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Image for event: Risking it All:

Register 75 Seats Remaining

Risking it All:

The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
2026-04-07 19:00:00 2026-04-07 20:00:00 America/Chicago Risking it All: Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Tuesday, April 07
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-07 19:00:00 2026-04-07 20:00:00 America/Chicago Risking it All: Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

In 1776, signing the Declaration of Independence was not an act of patriotism. It was an act of treason against Great Britain. Who were these fifty-six men who risked it all to make the strike for independence? Some of their names are familiar. Others - like William Whipple or Button Gwinnett - are not. Join Joyce Haworth to discover some lesser-known Founders. Learn the roles they played and the consequences they suffered after signing the Declaration. 


Joyce Haworth has a master's degree in history from the University of Chicago. Her talks bring history to life and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our nation's history.


Celebrating America 250

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Adult Program |

TAGS: | History |

Des Plaines Public Library
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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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Code Q - Social Club
Tue, Feb 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
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Book a Teen Librarian
Tue, Feb 24, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
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Tue, Feb 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join us with the "most prolific author of children's horror novels," R.L. Stine, to discuss his illustrious and still-expanding body of work.
Liberation Bookmarks - Teen Volunteering Opportunity
Wed, Feb 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making bookmarks for incarcerated youth! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
Thursday Evening Book Discussion: Project Hail Mary by Weir - THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
Thu, Feb 26, 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.
This event is full
Teen Take & Make - Bejeweled Headbands
Mon, Mar 02, 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, Mar 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Life Drawing at the Library 2026 - Now in the Canvas
Sat, Mar 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.  
Teen Take & Make - Bejeweled Headbands
Mon, Mar 09, 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.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion - A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson
Tue, Mar 10, 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, Mar 10, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Happy Notes - Teen Volunteering Opportunity
Wed, Mar 11, 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.
ACT Practice Test
Sat, Mar 14, 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 ACT Practice Test presented by iAchieve Learning.
Teen Take & Make - Bejeweled Headbands
Mon, Mar 16, 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, Mar 17, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
FilmTalkTuesdays: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) - Registration Required
Tue, Mar 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join us every other Tuesday to discuss a film from Hoopla or Kanopy.
20s & 30s Book Club: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - Registration Required
Wed, Mar 18, 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.
Teen Advisory Board
Thu, Mar 19, 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.
Beyond the Page with Percival Everett - In Conversation with Brandis Friedman/ Registration Required
Thu, Mar 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join Pulitzer Prize winner Percival Everett in conversation with Brandis Friedman from WTTWs Chicago Tonight. Register
Friday Night Films - Eleanor the Great (Rescheduled from January 23)
Fri, Mar 20, 6:30pm - 8:10pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the independent film Eleanor the Great. Registration Required
Service Hour Drop In - Teen Volunteering Opportunity
Sat, Mar 21, All day
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Need some service hours? Join us in The Commons where we will have different service options once a month. For teens in grades 7-12.
Dolley Madison: First Class, First Lady - Registration Required
Sat, Mar 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Join historical storyteller Lynn Rymarz as she shares the story of Dolley Madison
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ASOT Beauty Series: Hair Oil - Adult Sign Up / Registration starts February 27th
Sat, Mar 21, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library
Learn how to easily incorporate different kinds of natural oils to suit your hair type!
Teen Take & Make - Bejeweled Headbands
Mon, Mar 23, 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.
Dear Rhoda - A Theatrical Reading by The Shakespeare Project of Chicago
Mon, Mar 23, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago presents a theatrical reading of the play Dear Rhoda. Registration Required
Code Q - Social Club
Tue, Mar 24, 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, Mar 24, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Liberation Bookmarks - Teen Volunteering Opportunity
Wed, Mar 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Earn service hours by making bookmarks for incarcerated youth! Materials will be provided. For teens in grades 7-12.
Thursday Evening Book Discussion: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus - Registration required
Thu, Mar 26, 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.
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Sat, Mar 28, 1:30pm - 4:10pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the feature film One Battle After Another.
Teen Take & Make - Bejeweled Headbands
Mon, Mar 30, 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, Mar 31, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Life Drawing at the Library 2026 - Now in the Canvas
Sat, Apr 04, 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.  
Risking it All: - The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Tue, Apr 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Join Joyce Haworth to learn about the fifty-six men who risked it all to sign The Declaration of Independence. Registration Required
OWL Memoir Writing Workshop - Registration Required
Wed, Apr 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room A
Please register online, by calling 847-376-2840, or by visiting the Readers’ Services Desk on the 3rd Floor.
Happy Notes - Teen Volunteering Opportunity
Wed, Apr 08, 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.
Friday Night Films - Hamnet / Registration Required
Fri, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 8:35pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the independent film Hamnet.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion: Atmosphere - Registration required
Tue, Apr 14, 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.
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