Northwest suburban books & enrichment

Events related to books and events that enrich your mind, such as lectures, classes, book signings, book club events, writers' group events, forums and discussions. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

It Pays to Read winter reading program: Monday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 28, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stop by the Mount Prospect Public Library to tell them what you are reading and enter the raffle to win prizes. During the It Pays to Read program, the library is also collecting money for its Literacy Is Priceless Fund to purchase books for Mount Prospect children in need.

Winter Reading Program: Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Children ages 14 and under can take part in the "Everything Igby" or "Wolves Read-to-Succeed" programs. The last day to register is Feb. 6. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Adult/High School Winter Reading Club: Through Sunday, Feb. 28, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Every book you read or listen to earns a chance to win great weekly prizes. Read three books of your choice and take the Winter Reading Challenge, using library services, to be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing March. 1. Stop by the Information/Rader's Advisory desk to sign up.

Youth Winter Reading Club: Through Sunday, Jan. 31, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children in preschool through eighth grade can investigate what the library has to offer during he Youth Winter Reading Club, "Reading Detectives," and earn prizes, enter weekly raffles, and enjoy a magician at the end of the program. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Chicago Wolves Reading program: Begins Monday, Jan. 25 and runs through Saturday, March 6, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children through eighth grade can score a goal by signing up for the Chicago Wolves Winter Reading program for chances to win great Chicago Wolves prizes. Register in the Youth Services department.

