Northwest suburban books 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. Deadline is two weeks before event date. For additional details and listings, visit dailyherald.com and click on your town in the drop-down box.
"No Dumb Questions": noon, Sunday, Jan. 18, Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. The public is invited, free of charge, to share the acclaimed documentary movie "No Dumb Questions." The short film follows a family with three young children as they accompany their uncle through the journey to transition from male to female. Katie Thomas, president of Chicago Gender Society, will facilitate a question-and-answer session following the movie. Light refreshments served. Kay, (847) 632-0660.
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.
Reading Road Trip: Adult/High School Winter Reading Program runs Jan. 2 to Feb. 28 at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 North Elm St. Join the Adult/High School Reading Program and earn chances to win weekly prizes with each book you read. Read three books of your choice and one from our displays to be eligible for our Grand Prize drawing on March 1. Sign up in person at the Information Desk.
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.
Jan. 5
Digital photography class: 7-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Jan. 5 through 8; Prairie Lakes, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District. "Hands On" class with photographer Jerry Hug, for ages 16 and older. Learn to use Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 to crop, retouch, restore, collage, sharpen and e-mail your images. Residents, $55; nonresidents, $69. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org.
Jan. 6
Investment Series: 7-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 6 through 27; Cumberland Terrace, 448 S. Warrington Road, Des Plaines. Edward Jones financial Advisor Nancy Reiser discusses making the most of your money in an uncertain market. Residents, $30; nonresidents, $38. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org
Irving Berlin series: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 6 through 27; Indian Trails Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. This four-program series explores the 101-year life of the ultimate immigrant, Irving Berlin. Multimedia presentations feature slides of photos and original graphics, video clips from memorable movie scenes and audio tracks of Berlin's songs, accompanied by a narrative. To register, Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org
Organizing paperwork: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Certified professional organizer Michelle Prima will help identify which papers to keep, which to shred, and how to set up a simple filing system. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Film discussion:-1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6; Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road. Features the political thriller, "The Manchurian Candidate," starring Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. Refreshments are served during the discussion following the film, and no registration is needed.
Estate Planning: 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Robert S. Pinzur of Pinzur, Cohen & Kerr Ltd. will discuss estate planning to avoid probate, conserve assets and protect dependents. Topics will include wills, living trusts, tax avoidance, powers of attorney and living wills. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Evening Writer's Workshop: 7-8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Writers can share and critique each other's work. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Jan. 7
BACOA caregiver group: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, BACOA office, 6000 Garlands Lane, suite 100, Barrington. Author Eleanor Cade will discuss her new book, "Taking Care of Parents Who Didn't Take Care of You." For reservations, call Penny at (847) 381-5030. Group provides ongoing education and support for caregivers.
Healthy Cooking: 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7; Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Nutritionist Yesenia Mojica will educate families on a variety of cooking methods for healthier recipes while maintaining the good flavor. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
"Food for Thought" book group: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Discussion of "Digging to America," by Anne Tyler. When two couples - one American, one Iranian-American - both adopt Korean infant girls, their chance encounter at the Baltimore airport the day their daughters arrive marks the start of a long, intense, and sometimes awkward friendship. Visit mppl.org/event or call (847) 253-5675.
Movies at MPPL: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, and 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8. For more information on this month's featured film, call (847) 253-5675. Due to a restrictive marketing agreement, the Library is prevented from reporting the title of this film in media aimed at the general public.
Introduction to the Internet: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, and 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn the basics of the Internet and how to use it. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
How to be Happy: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Presentation that teaches the art of feeling grateful for the little things that happen and how this helps during personal crises.(847) 259-6050.
Jan. 8
Fossils and Evolution: 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Dr. Paul Harnik from the University of Chicago will discuss "What Fossils Say About Evolution." Open to middle and high school students in partnership with Science Chicago. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 506-2620.
Super-Couponing: 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Super-couponer Jill Cataldo teaches how to maximize our grocery savings and purchase hundreds of dollars worth of groceries for just pennies. To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or register online at phpl.info.
Visit with the Lincolns: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. In honor of Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday, Barbara Rinella will dramatize the book "The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage," by Daniel Mark Epstein. Registration is required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Judy Levin Book Discussion: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Discuss "Bridge of Sighs" by Richard Russo. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Jan. 9
Sweden travelogue: 10-11:30 a.m., Friday, Jan 9; Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road. Myrla Brand highlights the sights of Sweden in a slide show. Refreshments are served and no registration needed.
Jan. 10
Second Saturday Poetry Workshop: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 10, Northwest Cultural Council Gallery, 500 N. Hicks Road, suite 120, Palatine. All poets and writers are invited to attend the workshop. $15. R.S.V.P to (847) 991-7966 or nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org.
Multicultural Fair: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. The library will begin its yearlong event, "We the People - A Community of Immigrants," with African Village Folktales from 10-10:45 a.m.; The Food of Argentina from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; The Jazmer Trio Ensemble from 12:30-1:15 p.m.; Native American Cultural and Dance program from 2:15-3 p.m.; A Taste of Asia from 3:15-4 p.m., booths open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. art displays, genealogy help, ethnic food and a visit from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. Registration is not required for the fair, but is required for individual programs. Register by calling (847) 634-3650 or visiting vapld.info.
Jan. 12
Book chat at Caribou: 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12; Caribou Coffee, 90 E. Northwest Hwy., Mount Prospect. Informal book discussion of Nancy Horan's "Loving Frank." Historical novel that chronicles the relationship between architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney. The book explores their meeting in Oak Park, Illinois, when they were each married to others, to the clandestine affair that shocked Chicago society. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Einstein - His Life and Universe: 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Barbara Rinella celebrates Albert Einstein's legacy in this dramatization of the biography by Walter Isaacson. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Jan. 13
Volunteer Management Training Series: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13-Thursday, Jan. 15, Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. For persons involved in or working for a nonprofit. Includes risk management, understanding, planning, recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating your volunteer program. A VMTS certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course. To register or for information, volunteerinfo.net or call (847) 228-1320.
Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Discuss "Swim to Me" by Betsy Carter. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Jan. 14
Writer's Support Group: 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. An opportunity for writers - published or not - to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques. Registration is not required. For information, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Jan. 15
"Saddle up and Pass the Beans": 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. Monthly Movie Club features Western film clips shown and discussed by novelist Raymond Benson and Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire. Free; register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Jan. 20
Income tax update: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. AARP tax aide Jack Hanahan presents current information on preparing your 2008 tax return. Free; register at ahml.info under programs or call (847) 392-0100.
Jan. 22
Comfort cooking: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Chef Dave Esau from Dave's Specialty Foods warms up the audience with "Comfort Cooking" favorites. Recipes and tastings will be provided. Free; register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
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.
Jan. 29
Finding Your Financial Footing in 2009: 11:30 a.m. registration Thursday, Jan. 29, Cafe La Cave, 2777 Mannheim Road, Des Plaines. Jack A. Ablin, Harris Private Bank executive vice president and chief investment officer speaks. $60 per person or $600 for a table of 12.
For reservations, call Christie at (773) 594-9292, ext. 232.
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.
Feb. 11
Writer's Support Group: 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. An opportunity for writers - published or not - to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques. Registration is not required. For information, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
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.