02/11/2026
Spring 2026 Programs
The Friends of the Durand Library is very pleased to offer several talks and events in the coming months. It is gratifying to host these programs for the community. However, the strength of the Friends is being challenged as we strive to provide library services for the community.
How so? The sad fact is that the number of patrons who actually visit the library to check out books is quite low: a few “regulars” and an occasional new patron is the norm. This makes for a very quiet place., and without people walking through the door, it is tough to get and hold volunteers to staff the desk.
Our library is at risk. Without increased community use, we may face closure. Please come in and show your support to help keep this important resource available.
Several programs are set up for this spring to which everyone is welcome. Below is what we have organized, and we do so with great pleasure. Programs have been well attended and enjoyed:
Antiques Q&A was Tuesday February 10. A group of 20 brought in some items for Jay Friberg to discuss. He is a recently retired antiques dealer with 20 years experience.
Bingo for Kids! This event is on Saturday February 21 at 10:00 am. No charge, of course, and prizes offered. All children through 6th grade are invited, homeschooled as well as Durand School students.
The Stagecoach Trail, a road which most of us have traveled heading west, is an important part of the history of this area. Jon McGinty, who writes for Northwestern magazine, will show us and tell us much more Feb 28 at 10:00 am about the stagecoach era.
March 14 Jack Liston, a Lake Summerset resident, will help us figure out which of the old watches we hang on to have any value.
April 18 the Winnebago County Tax Assessor will explain how property taxes are computed, as well ad what alternatives the tax payer has.
And we are so pleased to have the following three all expense paid talks through the Illinois Humanities Council.
Mike Matejka, a student of the railroad history in America, will help us understand how railroads influenced the development of the Midwest – altering the economy, society and culture in so many ways. He will speak Tuesday March 24 at 7:00 pm.
April 28 Bucky Halker, an American academic, music historian, labor activist, singer and songwriter , will entertain and educate us about the iconic Woody Guthrie and the time period in which Woody lived.
And ending the season May 19 will come some Cajun music by fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt who will energize us with his snappy melodies and stories of the French connection in Illinois.
Please attend and enjoy all these free events hosted by the Friends of the Durand Library. For more information email [email protected] or call 815-289-8602. And please consider joining us to continue making programs and library service available to the community.
Submitted by
Barbara Flores, President
Friends of the Durand Library