Jan. 19"The World's Four Greatest River Journeys": 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Bill Helmuth takes you on a slide show trip to see the Nile, Danube, Amazon and Yangtze rivers. To register, (847) 923-3347. Writers Group: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Author Lisa Rosenthal leads the group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works with other creative minds. $10 registration must be paid in person before Tuesday Jan. 19 to attend the January-March series. For information, (847) 253-5675.Book Discussion Group: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. $25 registration fee. (847) 923-3347.Adult book discussion-Great Books: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Discussion of "Indian Camp" by Ernest Hemingway and "The Diver" by V.S. Pritchett part of the "Great Books Foundation Short Story Omnibus." Purchase a copy for $30 at the second floor reference desk. For information, (847) 358-5881, ext. 166 or palatinelibrary.org. ECC open registration for spring 2010: Open registration begins Tuesday, Jan. 19, Registration Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. New and continuing ECC students with an ECC identification number may register online at elgin.edu/accessecc. For information, (847) 214-7385 or admissions@elginedu. Write It Now Creative Writing Group: 10 a.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Do some writing and share it with others. For registration or information, call (847) 259-6050.Senior Session: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Cathleen Blair, library's Readers Advisory coordinator discusses the content, tempo and style of suggested titles to pique your interest without giving away any major plot secrets. For information, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.Open storytimes: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20; and 10:30 a.m. Friday Jan. 22, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for ages 6 and under and their families. No registration required. (847) 253-5675.Making the most of your digital photographs: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Learn about the features and functionality of digital cameras, how to save files to a computer and e-mail pictures. To register, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.Jan. 20Great American Movies: 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Participants watch the movie, received information about the director and other interesting facts, then discuss their thoughts.(847) 923-3347.Coffee Books and More Discussion: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Discussion of Bill Bryson's 1998 novel, "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail." To register, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events. Drop-in Stories and More: Wednesday, Jan. 20 and 27, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. For grades K-two. To register, (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 20 and Feb. 3, and Thursdays, Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Jan. 21Lyric Opera Lecture: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. "The Elixir of Love" by Gaetano Donizetti is explored. Hear musical excerpts and learn about the plot and composer. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 of phol.info. Fancy Nancy Party: 4-5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Wear your best party clothes and join the library for a fancy time, Fancy Nancy-style. To register, (847) 259-6050, ext. 140 or stop by the Ask Me desk.Jan. 23Lifestories: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Write down and share your memories. Bring photos, journals, essays. Register at (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org. Friends Book Sale: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 and noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Benefits library programs, events and services through the Friends of the Library. First Pick member's only night will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22. To become a Friends member, stop by the library and complete a membership form and pay the annual fee. (847) 253-5675.Jan. 25Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Stories, rhymes and a short film for ages 3-5. No siblings or guardians in the room. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Dist. 128 Community Education: Winter/spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 25. Classes starting in January include: Watercolor: You Can Do It (1/25), Ballroom Dancing - Beginning/Intermediate (1/25), Spanish - Beginning (1/25), Crochet (1/26), What is Twitter? (1/26), Ballroom Dancing - Intermediate/Advanced (1/26), Dance Clinic - Bachata (1/26), Spanish - Practice (1/26), PhotoShop - CS4 and Elements 6.0 - Introduction (1/27), PhotoShop - CS4 and Elements 6.0 - Introduction (1/27), Word 2007 - For the True Novice (1/27), German - Beginning (1/27), Italian - Advanced (1/27), Wood Carving Basics (1/27), Knitting - Beginning (1/28), Knitting - Parent and Child Beginners (1/28), Microsoft Office Overview 2007 (1/28), and Investing and Wealth Building (1/28). For course descriptions, go to comed128.org. To request a catalog, call the Community Education office at (847) 932-2176. Register one week before class begins to ensure a seat. Drop-in Family Storytime: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Wintry stories and songs, using puppets, rhyming/counting activities and more. To register, (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org. Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 8, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies from birth to 18 months enjoy stories, puppets, finger plays and playtime with their parents. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join our popular book discussion leader Trish McLaughlin for a lively book discussion! New members are always welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Jan. 26Open Storytimes: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27; and 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for children age 6 and under and their families. No registration required. (847) 253-5675 for information.Storytime Yoga: 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Katie Klatt-Bowen of Storybook Yoga for R.E.A.L. teaches children ages 3-5 yoga poses, meditation and movement through the wonder of storybooks. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 of phpl.info. Clutter Busting: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Discussion and book signing of "Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back" by author Brooks Palmer. To register, (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phol.info.Jan. 27Drop-in Stories and More: Wednesday, Jan. 27, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. For grades K-two. To register, (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, Lusk conference room of the Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. (847) 259-3500 or phpl.info. Poetic License: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A writer's group specifically for poets. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Jan. 28Writers Group: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Members of the library's Writers Group premiere their manuscripts. Listen to excerpts from pieces being produced by the group and be inspired to put pen to paper. Learn how the process of sharing work, constructive feedback, and fresh eyes can help you develop as a writer. Register at the library; visit www.mppl.org/events, or call (847) 253-5675.Mystery By the Book discussion group: Noon Thursday, Jan. 28, Poplar Creek Public Library, 1405 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. For information, call Linda, (630) 483-4949.Jan. 29An Evening with Angels: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, Assembly Hall at Friendship Village, 350 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Discussion about angels and miracles with author Joan Wester Anderson. $5. For reservations/tickets call Donna Brown at (847) 843-4254.Jan. 30eBay Shopping Made Easy and Safe: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Learn the ins and outs of eBay. For registration or information, call (847) 259-6050.Feb. 1Boating Essentials: 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 1-22, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The Waukegan Sail and Power Squadron will offer a series of seminars covering one topic each week, including Boat Handling Under Power, Knots Bends and Hitches, Trailering Your Boat and Onboard Weather Forecasting. $95 will be collected at the first seminar to cover the cost of take-home materials. For information, e-mail wspsseo@gmail.com and visit wspsboating.org.Author Jami Attenberg: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Meet former Buffalo Grove resident Jami Attenberg, who plans to read a chapter from her new book, "The Melting Season," and answer questions from the crowd. For information on Jami Attenberg, visit jamiattenberg.com. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 2Barrington Lyric Lecture: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. "Damnation of Faust" lecturer, Kip Kelly. Free. To register, (847) 304-1996.Feb. 3Introduction to Microsoft Excel: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, or 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Get started with Microsoft Excel, which can be used to create professional spreadsheets and charts. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 3 and 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 6Author Chris Bohjalian: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Novelist Chris Bohjalian will share his newest novel, "Secrets of Eden." A book sale and signing will be included. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 8Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies from birth to 18 months enjoy stories, puppets, finger plays and playtime with their parents. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 8-9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Stories, rhymes, and a short film for ages 3-5. No siblings or guardians in the room. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 9Rosa Parks: 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Discuss the life and times of Rosa Parks, a pioneer for the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 10Computer File Management: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, or 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn to use Windows Explorer to manage files. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 11Read to Rover: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-5 can sign up in person at the Ask Here desk for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with a dog. No parents or siblings allowed in the room during the session. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 22Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join our popular book discussion leader Trish McLaughlin for a lively book discussion! New members are always welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 24PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Lusk conference room of the Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. (847) 259-3500 or phpl.info. Prospect Heights Book Review Club: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 24, March 24 and April 28; and two luncheons/book reviews at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Nov. 18 and May 26. A limited number of memberships are still available for the upcoming season. For information, call Margie, (847) 398-8504. Barrington Lyric Lecture: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. "Marriage of Figaro" lecturer, Gary Pett. Free. To register, (847) 304-1996.Feb. 25Author Judith Warner: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Judith Warner will discuss how pervasive disorders like autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia and more are and show how complex and painful a journey it can be for parents in "We've Got Issues: Children and Parents in the Age of Medication." Book sale and signing included. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.March 22Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join our popular book discussion leader Trish McLaughlin for a lively book discussion! New members are always welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.March 31PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, Lusk conference room of the Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. (847) 259-3500 or phpl.info.April 26Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 26, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join our popular book discussion leader Trish McLaughlin for a lively book discussion! New members are always welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.April 28PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, Lusk conference room of the Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. (847) 259-3500 or phpl.info.OngoingStart your job search at AHML: Business librarians Jason Kuhl and Barb Vlk man the Jobs Desk at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., weekdays from 1-4 p.m. to help residents start their job search at the library. Register for free weekday job programs like networking and resume review at ahml.info or stop by the Answer Center on the library's first floor. (847) 392-01001950s 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.