Mount Prospect Public Library notes

For information or to register, call (847) 253-5675 or visit www.mppl.org/events

February Computer Programs: Online registration for the Library's February computer programs began Jan. 1. February's slate of computer programs will help patrons sharpen their Internet usage skills, create presentations with PowerPoint, and learn more about the Windows XP operating system and Excel spreadsheet programs. Patrons may also register for these programs in person at the library. Space is limited.

Computer Basics: Participants will learn the basics of the mouse and keyboard, and take a tour of the computer desktop, from 1 to 3 p.m., today, during this program designed for novice users. All beginners are welcome. Space is limited.

Book Publishing Your Way: Aspiring writers will learn the ins and outs of publishing in the 21st century during this workshop led by author Helen Gallagher, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., today. Gallagher, author of "Release Your Writing: Publishing Your Way," will discuss the pros and cons of working with an agent, options for publishing written works independently, how to cope with new technologies, ways to effectively market a book, and more.

Open Storytimes: The library invites children ages 6 and under and their families to attend these 30-minute sessions featuring stories and songs. Storytimes will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday; and 10:30 a.m. Friday. An adult must accompany children under the age of 3. No registration is required.

Happy Birthday, Elvis: Film aficionado Steven Frenzel leads a birthday celebration for Elvis Presley featuring an overview of Presley's legendary movie career at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday. This program will feature a number of classic movie clips and a discussion of the legend that is Elvis.

Babysitting Clinic registration: Registration begins Friday for a daylong Red Cross Babysitting clinic, to be held 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., March 15. This educational session for will focus on basic childcare, emergency action, first aid, and more. Sign up in person at the library's registration desk. The program requires a $15 nonrefundable fee due at registration. Class size is limited to 10 Mount Prospect students and teens in grades 6 - 12.

March computer programs: Online registration for the library's March computer programs begins Feb. 1. March's slate of computer programs will help patrons sharpen their Internet and e-mail usage skills, create documents with Microsoft Word, and provide an introduction to computers for novice users. Space is limited for each program.

Debbi Chocolate: The Library's 2008 African American Read-In features children's book author Debbi Chocolate and chocolate treats, 2 - 4 p.m., Feb. 3.

Chocolate's books include "Talk, Talk: An Ashanti Legend" (winner of the Parents' Choice Award), "The Piano Man" (a Coretta Scott King Award winner), and "Pigs Can Fly!" Her work has been featured on "Reading Rainbow Television" and "Sesame Street."

Registration required.

IE7 -- Tricks for the New Internet Explorer: Library computer trainer Michelle Vonderhaar presents a demonstration of the new Internet Explorer 7 Web browser, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Feb. 4. Participants will learn how to use tabbed browsing, the "Favorites Center," and become familiar with IE 7's new and improved Toolbar. The program also will explore how to incorporate RSS feeds.

Reference librarians Julie Collins and Isabelle Flemming will teach ways to access print and online resources during this program highlighting the library's vast collection of materials, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Feb. 7.

The program will demonstrate how to access information on diverse topics such as home maintenance, auto repair, identity theft and more. Registration required.