Books and enrichment

Events related to books and events that enrich your mind, such as book signings, book club events, book sales, writers' group events, lectures, speakers, classes, forums and discussions. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

January Computer Programs: Online registration for the Mount Prospect Public Library's January computer programs began Monday, Dec. 1. January's slate of computer programs will help patrons learn the basics of using a computer, sharpen their Internet skills, take their e-mail skills to the next level, and create presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Space is limited for each program. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

1950s House: Open 1-4 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays, April through December; Rolling Meadows Historical Museum, 3100 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. For details, and to schedule tour groups, call (847) 577-7346.

Long Grove Art School: Spoerlein Commons S.C. Suite 209, Arlington Heights and McHenry roads, Buffalo Grove. Class instructions are in oil paint, acrylics, watercolor, and drawing one 2-hour workshop/class for adults in oil on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Four weekly classes are forming with a maximum of six students. Private instruction and open studio time. Four week classes for kids ages 7-12. (847) 634-2920 www.longgroveartschool.com.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates exhibit: On display Nov. 11 to Dec. 31, Indian Trails Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. "Confronting Democracy's Boundaries - The Lincoln Douglas Debates" will highlight the 1858 series of seven debates. For information, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Dec. 10

Book signing event: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, G. Whiz, 724 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Co-author of "The Elf on the Shelf" Carol Aebersold will be on hand to sign copies of her book.

Movie discussion: 6:30-9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Audiovisual Coordinator John McInnes hosts a complimentary screening and discussion of a feature film. Call (847) 253-5675.

Dec. 11

Thursday Evening Book Discussion: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Book is "The Uncommon Reader," by Alan Bennett. Registration required at dppl.org or (847) 376-2787.

Dec. 12

Mother/Daughter Book Club: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, Enders-Salk Library Media Center, 345 N. Salem Drive, Schaumburg. (847) 357-6400.

Teen Writing Workshop: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Get creative writing ideas and brush up on writing skills. Registration is required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Lyric Opera Lecture: 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Discussion of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or phpl.info.

Dec. 13

Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.

NWCC's Second Saturday Poetry Workshop: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 13, Northwest Cultural Council Gallery, 500 N. Hicks Road, suite 120, Palatine. Topic: "Beyond Grief: Writing the Elegy," Bring 12 copies of your work to share with the group. All poets and writers are invited to attend. $15. R.S.V.P to (847) 991-7966 or nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org.

Second Saturday Poetry Workshop: 9 a.m.-noon; Saturday, Dec. 13; Northwest Cultural Council Gallery, 500 N. Hicks Road, Suite 120, Palatine. Topic is "Beyond Grief: Writing the Elegy. " Participants are encouraged to bring 12 copies of their own work to share with the group. $15. R.S.V.P. by phone or email. (847) 991-7966 or e-mail nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org.

Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 13; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Gently used hardcover books. Several local authors will be here with copies of their books for sale, and Lake Claremont Press will have a sampling of their popular local interest books. Author talks are also being planned for the day.

Chicago River Architecture Tour: 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Slide presentation featuring the world famous architecture located along the Chicago River. Registration required at dppl.org or (847) 376-2787.

Holiday Gifts in a Jar: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Students in grades 6 - 12 create homemade treats such as "Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar," "Hot Chocolate Jar Mix," "Citrus Winter Warmer" and "Rocky Road Candy." Materials supplied. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Dec. 14

Jewish United Fund Book Buddies: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Barnes & Noble, 590 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Learn about Hanukkah through art projects, storytime, and songs. For families with children under age 5. Reservations to Abby, (312) 444-2844.

Sunday Afternoon Movies: 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. A free feature film presentation. Call the Reference Desk (847) 376-2841 for the film title.

Last Day for 'Gift of Reading' Donations: Dec. 14; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Community members are invited to bring new or like-new unwrapped books to the Library for local children in need (ages six and under). Donations of books in English and Spanish are requested. Call (847) 253-5675.

Dec. 15

Polish Holiday Storytime: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Monday, December 15. Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Open to ages 4 - 7 and their families. Stories, songs, and rhymes followed by refreshments and a craft. This program is reserved for Mount Prospect Library cardholders. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Dec. 16

Create Your Own Holiday Centerpiece: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Holiday craft workshop where participants will create their own holiday centerpiece. Participants should bring a pruner. The $18 fee is nonrefundable. Register at the Registration Desk. Call (847) 253-5675.

Dec. 18

Teen Book Discussion Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Join other teens and discuss the book "Twilight," by Stephenie Meyer. The book will be provided at time of registration. Registration is required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

"A Stockingful of Holiday Movies": 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Film discussion with film critics Dann Gire and Raymond Benson. To register, visit ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.

Dec. 19

Friday Afternoon Movie: 12:30-2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Movie is "Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage." Popular painter Thomas Kinkade becomes motivated to become an artist when his family is in danger of losing their home. Rated PG. To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or register at phpl.info

Coffee and Conversation: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Current Events Discussion Group shares stories of their personal heroes and discuss how everyone can serve as a role model for others. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Dec. 22

Benjamin Franklin: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Kindergartners through fifth-graders can listen to "Benjamin Franklin" share what life was like for him and how his inventions came about. Registration is required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Dec. 31

Schaumburg Senior Center Book Club: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, Schaumburg Barn, 231 S. Civic Drive. Sponsored by the Schaumburg Township District Library. (847) 524-7496.

Jan. 27

Divorce and Finance: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, Harper College, 1200 Algonquin Road, Palatine. Presented by Adra Campbell, past president of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. Free, registration required. (847) 925-6558.

Jan. 28

Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Tristan Und Isolde" with lecturer John Piepgras. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. .lyricopera.org.

Feb. 6

Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 1 p.m. Feb. 6, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci" with lecturer Denny Hayes. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.

March 11

Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 3:30 p.m. March 11, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Abduction From the Seraglio" with lecturer Gary Pett. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.