Vernon Area Public Library notes

For 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

Reuse-A-Shoe: VAPLD will collect old athletic shoes from Saturday through April 24. Help stop clogging landfills with shoes by dropping off old athletic shoes in the lobby. Shoes need to be clean and contain no metal.

Preschool Saturdays: Short and entertaining films of stories old and new from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday. Hear stories just right for the preschool child from 9:30 to 10 a.m. March 15, 22 and 29. Registration is not required.

Japanese Poetry and Art: Hear how haiku evolved in Japan and America, learn the principles of writing haiku, compose verses and listen to haiku read by leading poets in the area from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Sumi-e art by award-winning local artist Lidia Rozmus will also be on display.

The Wellness Revolution: Dr. Gregg Stern will introduce participants to the "wellness revolution" and show how incorporating wellness into daily life can strengthen the mind, body and spirit from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday.

"The Wright Brothers": Celebrate Casimir Pulaski Day with Face to Face Productions from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday. This children's theater troupe will present the musical "The Wright Brothers."

Edward Hopper's painting: From noon to 1 p.m. March 4, Art historian Michelle Mishur will discuss artist Edward Hopper's influence on American scene painting. Mishur's program will identify distinguishing elements of Hopper's style as seen in his views of urban life, interior scenes and New England architecture.

Evening Book Discussion: An Evening Book Discussion of "Gentlemen and Players" by Joanne Harris will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 4. In the book, Roy Straitley, the classics teacher at St. Oswald's School for Boys, contemplates retirement after his 30-year tenure, while a new faculty member with dark ties to the school's past joins the staff with the ultimate goal of destroying the school. Copies of the book are available at the Adult Services Desk.

Watercolors for Teens: Nick DePaolo, local artist from Long Grove Art Studio, will instruct teens in sixth through 12th grade in the use of shading, blending and subject matter from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 5. The library will provide the supplies.

Art for the Very Young: Rachel Weaver Rivera from Imagine Art Studio and the Erikson Institute, will lead children and their caregivers in the use of oil, pastel, paint, wire sculpture and collage using mixed media with recycled and natural materials From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. March 8. Dress for mess.

Still Life Painting: Discover exciting art techniques using pencils, permanent markers, oils, pastels and paint while learning how to draw and paint from observation from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for first- and second-graders and 3 to 4:30 p.m. for third- through fifth-graders March 8. Students will create a spring still life and develop their own artistic styles as they layer colors and add detail.

Board Game Day: Learn a new game or play an old favorite from 1 to 4 p.m. March 9. Relax with a game of Apples to Apples, enjoy the challenge of Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride or play a round of chess. Registration is not required.

Monday Morning Tots: This program for children under 3 and caregivers from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 10, 17 and 31 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. Beginning in February, caregivers will need to show a VAPLD card when they sign in.

First Ladies of America: Enjoy this one-woman show with dramatist Jenny Riddle as she portrays First Ladies Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 11.

Preschool Storytime: This half-hour weekly program features stories, songs and finger plays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or 2 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through March 11 or Thursdays through March 13. For ages 3 through 5 (pre-kindergarten).

Night of Ballroom Dancing: Enjoy an evening of ballroom dancing with Fred Astaire Dance Studio from 7 to 9 p.m. March 12. Dancers trained by Dancing with the Stars professional Jesse DeSoto will entertain with a ballroom dance routine. Learn a few basic moves following the show.

Writer's Support Group: The Writer's Support Group, led by Sandy Kamen Wisniewski, offers an opportunity for writers -- published or not -- to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 12. New members are always welcome. Registration is not required.

Afterschool Adventures: This series features stories, crafts and movies from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays through March 12 and Thursdays through March 13. For kindergarten through second grade.

Irish Roots Remembered: Patrons can celebrate their Irish roots from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 13. Banna the Irish Duo will play music reminiscent of Ireland. Patrick Barry of Paddy's on the Square will share Irish tales and discuss the Emerald Isle. Patrons will also enjoy a display of authentic Irish wares and treats such as Irish Soda Bread.

Jamma Tales: Ages 2 to 5 and caregivers can relax and snuggle down for stories and songs from 7 to 7:30 p.m. March 13. Pajamas are welcome for this half-hour evening storytime. Registration is not required.

Teen Book Discussion: A Teen Book Discussion of "Just in Case" by Meg Rosoff will be held for students in eighth through 12th grade from 5 to 6 p.m. March 17.

Pencil Tips: From 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 24, students in fourth through eighth grade will learn drawing techniques using graphite and colored pencils to improve their finished artwork. This workshop covers blending, shading and fixing mistakes. Supplies will be provided.

Lego Fun: Beth Weis will help students in first through eighth grade build the tallest Lego tower they can and use their imaginations to build and create other architectural designs in this workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. March 26. Lego blocks will be supplied.

Tax Help for Seniors: A trained AARP volunteer offers free help to senior citizens in completing their income tax forms from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring a copy of last year's tax return. To make an appointment, call the Adult Services Desk at (847) 634-3650.

Books for Veterans: Due to renovations, the library is unable to keep a large number of book donations. Therefore, the library will mail these books to veterans and active military personnel using grant money received from the Department of Illinois Disabled American Veterans and the Lincolnshire Morning Star Rotary. Library volunteers will pack and mail the books to the four veteran nursing homes in Illinois, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and to troops overseas via Operation Paperback.

Tax Time: The library offers the most popular federal and Illinois income tax forms. Reproducible forms are available for copying. Multiple part forms, such as Form 1099, are not available and must be obtained through the IRS. Federal tax forms can be found online at www.irs.gov and Illinois forms can be found at www.revenue.state.il.us/taxforms.