Holiday programs at the Schaumburg Library - something for everyone

Bright lights, store sales, holiday songs and the smell of sweet goodness in the kitchen can only mean one thing - the winter holidays are approaching. At the Schaumburg Township District Library, December brings a plethora of fun and festive programs. From baking and crafts to music and shopping, the library offers something for everyone. If you would like to give a handmade gift to someone special, enjoy a stress-free shopping day in downtown Chicago, create your own holiday décor or whip up delicious foods for gatherings, check out these programs and events.

Board a comfortable motor coach and relax as you head to State Street for a shopping trip on Friday, Dec. 5. The motor coach will leave the library parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. Registration and a $25 fee per person are required.

Looking for some new appetizers to make for family and friends? Come to "Holiday Canapes and Hors d'oeuvres" from 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, in the Rasmussen South Room. Led by Chef Michael Maddox, this program will feature various canapés with a range of fresh flavors, textures and tastes. Samples and recipes will be provided. Registration is required.

Humor, recipes and a virtual trip back in time is what you will find at the "Vintage Cocktail Parties" program, slated from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, in the Rasmussen South Room. Join author and cookbook collector Amy Alessio as she shares time-tested advice for cocktail parties and favorite foods for holiday gatherings. Those who plan to attend are welcome to email a favorite cocktail food recipe to Amy at aalessio@stdl.org, or bring 30 copies to the event. Registration is required.

Let the artist in you emerge by coming to "Old World Santa Ceramics" from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Hanover Park Branch Library. Instructor Randy Skepnek will help you apply your finest dry-brushing technique to this charming, old St. Nick. Registration and a $15 fee are required.

Teens ages 12 to 19 are invited to get creative with "Holiday Mason jars" from 7-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, in the Teen Place. Holiday materials will be provided for making this crafty and colorful jar. Registration is required.

Using exotic papers and waxed linen, you can craft "Holiday Handmade Wee Books" from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the Rasmussen South Room. Two styles of wee books will be constructed during this program, with guidance from Instructor Carol Thomas. Wee books make great gifts or additions to holiday décor. A $10 fee and registration are required.

Pretty up your table by making your own "Home for the Holidays Centerpiece" in a workshop from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in the Rasmussen South Room. Peggy Garvin of Garvin Gardens will assist participants in arranging holly, fir, pine and juniper, bedecked with festive ribbons, around an elegant taper. Please bring gardening gloves and pruners to class. A $17 fee and registration are required.

These are just a few of the many programs offered at the library in December. A full listing can be found in the library's December-January Program Guide mailed to Schaumburg Township residents, or online at www.schaumburglibrary.org.