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Map of Roanoke on book cover of A Kingdom Strange: The Brief and Tragic History of the Lost Colony of Roanoke by James Horn 

Registration opens:
July 01st, 2026

Nonfiction Readers' Club

A Kingdom Strange by James Horn

2026-07-16 19:00:00 2026-07-16 20:00:00 America/Chicago Nonfiction Readers' Club Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between! Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room

Thursday, July 16
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-07-16 19:00:00 2026-07-16 20:00:00 America/Chicago Nonfiction Readers' Club Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between! Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room

Wood Dale Public Library

Small Meeting Room

Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between!

A Kingdom Strange: The Brief and Tragic History of the Lost Colony of Roanoke by James Horn 

In 1587, John White and 117 men, women, and children landed off the coast of North Carolina on Roanoke Island, hoping to carve a colony from fearsome wilderness. A mere month later, facing quickly diminishing supplies and a fierce native population, White sailed back to England in desperation. He persuaded the wealthy Sir Walter Raleigh, the expedition's sponsor, to rescue the imperiled colonists, but by the time White returned with aid the colonists of Roanoke were nowhere to be found. He never saw his friends or family again. 

Print copies are available at the Library. eBooks are available on Hoopla. 

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Book Clubs and Author Visits |

TAGS: | Synchronous | Adults |

Wood Dale Public Library
contact@wooddalelibrary.org
Phone: 630-766-6762
Hours
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Mon, May 25 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, May 26 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, May 27 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, May 28 10:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, May 29 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 30 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 31 Closed
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About the branch

Reach. Explore. Achieve. Dream. 

Mission: All library district residents will have access to library materials and programs to encourage literacy and the joy of reading; to promote lifelong learning; and to experience a sense of community in a welcoming environment.

