hello, Lego enthusiasts! Miss Julie here, with the August Lego challenge. No, it actually doesn't have to do with llamas... I just love the Llama, Llama books, and I also love to rhyme. But, this month is all about dioramas! What is a diorama, you...

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News, STEM

STEAM Interview with Professor Jennifer Koop

Jul 28, 2020

The Children's Department warmly welcomes Dr. Jennifer Koop this week, and thanks her for this fascinating interview. We hope you enjoy reading all about Dr. Koop's research and her favorite books as much as we did. And... wait until you see the...

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