Mount Prospect Public Library notes

"When I Grow Up I Want to Be …": Local artist Erik Blome, creator of the Library's "Peace Sculpture," has put together an exhibit featuring original works from students in the African country of Ethiopia that will be on display through Sunday. The display, located in the second floor hallway, seeks to educate and raise awareness about the Ethiopian nation. The exhibit also features a brief video containing interviews with the student artists. No registration is required to view the exhibit. Call (847) 253-5675 for more information.

Chat and Chew: Children in grades four through six will enjoy a Columbus Day lunch and book discussion of Candace Fleming's "Lowji Discovers America" from 1 to 2 p.m. today. Just after his ninth birthday, Lowji learns his family is moving … all the way from Bombay, India, to Hamlet, Ill. Already, he has learned a uniquely American expression for how he feels about this: Bummer. Books are available at the youth services desk. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

October's Chat and Chew program is part of the library's participation in the Suburban Mosaic Book Discussion Program, which seeks to promote understanding of the many races and ethnic backgrounds of people living in Chicago's Northwest suburbs. For more information on the Suburban Mosaic Program, visit www.dailyherald.com/special/suburbanmosaic/2007/index.asp.

Tastes and Flavors of the Caribbean: The library welcomes Chef David Esau, of Dave's Specialty Foods, for a program that will present best techniques for cooking and serving Caribbean food at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

During this cooking demonstration -- part of the library's monthlong "Passport to the Caribbean Islands" cultural program -- Chef Esau will prepare jerk chicken, Jamaican rice and peas and mango tart. Guests will enjoy samples and take home recipes, all included with the program's $4 registration fee.

Register for this program in-person at the library's registration desk. For more information, call (847) 253-5675.

The library's "Passport to the Caribbean Islands" cultural celebration in October features events designed for patrons of all ages. This exciting series of programs is part of the library's ongoing effort to explore the diverse cultures of the Chicago area. October's Cultural Month activities are funded through the generosity of the Elizabeth J. Clough Memorial Fund.

How to Double or Triple Your Business: Kriss D. Knowles, director of Elgin College's Small Business Development Center, presents an overview of resources available to business professionals and entrepreneurs looking to increase sales at 8 a.m. Tuesday. The SBDC, funded by a grant administered by the Small Business Association, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Elgin College, provides free confidential counseling to area businesses. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Advanced Internet Skills: Internet users will expand their Web surfing skills at 10 a.m. Wednesday. This program will illustrate how to set the home page, "bookmark" favorite Web pages and learn more about features of the newest version of Internet Explorer IE7. Attendees should have a basic understanding of the Internet or have completed the library's "Learn to Use the Internet" course. Space is limited. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Movie Discussion: Audiovisual coordinator John McInnes hosts a complimentary screening and discussion of a feature film from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. For more information, call the library at (847) 253-5675.

Due to a restrictive marketing agreement, the library is prohibited from reporting the title of this film in media aimed at the general public.

Movies @ MPPL: The library presents a complimentary movie screening at 1 p.m. Thursday. For more information on this month's featured film, call (847) 253-5675.

Due to a restrictive marketing agreement, the library is prevented from reporting the title of this film in media aimed at the general public.

Create-a-Craft -- Caribbean Crafts: Children of all ages are invited to drop in to create a work of art from the islands from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, in celebration of the library's Cultural Month. The library will supply all materials. An adult must accompany children under the age 9. No registration is required. Call (847) 253-5675 for more information.

Cookies & More with the Library Board: Drop by for refreshments and an informal chat with a Mount Prospect Public Library board member at 7 p.m. Friday. No registration is required. Call (847) 253-5675 for more information.

"Get A Clue": Mount Prospect's 2007 Puzzlethon" will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. This is a new event designed by the Mount Prospect Public Library Foundation and the Mount Prospect Historical Society. These two groups are teaming up to raise funds and also to offer a fun way for "puzzleholics" to get what they crave -- an intellectual challenge.

Individuals or teams of up to four people will work together decoding clues at the Mount Prospect Public Library that afternoon,

Participants will find the clues while attending several special performances and character re-enactments in the library's large meeting room starting at 2 p.m. Each one will provide one of the 10 clues necessary to solve the afternoon's final puzzle. Individuals or groups will have already been issued a decoder, which they will then use to input the clues and solve the final puzzle. They will have a half-hour after the presentations end at 3:15 p.m. to come up with their answer. Everyone who correctly solves the final puzzle will receive a small prize and also will be put into a drawing for the afternoon's grand prize.

The cost for this puzzling afternoon will be $10 per person or $30 for a team of four friends or family members.

For details, visit www.puzzledmountprospect.org for more information and some sample puzzles that will help you hone your puzzle-solving skills.

All proceeds from "Get a clue: Mount Prospect's 2007 Puzzlethon" will benefit the Mount Prospect Library Foundation and the Mount Prospect Historical Society. For more information, log onto www.mppl.org/events or phone (847) 253-5675.

Book Voyagers: Children in grades 1-3 will travel to the Caribbean on this "pretend" vacation during another Book Voyagers' journey of discovery from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Oct. 15. Experience the sights and sounds of these beautiful islands through stories, a craft, video and snack. Space is limited to 35 Mount Prospect Public Library cardholders. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Writers Group: Local author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works with other creative minds, find inspiration and reinvigorate their work during three monthly sessions from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. A $10 registration fee is due for the three-part series by Oct. 15. Register in person at the library. The Friends of the Library sponsor this program. For more information, call (847) 253-5675.

For information, call (847) 253-5675.