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Register 31 Seats Remaining

Genealogy | Beyond the Basics

Hints to solve your brick walls
2025-11-08 11:00:00 2025-11-08 12:30:00 America/Chicago Genealogy | Beyond the Basics Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Saturday, November 08
11:00am - 12:30pm

Add to Calendar 2025-11-08 11:00:00 2025-11-08 12:30:00 America/Chicago Genealogy | Beyond the Basics Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

This program reviews various search tips that have proven successful for finding those difficult documents. Learn techniques to break through your brick walls and overcome challenges with spelling names, locating lost records, and identifying unknown parents. Learn to overcome frustration while having fun with your family history.

Presenter:

Stephen Szabados
Genealogy Lecturer and Researcher
Author of fifteen genealogy books

 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | Genealogy |

Des Plaines Public Library
help@dppl.org
Phone: (847) 827-5551
Fax: (847) 827-7974
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Mon, Nov 03 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Nov 04 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Nov 05 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Nov 06 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Nov 07 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Sat, Nov 08 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Nov 09 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About

The 1501 Ellinwood Street library building is the realization of a longheld dream of the library board, staff and community partners. Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, the four story, 82,000 square foot building represents the community's commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and a center for family activities. A grand central staircase and large windows provide a wealth of natural light and illuminate the building at night.

Upcoming events

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Older Men's Legacies - Memoir Writing for Senior Men
Fri, Nov 07, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
This six-week memoir writing workshop is set up to help senior men put their life stories on paper. Register for week one for the entire course.
Teen Take & Make - Cute Character Fridge Magnets
Mon, Nov 10, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, Nov 10, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Tue, Nov 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Code Q - Social Club
Tue, Nov 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Are you or your best friend an LGBTQ teen? Join us and show your support as we watch movies, play games and interact about topics that support the LGBTQ youth. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Nov 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Happy Notes
Wed, Nov 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making uplifting cards for hospitalized kids! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
20s & 30s Book Club - Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Wed, Nov 12, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Film Screening - Pride and Prejudice (1940)
Sat, Nov 15, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
The first screen adaptation of Jane Austen's most famous novel.
Teen Take & Make - Cute Character Fridge Magnets
Mon, Nov 17, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, Nov 17, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Nov 18, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
FilmTalkTuesdays - Mostly Martha
Tue, Nov 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join us every other Tuesday to discuss a film from Hoopla or Kanopy.
Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food and Science
Tue, Nov 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join award-winning cookbook author J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of conversation with Billy Zureikat.
Happy Tails
Wed, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
All furry pets deserve to play in style! Join us as we make a posh no-sew fleece tug toy for a pup or feline in need and earn service hours. For teens in grades 7-12.
Woodworking with Invasives - THIS EVENT IS FULL
Wed, Nov 19, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
For this project, we will repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new, leaving you with your very own, one-of-a-kind woodworking project! All equipment will be provided.
This event is full
Book a Teen Librarian
Wed, Nov 19, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, Nov 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting where teens plan programs and participate in library events while making new friends.
Thursday Evening Book Discussion - The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Thu, Nov 20, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
A staff member will lead a book discussion. Books are available at the 3rd floor info desk in the public library approximately 30 days in advance.
Friday Night Films - Materialists
Fri, Nov 21, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the independent film Materialists.
Just Jane: A Visit with Jane Austen
Sun, Nov 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Join us for a visit with Jane Austen. Performance by Debra Ann Miller.
Teen Take & Make - Cute Character Fridge Magnets
Mon, Nov 24, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - 3rd Floor
Take & Make Kits are fun crafts you can take home and make on your own time. Drop in to pick up your kit throughout the month! Available while supplies last. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Nov 25, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Teen Crafternoons - Cute Character Fridge Magnets
Wed, Nov 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Open maker workshop. Sample our featured technology or bring your own project to work on. November Spotlight: Cute Character Fridge Magnets. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Wed, Nov 26, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
SAT Practice Test
Sat, Nov 29, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
Find out your starting score and identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking the SAT Practice Test presented by iAchieve Learning.
Film Screening - Emma (1996)
Sat, Nov 29, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
In this period romantic comedy, Emma Woodhouse, a young woman of privilege, involves herself in the affairs of the neighborhood and fancies herself an accomplished matchmaker.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, Dec 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Code Q - Social Club
Tue, Dec 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Are you or your best friend an LGBTQ teen? Join us and show your support as we watch movies, play games and interact about topics that support the LGBTQ youth. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Dec 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Discover Kwanzaa: Meaning, Symbols, and Traditions
Tue, Dec 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa with storyteller Elizabeth Kahura.
Happy Notes
Wed, Dec 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making uplifting cards for hospitalized kids! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Wed, Dec 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Ugly Sweater Karaoke Night
Wed, Dec 03, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A 20's and 30's event. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, where you can rock around the library singing your favorite tunes! Must be 21+.
Friday Night Films - Relay
Fri, Dec 05, 6:30pm - 8:20pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the independent film Relay.
Life Drawing at the Library 2025 - Now in the Canvas
Sat, Dec 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Canvas
Learn to draw the human body with a clothed model, located in The Canvas on the 4th floor. Drop in with no registration required; open to adults, seniors, and teens.  
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Dec 09, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Book a Teen Librarian
Wed, Dec 10, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Adult Board Game Night
Thu, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Meet fellow board gamers! Play our games or bring your own.
Holiday Bell Concert - Performance by The Random Ringers
Fri, Dec 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
The Random Ringers present a special concert of holiday music.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, Dec 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Dec 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Happy Tails
Wed, Dec 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
All furry pets deserve to play in style! Join us as we make a posh no-sew fleece tug toy for a pup or feline in need and earn service hours. For teens in grades 7-12.
Book a Teen Librarian
Wed, Dec 17, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, Dec 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting where teens plan programs and participate in library events while making new friends.
Film Screening - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sat, Dec 20, 1:30pm - 3:10pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
This heartwarming film is based on the beloved 1972 book by Barbara Robinson.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, Dec 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Dec 23, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
See all events