Checking out books is not the only reason for adults to go to the library.

The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., holds education classes and demonstrations for adults.

The programs give more services to those who come to the library, said Adult Services librarian Dee Coover.

“We are going to be doing these more often,” she said.

Sycamore clay artist Charlotte Burgess was among this year’s demonstrators.

Burgess’ work has spanned more than 40 years and consists mostly of caricatures of people.

For Burgess’ September presentation, she sculpted a head out of clay for the demonstration and showed the audience how to work with the material.

As a sculpting teacher for 10 years in St. Charles, Burgess said she wanted to pass on to the audience the things she has learned about sculpting.

“People enjoy watching something come to life,” Burgess said.

Coover said 19,000 people a month enter the library, and these programs are a good way to generate more patrons.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to come to the library and a golden opportunity for artists to show their talent,” Coover said.

October programs will include a slide show called “Landmarks of Barb City” by Steve Bigolin and an antique appraisals program, “Treasures from the Attic,” by Grace Dahlberg.

“The library shows are my preference,” Dahlberg said.

As an appraiser for 35 years, Dahlberg said she has seen many unusual things over the years, but a nose harp from the 1900s is by far the most unusual.

Anyone is welcome to the free event, but no coins, stamps or weapons will be appraised.

The library has not made the final decision on spring programs, but there will be how-to programs such as arts and crafts and other demonstrations

Upcoming Library Events for Adults

l Oct. 18 – Steve Bigolin, Landmarks of Barb City

l Oct. 30 – Grace Dahlberg, antiques appraiser

l Nov. 8 – World War II veteran Donald Shoo

l Nov. 15 – Steve Bigolin, Who’s Been Sleeping at My House?

For more information, call 756-9568