Cook Memorial Library notes

English Language Learning: The Cook Memorial Public Library District has added new services and materials for English language learners.

In response to a diversity study, the library district increased its adult basic education collection, formed two book discussion groups for English language learners, and partnered with Mundelein High School to offer English as a Second Language courses.

Free ESL courses are now being offered in partnership with Mundelein High School from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Meeting Room of the Cook Park Library. For more information, call Mundelein High School at (847) 949-2200.

Cook's new book discussion groups, Reading and Talking and Booktalking are designed for English language learners who can read in English but would like to practice conversation with other language learners. Reading and Talking will meet at 7 p.m. today and Oct. 23 and Nov. 6 and 27 at the Cook Park Library. Booktalking will meet at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 and Nov. 14 and 28 at the United Methodist Church. For more information, visit the Web site or call (847) 362-2330.

In addition to programs for English language learners, Cook is celebrating Diversity Awareness Month during October. During this month, library patrons will be encouraged to place a sticker on their birthplace on a global map. At the end of the month, the maps will be a visual symbol of the diversity within the community.

Displays and global reading, listening and viewing lists will be available at all of the Cook Memorial Public Library District facilities. For more information about any of Cook's diversity or English language initiatives, call (847) 362-2330 or visit the Web site.

Girls Rock: Girls Rock is just for girls in fourth grade and up. It will take place at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday in the Program Room. To register, visit the library, call (847) 362-2352 ext. 773, or visit webres.cooklib.org.

Family History Month: During "Analyzing 19th Century Photographs for Family History Data" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Craig Pfannkuche will talk about how to identify individuals and add interesting material to one's family history. Craig will teach participants how to judge the age of a person, confirm a photographed person's identification, and discover where a photograph was taken. The library's meeting room is located on the lower level of the library.

Duct Tape Crafts: Teens can make a duct tape wallet or iPod case at 4 p.m. on Friday in the Program Room.

It's Your Move: Learn chess strategies when the CheckMates Chess Academy visits the library. It's Your Move is for kids in kindergarten to eighth grade and will take place at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 20 in the Program Room. Registration begins Friday; to register, visit the library, call (847) 362-2352 ext. 773, or visit webres.cooklib.org.

Improv Workshop: Teens can Celebrate Teen Read Week by laughing with Josh Solomon's comedy troupe as they present a show similar to "Who's Line Is It Anyway?" at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Meeting Room.

Take Part in Art: Children in first and second grade can enjoy Take Part In Art at 4:15 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Program Room. Registration begins Oct. 17; to register, visit the library, call (847) 362-2352, ext. 773, or register at webres.cooklib.org.

Paint Box Book Discussion: Read colorful classics such as Leo Lionni's "Little Blue and Little Yellow," Karen Ackerman's "Araminta's Paint Box," and Wendy Kesselman's "Emma." Treats, music and a craft are included. The Paint Box Discussion Group will take place at 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 18 and Nov. 1. This group is for kids in first through third grade and will take place in the Program Room. To register, visit the library, call (847) 362-2352 ext. 773, or visit webres.cooklib.org.

Guy Stuff: Boys in fourth grade and above can read John Fleishman's "Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story of Brain Science" and take part in science experiments at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Program Room. To register, visit the library, call (847) 362-2352, ext. 773, or register online at webres.cooklib.org.

Anime Club/Cosplay Event: Learn how to make a Cosplay costume and enjoy skits. The Anime Club/Cosplay Event is just for teens and will take place at will take place at 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 in the Program Room.

Color Me Hungry: Visitors from Wa-Pa-Ghetti's Pizza will teach children ages 5 and over how to make pizza and give each a slice to taste at 4:15 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Program Room.

Video games for teens: Teens can play PlayStation 2 and GameCube at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Program Room.

Halloween Bash: Come in costume to the library's first Halloween party for teens, with food, games and prizes for best costume at 2 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Program Room.

One Big Picture: Kids in first through third grade can read Crockett Johnson's stories about Harold and his purple crayon and then join in to draw one gigantic story at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Program Room. Registration begins Oct. 30; to register, visit the library, call (847) 362-2352 ext. 773, or go to webres.cooklib.org.

Call (847) 362-2330 or visit www.cooklib.org.