Upcoming events

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Cancelled
Solutions: A Group for Widows
Tue, May 26, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
This five-week support group led by a licensed professional counselor provides an opportunity to explore solutions for the practical challenges widows may face after this life change.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Wed, May 27, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Did you know one blood donation can potentially save up to three lives? Join our community and the Red Cross in making a difference by donating blood!
Wacky Wednesday
Wed, May 27, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2,Small Meeting Room,Study Room 1,Study Room 2,Study Room 3
Enjoy a craft or activity with your friends on early dismissal Wednesdays.
Monthly Movie Showing: Hamnet (2025)
Fri, May 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Discover the intimate tale of Agnes and William Shakespeare as they navigate grief after their son Hamnet’s death, revealing how personal loss influences enduring art.
Steen Metz: Holocaust Survivor
Sat, May 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Hear the powerful story of Steen Metz, a Holocaust survivor deported to Theresienstadt at age eight, who now dedicates his life to sharing his experiences so future generations never forget.
The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group
Mon, Jun 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Study Room 3
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet? Join The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group facilitated by an LPC for a 5-week session. To register or for more information, call the facilitator at 630-464-9179.
Father’s Day Soap-Making Workshop
Mon, Jun 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Handcraft a scented soap bar just in time for Father’s Day! Mix, pour, and personalize your creation for a meaningful, one‑of‑a‑kind gift.
This event is full
Wood Carving Meetup
Mon, Jun 01, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Drop in and discover a new hobby with the North Suburban Carvers! Join the learning and carving session—no experience needed.
Cancelled
Solutions: A Group for Widows
Tue, Jun 02, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
This five-week support group led by a licensed professional counselor provides an opportunity to explore solutions for the practical challenges widows may face after this life change.
Virtual Author Visit: Brian Freeman
Tue, Jun 02, 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Author Brian Freeman will join us virtually for a discussion of his novel, Photograph.
Mystery Lovers' Book Club - Photograph by Brian Freeman
Tue, Jun 02, 7:30pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
We read all types of mysteries, from classic “whodunnits" to cozies and professional detective novels.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Office Hours
Wed, Jun 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Lobby
Meet with Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s staff! Stop by with any questions you may have about federal topics including social security, veterans’ affairs, immigration, and taxes.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Fri, Jun 05, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2,Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room ,Display Case ,Library ,Lobby,Outdoor Patio,Small Meeting Room
Join us for our annual Summer Reading Kickoff Party!
Summer Reading Encore: Jazz Performance
Sat, Jun 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Outdoor Patio
Continue the celebration with our first Summer Reading Encore, an after-hours event just for adults.
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
This interactive program includes rhymes, songs, and games. Start with 20 minutes of guided pre-reader activities, followed by 10 minutes of play and socialization for both you and baby.
Father's Day Baby Art
Mon, Jun 08, 11:00am - 11:30am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Make a painting and card with your baby for Father’s Day. This project will not take the entire time, so feel free to stay and play or leave when you are finished.
Puzzle Swap
Mon, Jun 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Love doing jigsaw puzzles? Looking for a new challenge? Bring in your old puzzles and swap them with others while enjoying casual conversation.
The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group
Mon, Jun 08, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Study Room 3
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet? Join The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group facilitated by an LPC for a 5-week session. To register or for more information, call the facilitator at 630-464-9179.
Cancelled
Solutions: A Group for Widows
Tue, Jun 09, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
This five-week support group led by a licensed professional counselor provides an opportunity to explore solutions for the practical challenges widows may face after this life change.
Garden Fun
Tue, Jun 09, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Plant your own fantasy garden! Learn basic container gardening skills and decorate your own unique planter.
Polish Storytime
Tue, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Enjoy this fun storytime in the Polish language, then stay and play at the Library.
Edible Flowers
Tue, Jun 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Discover the delicious world of edible flowers! Explore over 20 edible blooms and learn about their culinary and medicinal properties, harvesting, preserving, and preparation techniques.
This event is full
Toddler Time
Wed, Jun 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Have fun in this interactive pre-reader storytime with books, songs, and activities that encourage toddlers to develop language and social skills.
Loom Knitting
Wed, Jun 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Learn to make a scarf or a hat, work on your existing projects, or start something new.
Ami-Adorables
Wed, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Create a charming, miniature stuffie! Join us for this nine-week step-by-step amigurumi class where we’ll learn to make an octopus and a cat.
Know Your Car
Wed, Jun 10, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Get confident with car care basics like engine lights, oil changes, tire pressure, and more. Great for anyone wanting to better understand their vehicle!
Roar and Explore
Thu, Jun 11, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Discover stories and games that blend fun with learning! After the stories, explore games and puzzles with your new friends.
3D Printing for Teens - Session 1
Thu, Jun 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Family Computer Lab
Learn how to use TinkerCAD and the Library’s 3D printer. One item per participant may be printed, either from MakerWorld or created using TinkerCAD.
3D Printing for Teens - Session 2
Thu, Jun 11, 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Family Computer Lab
Learn how to use TinkerCAD and the Library’s 3D printer. One item per participant may be printed, either from MakerWorld or created using TinkerCAD.
Family Entertainment Night - Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles
Thu, Jun 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Experience an up‑close, hands‑on adventure with live reptiles and amphibians from around the world, including pythons, monitor lizards, and even an American alligator!
Fishing 101
Thu, Jun 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Get started fishing or expand your skills! Bring all your questions for tournament angler Eugene Kim in this informative session.
Adult Crafting and Social Circle
Fri, Jun 12, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Join us for a monthly crafting circle where you can bring your materials, spend time working on your needlework, crocheting, quilting, knitting, etc., and socialize with other crafty people.
Book Explorers
Fri, Jun 12, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1 & 2
Learn all about the tropical biome as we read Over and Under the Rainforest, followed by a rainforest-themed activity.
VR Games
Fri, Jun 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Ready, set, play! Strap in and play games using our Meta Quest VR headsets.
Let's Video Chat: A Beginner’s Guide for Seniors
Sat, Jun 13, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Learn how video chat works and how to join and participate in video calls using popular common apps.
