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Image for event: Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature

Register 100 Seats Remaining

Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature
2025-05-28 19:00:00 2025-05-28 20:00:00 America/Chicago Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Wednesday, May 28
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-05-28 19:00:00 2025-05-28 20:00:00 America/Chicago Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

For all the challenges we face, nature has solutions. 


Have you ever had Velcro shoes? Think biomimicry! Biomimicry observes nature to see how it has solved problems and then copies the techniques and applies them to new innovations. Learn how animals and plants are being studied to solve today's problems. 

Presentation by naturalist Kim White. Kim has a life-long interest in the natural world. She spent almost 20 years associated with Brookfield Zoo’s Education Department. Currently, Kim offers classes through her website The Natural Naturalist. She is on a mission to teach others to connect with the world around them.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | Science and Technology | Lifelong Learning |

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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

Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, Apr 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Teen Take & Make - Painted Mug
Mon, Apr 21, 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, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Apr 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Older Women's Legacies - Memoir Writing for Senior Women
Wed, Apr 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
This six-week workshop is designed to translate past events into cohesive stories.
This event is full
Teen Crafternoons - DIY Sock Bunny
Wed, Apr 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Open maker workshop. Sample our featured technology or bring your own project to work on. April Spotlight: DIY Sock Bunnies. For teens in grades 7-12.
The Des Plaines Baduk (Go) Club
Thu, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - 4th Floor Forum
Come to our open session to play Baduk (the board game Go) with others, and an experienced player who can answer questions. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Please register to reserve your spot.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, Apr 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Film Screening - Nosferatu
Sat, Apr 26, 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the feature film Nosferatu.
Teen Take & Make - Painted Mug
Mon, Apr 28, 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, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Apr 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Happy Tails
Wed, Apr 30, 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
Fri, May 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Life Drawing at the Library 2025 - Now in the Canvas
Sat, May 03, 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.  
Art and Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat
Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join bestselling author and illustrator Dan Santat for an afternoon event all about books and art with friend and collaborator, author Minh Lê.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival
Wed, May 07, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Japan has been a fascinating tourist attraction for decades. Educator Yvonne Wolf will give a brief overview of Japan and welcome Spring the Japanese way, through the cherry blossom festivals.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Friday Night Films - September 5
Fri, May 09, 6:30pm - 8:10pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of an international, independent or documentary film.
Yin Yoga
Sat, May 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
This event is full
Staging and Preparing Your Home for the Summer Market
Sat, May 10, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
Key tips on selling your home.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, May 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion - Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Tue, May 13, 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.
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Poverty: A Discussion with Matthew Desmond
Tue, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join bestselling author Matthew Desmond in conversation with award-winning journalist, Natalie Moore.
Happy Notes
Wed, May 14, 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.
Big Bold Perennials - Presented by Heather Prince
Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
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20s & 30s Book Club - Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Wed, May 14, 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.
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, May 15, 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.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Film Screening - A Complete Unknown
Sat, May 17, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the feature film A Complete Unknown.
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Happy Tails
Wed, May 21, 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.
Adult Board Game Night
Wed, May 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Meet fellow board gamers! Play our games or bring your own.
Thursday Evening Book Discussion - Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Thu, May 22, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room C
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.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Mon, May 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature
Wed, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Learn how animals and plants are being studied to solve today's problems.
Book a Teen Librarian
Fri, May 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Play games, get advice, watch anime or movies, read, or just talk with a librarian! Mondays. Tuesdays, and Fridays 4-5pm in the Commons!
Rescheduled
Yin Yoga
Fri, May 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New date Saturday, May 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
Pink Pony Club Karaoke Night
Wed, Jun 04, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A 20's and 30's event. Before you can say "Good luck, babe," come sing to cause a scene at our Pink Pony Club themed karaoke night! Must be 21+.
SAT Practice Test
Sat, Jun 07, 9:00am - 1:30pm
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.
Life Drawing at the Library 2025 - Now in the Canvas
Sat, Jun 07, 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.  
Yin Yoga
Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Yin Yoga is a grounding practice that embraces stillness. Poses focus on the connective tissues, and are held for 3-5 minutes. Modifications with props will be shown.
This event is full
See all events