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.

Reading Road Trip: Adult/high school winter reading program runs through Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 North Elm St. Join the 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.

Feb. 12

Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Lincoln: 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Author and storyteller Lynn Rymarz portrays "An Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Abraham Lincoln." Hear the joys and trials experienced by this first lady and have a taste of her favorite cake recipe. register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.

Protect your children symposium: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Prairie Lake Theater, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Robert Hugh Farley, a consultant on child sexual exploitation, will speak at this symposium for parents, educators and child care professionals which will address the issues of protecting children from predators who use the Internet and other electronic mean to prey on children. Co-sponsored by Maryville Academy and the Des Plaines Park District. Free, register at (847) 391-5711. Children under 18 will not be admitted.

Thursday evening book discussion: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Discussion of the "Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. To register, (847) 376-2787.

Coffee talk: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Gigi Williams of Gigi's Dolls and Sherry's Teddy Bears Inc., presents "Antique Dolls." Participants are invited to bring their own dolls. Free, no registration required.

Adult Book Discussions: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 and March 12, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Discuss "The Welsh Girl" by Peter Ho Davies on Feb. 12. Discuss "Thousand Pieces of Gold" by Adeline Yen Mah on March 12. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Feb. 14

Book signing: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, The Christian Shop, 325 E. Dundee Road, Palatine. Mike Sandrolini will sign copies of his book, "All the Good in Sports - True Stories That Go Beyond the Headlines." (847) 991-9235.

Feb. 15

Board of Jewish Education program: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 3320 Dundee Road, Northbrook. "Everyone Belongs, The House of Worship." Register at (847) 291-7788, Ext. 1301.

Feb. 16

eBay Selling 101: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday Feb. 16, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Jack Waddick, eBay University instructor, walks through the keys to successful eBay selling. Live demos, time for questions. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 167 or palatinelibrary.org.

Chat & Chew: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Mount Prospect LUblic Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Children in grades four-six chat about Lynne Jonell's "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat." To register, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.

Feb. 17

Writers Group: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works and other creative minds. Call (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org.

Makeup 101 Night: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Discuss skin care, makeup colors and techniques, along with wardrobe fashions. Every participant will take home makeup samples, an application booklet, and two pages of fashion selections. Ages 18 and up. Fee is $33. For information, visit ahpd.org or call the Arlington Heights Park District, at (847) 577-3000.

Eyewitness on Africa: 7-8 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Part two of a three-part series with World Traveler Bill Helmuth: "Africa's Great Game Preserves." See elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards and lions in their natural habitat. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Feb. 18

Young Rembrandts drawing classes: Feb. 18 through March 11. Preschool drawing for ages 3-5 from 2:45-3:30 p.m., Ahlstrand Field House, 6900 Catalpa, Hanover Park; elementary drawing for ages 6-12 from 4-4:45 p.m. and cartooning for ages 6-13 from 5-5:45 p.m., at the Community Center Art Studio, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. $36. Call Susan, (630) 837-2468.

Des Plaines Art Guild figure drawing class: 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 18, Fischer Wright Art Center, 815 Center St., Des Plaines. Figure drawing class featuring live professional models. $10-$156. Call Beverly, (847) 635-0306.

Hows and Whys of Hypermilling: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St., Wayne Gerdes talks about basic hypermilling techniques to reduce fuel consumption, save money and help the environment. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipies and techniques. Topic: Pasta alla Pugliese. $59. (847) 718-7700.

Feb. 19

Love, Forgiveness & Wisdom book discussion: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Discussion of "The History of Love" by Nicole Krauss lead by Olivia Cronk. Register at dppl.org or (847) 376-2787.

Teen book discussion: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. "The Call of the Wild" By Jack London. (630) 837-2855.

District 214's Community Education's cooking class: 6:30-9:30 p.m Thursday, Feb. 19, John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights. Topic: More Asian Noodles. Chef Jonathan Bean demonstrates the cooking process. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

Feb. 20

Upbringing-What's Gender Got to Do With It?: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge. Book presentations, panel discussion, question and answer. $15 per person. (847) 518-1185.

Feb. 21

Use book sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Sponsored by the Friends of the Barrington Area Library.

Feb. 22

Board of Jewish Education program: 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 3320 Dundee Road, Northbrook. "Effective Teaching Strategies for Students in the Autism Spectrum" Film screening "Including Samuel" at 2 p.m., followed by a discussion. $10. Register at (847) 291-7788, Ext. 1301.

Wrigleyville's Famous Firehouse: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Karen Kruse author of the book, "A Chicago Firehouse- Stories of Wrigleyville's Engine 78" will discuss this famous fire house. Ages 13 and up. $7-$8.50. (847) 506-7141.

Feb. 25

Edvard Munch- The Frieze of Life: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Art historian Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur discusses Munch's intriguing artistic vision through a study of painting and prints. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Feb. 26

History discussion: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Jim Kenney, activist for social justice and co-founder of Common Ground, will discuss his experience in South Africa during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Register at dppl.org or call (847) 376-2787.

Feb. 28

Free Yoga for Fertility workshop: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, Pulling Down the Moon & Fertility Center of Illinois, 2010 S. Arlington Heights Road, suite 300 B, Arlington Heights. To register, call (312) 32109994 or fcionline.com

Inside writing and publishi ng: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Literary agent Jennifer Flannery discusses the role of an agent in writing and publishing. No registration required. (630) 837-2855.

Living like Abe: 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 28, Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Tour the museum's log cabin and live like Abe did 200 years ago. Ages 6-9. $16-$20. (847) 506-7141.

Just Write: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Interactive workshop includes writing exercises, reading of participants work, gentle critiquing. Three sessions, $49. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

March 1

Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipies and techniques. Topic: Pasta alla Pugliese II. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

March 5

Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipies and techniques. Topic: Sunday Ragu' with Meatballs and Baraciole. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

March 7

Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March, 7, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. New writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or online at ahml.info

Bridge of Hope for Russian Children program: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, St. Simon's Church Parish Hall, 717 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Information meeting for the 2009 program, which provides an opportunity for Russian orphans ages 7-12 to experience a summer in the United States. Call (888) St-Marys to register or e-mail msloan@stmaryservices.com.

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, (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.

Eyewitness on Africa: Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Part three of a three-part series with World Traveler Bill Helmuth: "Soul of South Africa." For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

March 12

Adult Book Discussions: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Discuss "The Welsh Girl" by Peter Ho Davies on Feb. 12. Discuss "Thousand Pieces of Gold" by Adeline Yen Mah on March 12. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

March 17

Writers Group: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works and other creative minds. Call (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org.

April 2

Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipies and techniques. Topic: Easter alla Italiana. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

April 4

Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April, 4, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or online at ahml.info

April 8

Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipies and techniques. Topic: Italian Cookies and Desserts. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

April 9

District 214's Community Education's cooking class: 6:30-9:30 p.m Thursday, April 9, John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights. Topic: Heat!. Chef Jonathan Bean demonstrates the cooking process. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

April 16

Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipies and techniques. Topic: Simple Pasta Dishes. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.

May 2

Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May, 2, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or online at ahml.info

Ongoing

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 longgroveartschool.com.