Northwest suburban 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. Deadline is two weeks before event date.
Garden Club scholarship: Through April 13. The Buffalo Grove Garden Club is accepting applications for college scholarships to be awarded to students of Horticulture, Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, Botany, Agriculture or related fields for the 2009-10 academic year. The application is available online, at bgparkdistrict.org/in_gardenclub.htm. For information, e-mail bmeca@comcast.net.
Nurses Club Scholarship: Applications must be received by April 30. The Arlington Heights Nurses Club is offering scholarships to residents of Arlington Heights who have been accepted into a college or university nursing program and will be starting their nursing clinical rotations. Applications and information are available at ahnc.info.
April 6
Job Search Workshop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 6, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Professionals from the Illinois Worknet Center help job seekers with job searching, resumes, interviews and networking. Barb Vlk, (847) 870-3642 or bvlk@ahml.info.
Show and Tell With Microsoft Photostory 3: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn to create a photo DVD or CD of digital photos with motion, music, voice narration and more with MS Photo Story 3 for Windows XP. Registration required. (847) 459-4100.
April 7
Sketching: 10 a.m.-noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays April 7-May 26, Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St. Learn the basics of drawing. Class includes discussion and application. $65-$98. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
Discussion of New Atheism: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. Discussion about agnosticism, humanism and/or atheism. Kay, (847) 632-0660.
Writer's Workshop: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Writers can share and critique each other's work in a supportive atmosphere. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Author visit: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Popular author and poet Gary Soto visits for a special presentation for kids in grades four-eight. Autograph session follows the author presentation. fppl.org or (847) 376-2792.
April 8
Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipes and techniques. Topic: Italian Cookies and Desserts. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.
Manage Your Money in an Uncertain Economy: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Get strategies and tips that can help improve financial health. Free; register at www.ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Introduction to Microsoft Word: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, or 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn to create, format, edit, save, and print a document in Microsoft Word. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Cake Decorating Class: 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays April 8-April 29, South Barrington Park District Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Laura Vercillo, a Wilton instructor teach the art of cake decorating. $48-$52. Register at (847) 381-7515.
April 9
Nonfiction adult book discussion: 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Palatine Library, 700 N. North Court. Discussion of "Driving Mr. Albert: a trip across America with Einstein's Brain" by Michael Paterniti. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 166 or 106, or palatinelibrary.org.
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.
Visual Journaling Class I: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays April 9-May 14, Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St. Exploration of personal journaling in colorful, visual form. $48-$72. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
Positive Psychology-Steps to Realizing Goals: 7 p. m. Thursday, April 9, Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Techniques for setting goals and carrying them through. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Writers Center reading series: 7:30 p.m. Elgin Community College, Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Author Kevin Brockmeier is the literary guest. Can also register for a pre-reading dinner at 5:30 p.m. with the author. For reservations, call Rachael, (847) 214-7578.
Read to Rover: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Students in grades 1-5 can sign up in person at the "Ask Here" desk for a 15-minute one-on-one session reading to a certified therapy dog. No parents or siblings allowed in the room during the session. Registration required. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
History Center Coffee Talk program: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Ellie Carlson presents, "A Visit with Mrs. Potts," the inventor of the cold-handled sad iron. (847) 391-5399.
April 10
All About Fen Shui: Arlington Design Center, 3265 N. Ridge Ave., building 2, Arlington Heights. Hosted by the IFDA and the Arlington Design Center. RSVP before Friday, April 10, to (847) 394-1373.
Meet Cookie Mouse: 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 13 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Featured book: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff.
April 11
Muslims 101: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Asra Yousufuddin of the Itasca Community Library teach the basics about Islam and Muslims. Program will address topics related to vocabulary, religion, people, places and more. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 167 or palatinelibrary.org.
Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April, 11, 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.
Fireside Doll Workshop: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Elk Grove Library, 1001 Wellington. Discussion and slide show of antique dolls. Bring your dolls to show and share. Agnes, (847) 437-7240.
April 13
Job Searching in Today's Economy: 7 p.m. Monday, April 13; 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Job hunters learn what they can do to find employment in today's economic climate. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Parent-child book club: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. (847) 358-5881 7:00 - Boys and girls in grades four-six and a parent will discuss "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 132, or palatinelibrary.org.
April 14
Drop-In Nursery Time: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11 and May 2, Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Storytime for babies age 3-23 months and a caregiver. No registration required. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Pajama-Rama: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Storytime for families. Children may wear their pajamas. (630) 837-2855.
