The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., is hosting an open house Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate its 80th anniversary as the Haish Memorial Library.

After DeKalb resident Jacob Haish died in 1926, he left $150,000 to the library, said Katherine Keyes, public relations coordinator for the DeKalb Public Library.

The library received the money in 1928, and three years later the Haish Memorial Library was opened at its current Oak Street location.

“This is one of the most exciting things we’ve done,” Keyes said. “We didn’t want to wait until the 100th anniversary.”

During the open house, the public will have the opportunity to explore some of the library’s more clandestine locations, such as the secret staircase and the third floor that is traditionally off-limits to the public.

“You can even go in and see the 1893 desk where a librarian died at her post in the 1960s,” Keyes said.

People will also be able to operate the library’s dumbwaiter.

“Kids will have a lot of fun,” Keyes said.

In addition to those activities, the library is also offering cake, appetizers, harp music and a few words from state Rep. Bob Pritchard and DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen, according to a press release.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to celebrate the library,” Povlsen said. “It’s a great educational opportunity.”

Povlsen stressed the importance of the library to the DeKalb community.

“It’s more than just books,” he said. “The library is a hub of learning.”

Keyes said the celebration comes at a time when the success of the library is blossoming.

“Over the past ten years, circulation has gone up,” she said. “More people are coming to the library than ever before.”

Keyes said the event is free and open to the public.