Mount Prospect Public Library notes

February Computer Programs: Online registration for the Library's February computer programs began Jan. 1. February's slate of computer programs will help patrons sharpen their Internet usage skills, create presentations with PowerPoint, and learn more about the Windows XP operating system and Excel spreadsheet programs. Patrons may also register for these programs in person at the library. Space is limited.

Book Chat at Caribou: Members of the Library's Readers Advisory Group will lead an informal book discussion of "The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography," by Sidney Poitier at 7 p.m. today at Caribou Coffee, 90 E. Northwest Hwy., Mount Prospect. Limited copies of the book are available at the Fiction/AV/Teen Desk. No registration is required.

Tales with Tails Registration: Register for Tales with Tails, a popular program where children in grades 2-5 practice reading to a specially trained dog from Rainbow Animal-Assisted Therapy. Weekly 15-minute sessions will be held Thursday evenings, Feb. 21 to March 20. Register in person at the Youth Services Desk. A Mount Prospect Public Library card is required.

Yoga in a Chair: The library's January Senior Session welcomes Lynette Coldebella of Arlington Heights-based Lotus Yoga Connection at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday for a demonstration of basic stretching exercises that seniors may perform while seated.

These gentle exercises improve overall physical fitness, increase flexibility, relieve stress and help those with conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and those who have suffered a stroke.

Preschool/Childcare Information Night: This open house event from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday will allow parents to meet with directors and teachers of Mount Prospect preschools and childcare centers. The program will help attendees learn more about a variety of early childhood programs and services available to families. No registration is required.

Coffee, Books and More: The library's Coffee, Books and More group will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday to discuss David McCullough's "John Adams." This chronicle of America's second president explores his youth, his career as a Massachusetts farmer and lawyer, his marriage to Abigail, his rivalry with Thomas Jefferson, and his immense contribution to the founding of the United States. Books are available at the Fiction/AV/Teen Desk. No registration is required.

Used Book Sale: Stock up on great books at bargain prices during the Friends of the Library's winter used book sale. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. A special "Members Only" sale will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. Funds raised through the sale will help the Friends support additional library events and services.

Chat and Chew: Children in grades four through six will chew on some good food while chatting about a great book from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 21 during a discussion of Nancy Springer's "The Case of the Missing Marquess." Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, must travel to London in disguise to unravel the disappearance of her missing mother. Books are available at the Youth Services Desk.

Book Voyagers: Why do some animals have a pouch for their babies? Children in grades one through three will explore the world of marsupials with stories, a craft, and a video from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Jan. 21. Learn about koalas, kangaroos and wombats. A snack will be served. This program is reserved for 35 Mount Prospect Public Library cardholders.

Writers Group: Local author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works with other creative minds, find inspiration, and reinvigorate their work. The group will meet for three monthly sessions, held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 21, Feb. 18 and March 17. A $10 registration fee is due for the three-part series by Jan. 21. Register in person at the Library. The Friends of the Library sponsor this program.

"Guitar Hero" Gaming Night: Students and teens in grades six through 12 will showcase their rock 'n roll talents during an evening event featuring the popular "Guitar Hero" video game, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 23.

During this interactive rock festival, participants will unleash their inner rock star, compete with friends for bragging rights and hone their skills. Refreshments and board games are available when not "on stage." To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Open Storytimes: The library invites children ages 6 and under and their families to attend these 30-minute sessions featuring stories and songs. Storytimes will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23 and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 25. An adult must accompany children under the age of three. No registration is required. For more information, call (847) 253-5675.

The Procrastinating Child: The library presents a program designed to offer parents tips on establishing rules that encourage children to complete chores and tasks right away, rather than putting them off. This program, held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, is based on author Rita Emmett's "The Procrastinating Child," and presented by her associate, Brian Redding.

Computer Basics: Participants will learn the basics of the mouse and keyboard, and take a tour of the computer desktop, from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 28 during this program designed for novice users. All beginners are welcome. Space is limited.

Book Publishing Your Way -- A Self-Publishing Workshop: Aspiring writers will learn the ins and outs of publishing in the 21st century during this workshop led by author Helen Gallagher, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Gallagher, author of "Release Your Writing: Publishing Your Way," will discuss the pros and cons of working with an agent, options for publishing written works independently, how to cope with new technologies and ways to effectively market a book.