Kermit was Wrong-It's Easy Being Green: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Learn what you can do to improve the impact you have on our planet. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Staying Alive: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Four hour class developed by the National Safety Council explores the problems and common-sense driving solutions to speeding, drinking, exhaustion and following others too closely. Open to all drivers ages 16-24. $39, includes materials. To register, (847) 925-6300 or harpercollege.edu.
Celebrate National Library week: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. In-depth discussion of the 25 books that most influenced Western civilization with historian and bibliphille William B. Haase. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35; or phpl.info.
April 15
Genealogy workshops: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Learn how to use databases to complete your family tree. (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Stories and More: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Stories and activities for grades K-two. Registration required, (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Web 2.0 Tools for Job Searching: 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 15, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Discuss the various ways to use Linkedin and other web tools to make a job search more effective. Free; registration required. Register at linkedinroundtable.eventbrite.com.
April 16
Book discussion: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Featuring a special speaker on "The Mango Season" by Amulya Malladi. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Authentic Italian Home cooking: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Prospect High School. Dora Travaglio shares her recipes and techniques. Topic: Simple Pasta Dishes. $59. (847) 718-7700 or ce214.org.
Red to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Register at (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us
Sci Fi films: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. "The Final Frontier - Sci Fi films from the 60s to the present" with Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire and novelist Raymond Benson. Free. Register at www.ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Author presentation: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Local authors, Lim Depriest and Joyce Elizabeth Norman talk about their new book "Growing Up Ebony and Ivory: A Conversation Between Two Women," which chronicles their interracial friendship. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.
April 17
Job Searching in Today's Economy: 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Job hunters learn what they can do to find employment in today's economic climate. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
April 18
Inside Writing and Publishing Writer's workshop: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Join children's author/illustrator Lisa Cinelli for this workshop on children's picture books. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 132 or palatinelibrary.org.
Drop-in Toddler Time: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. For 2-year olds and their caregivers. (630) 837-2855 of bartlett.lib.il.us
April 20
Your Financial Future: 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Ann Marie Hartline from the U.S. Department of Labor will talk about setting financial goals and how to make the most of benefits. Register at www.ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Holocaust Remembrance: Yom HaShoah Community Program will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Join for this community service to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. (847) 459-1677 or www.congregation-betham.org
April 22
Making Your Money Last in Retirement: 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Participants will discuss stretching retirement dollars to insure they don't outlive their money. Free; no registration needed. Visit www.ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Crossing Hoffa: 7-8:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Author Steven J. Harper will discuss his book "Crossing Hoffa," the story of Harper's father, a trucker who took on Jimmy Hoffa in 1959. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
April 23
Poetry Slam-Teen Coffee Night: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Poet George David Miller as moderates as you share your prose with friends. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
April 24
April book discussion: 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
April 25
Book Brunch: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades 4-6 come together for food and discussion of their favorite books. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Super Spring Used Book Sale: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Buy books, CDs, magazines, DVDs and videos. Book bags are on sale for $10. Call (847) 392-0100.
April 26
Genealogy program: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present Preserving Your Ancestor's Legacy: Write Their Life Story" by Mike Karsen at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use the library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites, or ask genealogical related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.
Becoming More Psychic Through Your Angels: A workshop, facilitated by Wendy Eidman, will be presented from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines. Suggested offering of $20. Wendy Eidman is a certified angel therapy practitioner, medium, and professional spiritual teacher. For details, call (800) 798-9270, e-mail angelgalwendy@yahoo.com, or visit www.angelgalwendy.com. To register for the workshop, call (847) 297-0997.
Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Discuss "Three Cups of Tea" by author Greg Mortenson. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
April 28
Pajama-Rama: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Storytime for families. Children may wear their pajamas. (630) 837-2855.
April 29
Morningstar Financial Training: 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. An online seminar on how to use the Morningstar financial. Free. Register at www.ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Poetic License: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 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.
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
Islamic Radisalism: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. Roman Golash and Chuck Dobra present salient features of "Islamic Radicalism."
May 9
Drop-in Toddler Time: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. For 2-year olds and their caregivers. (630) 837-2855 of bartlett.lib.il.us
May 13
Stories and More: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Stories and activities for grades K-two. Registration required, (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Mother Goose and Her Friends: 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Fast-paced literature program for young children up to first grade. Features nursery rhymes and puppetry. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
May 14
Red to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Register at (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us
May 17
Spiritual Literacy, Greek Orthodoxy: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Information on the Greek Orthodox faith will be shared. Greek refreshments will be served. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
May 29
May book discussion: 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. "Sin in the Second City" by Karen Abbott will be discussed. (630)-837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
May 31
Beginning genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host a Beginner's Workshop led by Judy Frazin at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. This program is designed to help answer the question, "How do I get started researching my family?" jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.
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.