The briefs

Author gives character tips

Creating Series Characters will be the presentation by mystery writer J. A. Konrath, author of the Lt. Jacqueline Daniels series, at 2 p.m. today at Bloomingdale Public Library, 101 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale. Konrath will share his insights on creating winning characters and likeable heroes that can help get one's work published. The lecture will be followed by a book signing. Registration is required. To register, call (630) 924-2730.

Reading club starts in Warrenville

The Winter Reading Club starts today at Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, and runs through Feb. 28. Participants can complete six activities by Feb. 28 to receive a small gift and be entered for a prize drawing. Prizes will be a family membership to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and gift cars to Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant. Adult club members must be 16 years old and older, and children club members must be two to 15 years old. Registration will be taken in person at the Library. Participants must be valid Warrenville Public Library District Cardholders. For details, call (630) 393-1171.

It's a Wild Winter in Itasca

Itasca's annual Winterfest will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Spring Brook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, falcon flyers, an ice-carving demonstration, snow-shoeing, arts and crafts, storytelling and more. Highlighting the event will be dogs of the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago. Concessions and hot cocoa will be available. For details, call (630) 773-5572.

Museum opens with winter hours

The Warrenville Historical Museum opens for 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Albright Building, 3S530 Second St., Warrenville. The newest exhibit is Remembering the Sesquicentennial in celebration of Warrenville's 175th birthday in 2008. The exhibit looks back at the City's 150th birthday in 1983. The museum will continue to be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays for the winter. For details, call Carolyn Wondrow at (630) 393-4568.

Animation history starts at COD

A new course that explores the history of animated film from its origins to the present will be Mondays from noon to 2:15 p.m. Monday through May 12 in room 178 or the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. History of Animation will explore animation firsts, experimental animations, short subject, propaganda, art animations, contemporary animations and features. Cost is $309 dollars for Community College District 502 residents. For details, call Tony Venezia at (630) 942-2020.

Reserve singers for Valentine's Day

Western Lights Chorus will be providing singing valentines for Valentine's Day. Female barbershop-style singers will surprise your valentine with a love song medley, a flower and a card from you. Cost is $35. To make a reservation or for details, call Irene at (630) 907-0328.