Vernon Area Public Library notes

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

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.

Cooking with Beer: Learn to make a special dish with your beer from 7 to 9 p.m. today. Learn about the use of beer as a seasoning agent and explore foods like lager and turkey chili and a Welsh rarebit cheese and beer fondue served with crackers. A food tasting is included.

Monday Morning Tots: This program for children under 3 and caregivers from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today or Jan. 14 or 28 is an opportunity for participants to interact with others their own age. The library provides the space, books, toys and refreshments. Siblings are welcome to attend. Registration is not required.

Go Anywhere with a Book: All ages can take part in the "Go Anywhere with a Book" Winter Reading Club, running today to Feb. 16. Register at the library beginning today.

Infants through eighth-grades can earn prizes for reading or being read to, enter weekly raffles, receive bowling coupons compliments of Hawthorn Lanes and attend a special celebration just for being in the club.

Adults and teens are eligible to win prizes after reading four books, and will receive a colorful luggage tag when they begin.

Writer's Support Group: The Writer's Support Group led by Sandy Kamen Wisniewski from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday offers an opportunity for writers -- published or not -- to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques. New members are always welcome. Registration is not required.

Jamma Tales: Children aged 2 to 5 and their caregivers can relax and snuggle down for stories and songs from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Pajamas are welcome for this half-hour evening storytime. Registration is not required.

Preschool Saturdays: Hear stories just right for the preschool child on from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Jan. 19. Registration is not required.

Finals study sessions: The meeting room will be set up for all high school students who want to study alone or in groups, from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 15 and 16. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required.

The Outback: Australia: Escape to the outback with award-winning photographer Jerry Donahue from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 16. See the people, places and animals of Australia, including a photographic tour of Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Ayers Rock and Alice Springs.

The Homework Machine: Students in fourth through eighth grade can discuss "The Homework Machine" by Dan Gutman from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Jan. 16. Four students in one fifth-grade class have to decide whether to use a machine that can do their homework for them, and their secret begins to spin out of control. A complimentary book will be reserved for each participant upon registration.

Breathing and Meditation: Relax with Eugene Roginsky as he leads a session of deep breathing and meditation from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 17. Experience breathing methods such as Qi-Gong, Slavic and Dynamic tension breathing. Meditation techniques to incorporate into daily life are also explored.

Pizza and Pages: A teen book discussion of "The Gospel According to Larry" by Janet Tashjian will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 21, for eighth through 12th grade. Highly intelligent 17-year-old Josh Swensen wants to save the world and get the girl. Using the name "Larry," Josh starts a Web site on which he rants against consumer culture and its obsession with celebrities. Copies of the book are available at the library.

Olive Oil Class and Tasting: Rick Petrocelli of The Olive Tap Tasting Emporium in Long Grove will discuss the myths, history and varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, along with recipe ideas, from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23. Enjoy a sampling of extra virgin olive oils as well.

The Magic Onion: The Puppet Place adds hilarious twists and lively songs to spice up a typical fairy tale about a beautiful princess, a wicked magician, a handsome prince and a castle in an enchanted forest, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. or 11 to 11:45 a.m. Jan. 26. For infants through kindergartners and caregivers.

Winter Wonderland Senior Dance: Enjoy the big band sound of the Highland Park Pops Orchestra and Bob Duda from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 27. Join in for light fare and dancing.

Reiki: Learn about the concept of "universal healing energy" from Reiki Master Teacher Rivian Wolf from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28.

Storytime Orientation: Preschool Storytime Orientation will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or 2 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 29 or 31 for children attending storytime for the first time and their caregivers. It is a sampling of the stories, songs and other activities that take place in storytime.