The briefs

Get books, CDs, DVDs, at sale

The Friends of the Mount Prospect Public Library will host their used book sale April 18, 19 and 20 at 10 S. Emerson St. The members only sale is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 18. General public sale is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 19 and noon to 4:30 p.m. April 20. Items include better books, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs and videotapes. Call (847) 253-5675.

Community blood drive is Tuesday

The Des Plaines Community Blood Drive will be from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and must not have donated blood within the previous eight weeks. Personal identification, such as a driver's license, is also required. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 298-9660. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Senior exemption extended by county

Cook County assessor Jim Houlihan announced that the Senior Freeze exemption application deadline has been extended to April 23. The exemption is available to all Cook County homeowners who were born prior to or in the year 1942 and who have total household incomes of $50,000 a year or less. Eligible seniors must have used their homes as their primary residences and have resided there Jan. 1 of 2006 and 2007. The senior freeze exemption must be applied for annually.

Learn to dance at Prairie Lakes

Three ballroom dancing classes will be hosted by Alice Lowy at the Prairie Lakes Senior Center, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. The April 18 and May 16 sessions with live music will be from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $25 per couple. The April 26 dance session with taped music will be from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $15 per couple at the door. Call (847) 825-2901 or (847) 825-6637.

Dist. 62 sponsors community forum

Des Plaines residents are invited to attend the second Charting the Path Community Forum sponsored by School District 62 from 7 to 9 p.m. April 16, at Iroquois Community School, 1835 E. Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. After months of gathering data and feedback, the Programs and Services, Community and School Buildings, and Community Discussions committees will share their final reports. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion. Visit http://web.d62.org/masterplan/masterplan/home.html for details.

Online auction to aid school group

Learning for Life, a character education and career development program that partners with local schools and businesses, is sponsoring its 2008 Learning for Life online auction which began on April 4 and runs through midnight Monday. Auction items include professional sports tickets, tickets to theater and music events, restaurant gift certificates, and a guitar signed by Fergie.

Learning for Life's most recent project is a life skills and career development program that provides interactive curriculum and resources, career speakers, and career trek opportunities for students with special needs. To participate in the auction, visit http://lflnwsc.nwsc.org