Northwest suburban books and 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.

Feb. 2Write It Now Creative Writing Group: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Do some writing and share it with others. For registration or information, call (847) 259-6050.Barrington 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.Open storytimes: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 3; and 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for children ages 6 and under and their families. No registration required. (847) 253-5675.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.Pajamarama Storytimes: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, March 2 and April 7, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Children of all ages can wear pajamas and enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and crafts. An adult must accompany children under the age of 3. No registration required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.E-Shopping: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online or by catalog. Learn more about the risks, how to protect personal information and the smartest ways to pay. A free lunch will be served. Attendance is restricted to Ela Library cardholders and Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce members. To register, call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.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.Midwinter Warm-up Workshop: Enjoy a day of workshops, fellowship and singing, focusing on the many aspects of choral, congregational and organ music in worship throughout the church year. Guest Clinician/Composer/Conductor, Paul Leddington Wright will lead a day of workshop clinics, culminating in a celebration of church music in Hymn Fest 5: "To Everything There is a Season: a celebration of hymns and songs for every season"-- a sing-along concert of hymns and anthems in a musical journey through the church year. Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Seminar/workshops and lunch included in $20 per person fee. Held at the Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm Street, Glenview. For information, call the church office at (847) 724-2210Valentine's Day Storytime: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Barnes Noble, 13 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. A storytime featuring Fancy Nancy and Valentine's Day activities. The featured book will be "Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart" by Jane O'Connor. Free and open to the public. For details, call (847) 259-5704.Feb. 7Used book sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb 7, Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Gently used books, CDs, DVDs, more. Ann, (847) 459-1677.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.Financial management: Living Christ Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights will host a series of four weekly evening seminars designed to aid people in the community who are seeking help with issues related to finances including time management. This program is open to all community residents and will be provided free. The sessions will be on consecutive Thursday evenings starting Feb. 11 running through March 4. They will be held at Living Christ Lutheran Church from 7:15 to 8:45 each Thursday evening. Living Christ Lutheran Church is located at 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-7133 or LivingChristLutheran.org.Live, Laugh and Love-Adult storytime: Noon THursday, Feb. 11, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Special valentine's Day storytime for adults. Share wild stories about love found and love lost. Registration is limited, refreshments served. Call (847) 259-6050 or rmlib.org.Feb. 12Black History Month Storytime: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Barnes Noble, 13 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Storytime with crafts and activities. The featured book will be "Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya" by Donna Jo Napoli. Free and open to the public. For details, call (847) 259-5704.Feb. 13Crazy about Cakes: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Watch Amy Alessio lead a fast paced history of vintage cakes and munch on some samples. No hands-on baking. (847) 259-6050.Feb. 16Morning Book Discussion: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join the discussion. New members are always welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Vintage Spring Holidays: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Take a look at the special foods and treats used to celebrate Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Passover in decades past with avid cookbook collector, author and librarian Amy Alessio. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Feb. 17Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 and 18, 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. 19Meet Curious George: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Barnes Noble, 13 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. A storytime visit from Curious George, with crafts and activities. The featured book will be "Curious George" by H.A. Rey. Free and open to the public. For details, call (847) 259-5704.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.Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 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. 22-23, 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. 23The Amazing Amazon River: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Former Time-Life director and world traveler Bill Helmuth takes on an ultimate eco-tour adventure down the Amazon River to places of intrigue and fascination. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.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.Feb. 26Friday afternoon movie: 12:30-2:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Screening of "The Time Travelers wife." A Chicago librarian suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress. Romantic comedy shows that love knows no boundaries and transcends time and death. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.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 23Meet the author: A night with the author Philip Gulley will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 23, at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave. The author will sign books at 6:30 pm. After hearing from Philip Gulley, the evening will include a question and answer session. Books are available at the church. In "If the Church Were Christian," Quaker pastor and author Gulley explores how the church has lost its way. Gulley's work also includes the famed Harmony series of novels chronicling life in the eccentric Quaker community of Harmony, Indiana and the best selling Porch Talk series of inspirational and humorous stories.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.May 24Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 24, 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.May 26PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 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.