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Image for event: Remembering Route 66

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Remembering Route 66

Registration Required
2026-07-27 19:00:00 2026-07-27 20:00:00 America/Chicago Remembering Route 66 Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Monday, July 27
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-07-27 19:00:00 2026-07-27 20:00:00 America/Chicago Remembering Route 66 Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C

Des Plaines Public Library

Meeting Room B/C

The name evokes images of gas stations, mom-and-pop motels, quirky attractions, and adventure on the open road. This nostalgia-packed lecture explores the history of Route 66, the iconic road that linked Chicago to Los Angeles from 1926 until its closing in the mid-1980s. Learn why Route 66 remains so indelibly associated with the lore of the American road trip. What was Route 66 like at its pinnacle - and what is it today?

Slide program presented by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D. Leslie's programs are as entertaining as they are informational. She brings history alive in a fun way.


Celebrating America 250

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | America's 250th | Adult Program |

TAGS: | History |

Des Plaines Public Library
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Phone: (847) 827-5551
Fax: (847) 827-7974
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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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SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jun 07, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jun 08, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jun 09, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion: The Caretaker by Ron Rash - Registration required
Tue, Jun 09, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jun 10, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jun 11, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
American Flag Ribbon Wand - Drop In
Thu, Jun 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Drop in every Thursday in June to make yourself and others an American Flag Ribbon Wand for the 4th of July Parade.
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jun 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Inside the Obama Presidential Center - Registration Required
Thu, Jun 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for a special virtual presentation exploring the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Obama Presidential Center. Register
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jun 12, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jun 13, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Film Screening - Marty Supreme / Registration Required
Sat, Jun 13, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the feature film Marty Supreme.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jun 14, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jun 15, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jun 16, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
FilmTalkTuesdays: Paper Moon (1973) - Registration required
Tue, Jun 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom
Join us every other Tuesday to discuss a film from Hoopla or Kanopy.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jun 17, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Red, White, and Blue Beaded Bracelets - Drop In
Wed, Jun 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Drop in to make yourself and others a red, white, and blue beaded bracelet for the 4th of July Parade.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jun 18, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
American Flag Ribbon Wand - Drop In
Thu, Jun 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Drop in every Thursday in June to make yourself and others an American Flag Ribbon Wand for the 4th of July Parade.
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jun 18, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jun 19, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jun 20, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jun 21, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jun 22, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jun 23, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jun 24, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jun 25, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
American Flag Ribbon Wand - Drop In
Thu, Jun 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Drop in every Thursday in June to make yourself and others an American Flag Ribbon Wand for the 4th of July Parade.
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jun 25, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jun 26, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jun 27, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
ACT Practice Test
Sat, Jun 27, 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.
Service Hour Drop In - Red, White, and Blue Beaded Bracelets
Sat, Jun 27, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Need some service hours? Drop in to make yourself and others a red, white, and blue beaded bracelet for the 4th of July Parade. For teens in grades 7-12.
Hello Norma Jeane: Movies of Marilyn Monroe
Sat, Jun 27, 10:30am - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday by watching two of her most acclaimed movies.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jun 28, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Frida Kahlo: A Woman Who Dared - Performance by Linda Marie Smith / Registration Required
Sun, Jun 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Linda Marie Smith's tribute to Frida Kahlo combines music, evocative visuals, and storytelling to create a deeply immersive atmosphere.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jun 29, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jun 30, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jul 01, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jul 01, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Capture the community of Des Plaines, IL! Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community.
Red, White, and Blue Beaded Bracelets - Drop In
Wed, Jul 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Drop in to make yourself and others a red, white, and blue beaded bracelet for the 4th of July Parade.
Make AI Work For You - Registration Required
Wed, Jul 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
Learn about the options for generative AI websites.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jul 02, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jul 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jul 03, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jul 04, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jul 05, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Teen Take & Make - Beaded Hair
Mon, Jul 06, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jul 06, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jul 07, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jul 08, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jul 09, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Old Fashioned Candy Taste Test
Thu, Jul 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Join us as we taste a series of old fashioned candies and try to determine which one is the best.
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jul 09, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jul 10, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jul 11, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SAT Practice Test
Sat, Jul 11, 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.
Life Drawing at the Library 2026
Sat, Jul 11, 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.  
Film Screening
Sat, Jul 11, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of a feature length film.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jul 12, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Teen Take & Make - Beaded Hair
Mon, Jul 13, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jul 13, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jul 14, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion: Leave Only Footprints - Registration required
Tue, Jul 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jul 15, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
20s & 30s Book Club: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Jones - Registration required
Wed, Jul 15, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jul 16, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jul 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jul 17, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jul 18, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jul 19, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Teen Take & Make - Beaded Hair
Mon, Jul 20, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jul 20, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Tue, Jul 21, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Wed, Jul 22, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Thu, Jul 23, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Book a Teen Librarian
Thu, Jul 23, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - The Commons
Come in and get to know your teen librarians!
Thursday Evening Book Discussion: The Heartbeat Library - Registration required
Thu, Jul 23, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Fri, Jul 24, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Walk & Talk: Team Des Plaines - Registration required beginning June 29
Fri, Jul 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library
Join us on a "Walk & Talk" program with the Forest Preserves of Cook County!
Registration opens Monday, June 29 2026 at 9:00am
Friday Night Films - Sentimental Value
Fri, Jul 24, 6:30pm - 8:40pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A free screening of the international film Sentimental Value (Norway).
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sat, Jul 25, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Sun, Jul 26, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Teen Take & Make - Beaded Hair
Mon, Jul 27, 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.
SUBMIT HERE - The Canvas Photography Contest
Mon, Jul 27, All day
Des Plaines Public Library
Share your best photographs depicting our city, nature, and community. Winners will receive a prize! For ages 18 and up.  
Remembering Route 66 - Registration Required
Mon, Jul 27, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Des Plaines Public Library - Meeting Room B/C
A nostalgia-packed lecture on Route 66 presented by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D.
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