Vernon Area Public Library notes

All programs are offered free, unless otherwise indicated. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information contact Shannon Galton at (847) 634-3650, ext. 137 or e-mail Shannon at sgalton@vapld.info

Pizza and Pages: The new teen book discussion group will meet once a month from 5 to 6 p.m., starting today. The library will provide pizza and free copies of the selected title. The first book is "Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer, a story about survival after a meteor collides with the moon and subsequent extreme weather conditions force a family to make some tough choices. Copies of the book are available at the Adult Services Desk.

Do You Want to Dance?: Learn some fun ballroom dances from 7 to 8 p.m. today. Jessie DeSoto, from Fred Astaire Studios, teaches the salsa, rumba and the push pull. DeSoto has appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" and has competed throughout the country. Wear dress shoes.

Glue and Go Costumes: Get ready for Halloween with Holly Cleeland, author of "Glue and Go Costumes for Kids." Holly will demonstrate how to make prize-winning costumes from household items at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Three creative costumes will be raffled at this program.

National Library Card Sign-up Month: To celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month during September, patrons can stop by any of the businesses listed at www.vapld.info, show a Vernon Area Public Library District library card, and receive special discounts.

Afterschool Adventures: This series features stories, crafts and movies for children in kindergarten through second grade. From 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 3 to Nov. 14 or Thursdays Oct. 4 to Nov. 15. Halloween costumes may be worn on Oct. 25 and 31.

Chess with Checkmates: Checkmates is a new group dedicated to teaching children chess through a variety of methods, including music and physical activities. From 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Oct. 6 and 13, for first through eighth grade. This class also offers online support. Participants are invited to play in a chess tournament on Oct. 27.

Preschool Saturdays: Short and entertaining films of stories old and new for preschool children and caregivers from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Oct. 6. Join in for stories in the picture book area at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 13 and 27. Registration is not required.

Dreamweavers: Spend a day off from school with Madcap Puppet Productions at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8. This children's theater company uses giant puppets and actors to present "The Dreamweavers," a play based on stories about dreams from around the world. "The Magic Axe" from China, "Monstritos Banditos" from Spain and "The Waterman" of Scotland are included.

Behind the Veil: Farhat Haq, PhD in Political Science and teacher at Monmouth College will present a sensitive and compelling portrayal of women in the Muslim world at 7 p.m. on Oct. 9. Co-sponsored with the American Association of University Women.

Preschool Storytime: This half-hour weekly program features stories, songs and fingerplays for children ages 3 to 5 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or 2 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 9 to Nov. 13 or Thursdays, Oct. 11 to Nov. 15. Halloween costumes may be worn Oct. 25 and 30.

Jamma Tales: This half hour program, full of stories and songs, is designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their grown-ups at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11. Children are welcome to wear their pajamas. Registration is not required.

Credit Reports: Participants will learn about credit scores, common myths and how to get free copies of their credit reports at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15.

Chicagoland Ghost Stories: Get into the Halloween spirit with ghost stories at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18. Supernatural and paranormal expert Dale Kaczmarek will tell tales of Chicago and suburban locations considered to be haunted.

A Teeny, Tiny Halloween: This gentle program is just the right mix of seasonal stories, rhyme, puppetry and creative dramatics that help children enjoy the fun of Halloween without the fear from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Oct. 20. For infants through kindergartens and caregivers.

Legend of Sleepy Hollow: GreatWORKS Theatre Company presents "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," a theatrical adaptation of Washington Irving's classic. This blend of comedy and seasonal spookiness gives a glimpse of life in New England during the 1800s, at 2 p.m. Oct. 21.

Scary stories: "Scary Stories, Tragic Tales and Dreadful Dramas" is a storytelling hour filled with tales of woe and wicked deeds at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23. Not for the faint of heart.

Halloween Gingerbread House: Chef Michael Niksic will give a presentation on Halloween gingerbread houses, with professional tips to help participants create a work of art at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

Charity Fair 2007: Celebrate National Make a Difference Day at the Charity Fair from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Local charities will discuss their causes and answer questions. Learn what the charities represent, where they are headed in the future and how to help. Charity Fair Participants include A Safe Place, American Red Cross, Canavan Research Illinois, CASA of Lake County, Cheng-Kung Arts and Culture Society, Community Youth Network, Dysautonmia Foundation, Girl Scouts - Illinois Crossroads Council, Hearts, Body and Soul, Kids Hope United, La Leche League, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District, The Lisa Klitzky Foundation, Our Lady of the Grove Knights of Columbus, Skokie Valley Sail and Power Squadron, Special Needs Network, Uhlich Children's Advantage Network, United Way of Lake County, VAPLD Friends of the Library and Vernon Township. Registration is not required.

Red Cross Blood Drive: The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27 during the Charity Fair. Donors must be 17; those who are 16 years old may donate with a signed parental consent form, available in the lobby. Drink plenty of water and eat a good meal prior to donation. A photo ID is required. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, contact Shannon Galton at sgalton@vapld.info or call (847) 634-3650, ext. 137 and leave a name, number and the preferred time to donate. Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes.

Stockwood Rocks: The "World's Youngest Beatles Tribute Band" and 2006 Battle of the Beatle Bands Champions, Stockwood, will provide entertainment during the Charity Fair at 2 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Cities of the Dead: Take a slide tour of Graceland, Rosehill and Oak Woods Cemeteries at noon Oct. 29. Bill Hinchliff will present the intriguing stories of great Victorian cemeteries, including Graceland, Rosehill and Oak Woods.

For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit www.vapld.info.