Briefs: Architectural deal pending

Architectural deal pending: The Cook Memorial Public Library District board on Tuesday is expected to hire an architect for its $12 million expansion plan. Gilfillan Callahan Architects, a Rolling Meadows firm that specializes in designing public buildings in the Chicago area, is the board's top choice for the assignment. Officials want to open a new library in Vernon Hills and expand the main library in Libertyville. It intends to borrow the money and use annual budget surpluses to pay it back. Tuesday's meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the main library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave.

MHS newsletter wins prize

The Mundelein High School board's newsletter, The Messenger, has been selected as a winner in a state contest. The publication earned a prize in the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association's Communications and Golden Achievement Awards contest. The Messenger will be recognized at a Sept. 14 awards luncheon in Oak Brook.

'Nutcracker' auditions set

Auditions for Dancenter North's annual production of "The Magic of the Nutcracker" will take place Aug. 28 in Libertyville. Each year, thousands of people attend the show at Libertyville High School and the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. Auditions will be at 4:30 p.m. for students ages 8-11, 6 p.m. for students ages 10-15, and 7:30 p.m. for students ages 13 and older. Auditions will beat Dancenter North, 540 North Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.