Shadow Puppet Show with Matt Sandbank
Mon, Jun 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room ,Small Meeting Room
Nationally touring shadow puppeteer Matt Sandbank brings the wonder of shadow puppetry to Wood Dale with his unique and hilarious show, Wild Goose Chase.
Adopt-a-Ghost
Mon, Jun 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Pick your ghost, decorate their home so they feel safe and loved, and enjoy a hauntingly good time.
The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group
Mon, Jun 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Study Room 3
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet? Join The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group facilitated by an LPC for a 5-week session. To register or for more information, call the facilitator at 630-464-9179.
Wood Carving Meetup
Mon, Jun 15, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Drop in and discover a new hobby with the North Suburban Carvers! Join the learning and carving session—no experience needed.
Adventures in Art!
Tue, Jun 16, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Join us on an adventure in art! Use your imagination and creativity to explore art together and create a piece of art to display at home.
This event is full
Cancelled
Solutions: A Group for Widows
Tue, Jun 16, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library
This five-week support group led by a licensed professional counselor provides an opportunity to explore solutions for the practical challenges widows may face after this life change.
Family Arts & Crafts Night
Tue, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Make some creative crafts as a family! You are welcome to stay as long or as little as you would like.
Klub Książki - Polish Book Club
Tue, Jun 16, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Art Gallery Kafe, 127 Front St.
Klub Książki spotyka się w Art Gallery Kafe. Książki będą omawiane w języku polskim. Polish Book Club meets at the Art Gallery Kafe. Books will be discussed in the Polish Language.
Toddler Time
Wed, Jun 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Have fun in this interactive pre-reader storytime with books, songs, and activities that encourage toddlers to develop language and social skills.
Loom Knitting
Wed, Jun 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Learn to make a scarf or a hat, work on your existing projects, or start something new.
Ami-Adorables
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Create a charming, miniature stuffie! Join us for this nine-week step-by-step amigurumi class where we’ll learn to make an octopus and a cat.
Teen Pajama Party: Summerween!
Wed, Jun 17, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Enjoy a movie, snacks, and crafts with your friends. Pajamas are optional, but encouraged!
Monthly Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Wed, Jun 17, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room
Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Library Trustees of the Wood Dale Public Library District.
Book Club Express - Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Wed, Jun 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Target Starbucks, 401 W Irving Park Rd.
Meets at the Target Starbucks in Wood Dale. Chat about popular books with this informal book club.
Roar and Explore
Thu, Jun 18, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Discover stories and games that blend fun with learning! After the stories, explore games and puzzles with your new friends.
Thursday Mix: Microgreens
Thu, Jun 18, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Join us for a mix of coffee, conversation, and engaging programs designed for adults 55 and older. This month Vicki Nowicki guides you through the easy process of growing microgreens.
Meet Captain America!
Thu, Jun 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Join Captain America for an action-packed storytime, including a hands‑on combat lesson and an unforgettable meet and greet with the hero himself!
Nonfiction Readers' Club - I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Thu, Jun 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Small Meeting Room
Join other nonfiction enthusiasts for engaging discussions about history, science, memoirs and everything in between!
Kids' Flicks
Fri, Jun 19, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Escape the heat with a movie and light refreshments at the Library. Attendees vote on the movie!
Balloon Creation Station
Fri, Jun 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Jason Kollum teaches how to make fun balloon sculptures to take home, including a basic dog, lightsaber, hat, and more!
Cheesecloth Ghost Craft
Sat, Jun 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Make a cute ghost friend out of cheesecloth! Note: this craft is messy, so please dress accordingly.
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
This interactive program includes rhymes, songs, and games. Start with 20 minutes of guided pre-reader activities, followed by 10 minutes of play and socialization for both you and baby.
STEAM Tots
Mon, Jun 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2,Outdoor Patio
Learn and play with STEAM! Each session explores different topics that relate to science, technology, engineering, art, or math, geared toward a younger audience.
Animal Lovers' Storytime: Hedgehogs - Session 1
Mon, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 2:25pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Stories come alive as our storyteller shares a tale and introduces live animals for an exciting meet‑and‑greet! Please choose one time slot per session.
Animal Lovers' Storytime: Hedgehogs - Session 2
Mon, Jun 22, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Stories come alive as our storyteller shares a tale and introduces live animals for an exciting meet‑and‑greet! Please choose one time slot per session.
The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group
Mon, Jun 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Study Room 3
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet? Join The Buddy Pet Loss Support Group facilitated by an LPC for a 5-week session. To register or for more information, call the facilitator at 630-464-9179.
Father Time!
Tue, Jun 23, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Celebrate the special papa in your life! Let's read books, sing songs, and create a special Father’s Day keepsake to take home.
Family Game Night
Tue, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Play a favorite game or learn a new one as a family! You are welcome to stay as long or as little as you would like.
Narcan Training
Tue, Jun 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Barbara E. Dunn Meeting Room
Learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, how to administer Narcan, and what substance use and overdose trends look like in DuPage County. Narcan spray to take home is included.
Toddler Time
Wed, Jun 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Have fun in this interactive pre-reader storytime with books, songs, and activities that encourage toddlers to develop language and social skills.
Loom Knitting
Wed, Jun 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Learn to make a scarf or a hat, work on your existing projects, or start something new.
Ami-Adorables
Wed, Jun 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Create a charming, miniature stuffie! Join us for this nine-week step-by-step amigurumi class where we’ll learn to make an octopus and a cat.
AI for Everyday Life
Wed, Jun 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Try ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini for writing, planning, research tasks, travel planning, and more.
Roar and Explore
Thu, Jun 25, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Discover stories and games that blend fun with learning! After the stories, explore games and puzzles with your new friends.
Sewing 101 for Teens
Thu, Jun 25, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 2
Learn the basics of how to sew by hand! Work on an existing project or start something new.
Family Entertainment Night - Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo
Thu, Jun 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wood Dale Public Library - Activity Room 1
Get ready for a wild family night filled with hands‑on encounters and plenty of smiles as friendly creatures visit the Library for an unforgettable experience!
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