Des Plaines Public Library notes
For information, call (847) 827-5551.
Programs are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required for most activities. (R) Register at the Registration Desk, (847) 376-2787. (R-YS) Register at the Youth Services Desk, (847) 376-2839. General number: (847) 827-5551. Spanish Information Line: (847) 376-2904. Friends of the Library: (847) 376-2922.
Adult Winter Reading Club 2008: "Happy Days Are Here Again," the 2008 Adult Winter Reading Club gives teens and adults the opportunity to read books and vote for their favorite fiction genre. Read more books, cast more votes. Each vote makes the reader eligible for prizes. The program runs through Feb. 24. (R-RS or Mobile Library)
Winter Reading Club: Children preschool through eighth grade are invited to "Read to Succeed." Participating readers will be eligible to win weekly prizes. Those completing the program may also win the grand prize. The Winter Reading Club is cosponsored with the Chicago Wolves hockey team. Registration began Jan. 2 and the reading club runs until Feb. 24. (R-YS or the Mobile Library)
Story Explorers: Stories, crafts and related activities for children in grades 3-5 is from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday. (R-YS)
Meet Spot: Children ages 3 to 6 and their families are invited to spend time making crafts, playing games and enjoying refreshments with Spot the Dog from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Friends Room on the 1st floor. (R-YS)
Drop-In Storytimes: Storytime for 3- to 5-year-olds will be held from 2-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Storytime for 2-year-olds will be held from 10:45-11:15 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"The Namesake": Readers' Services Assistant Cathy Friedman will lead a discussion of "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri at 10 a.m. Feb. 5 in the Rotary Heritage Reading Room on the third floor. Registration is required. Books are available one month prior at the Readers' Services Desk on the third floor.
"The Namesake" follows the journey of the Ganguli family from their tradition-bound life in Calcutta through their difficult assimilation in America. The son Gogol wishes to escape his parents' restrictive and smothering ways and his first step is to shed the name Gogol before thoroughly understanding why he is the Russian author's namesake.
"The Thirteenth Tale": Cheryl Gladfelter will lead a book discussion on "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield in the Rotary Heritage Reading Room on the third floor of the Des Plaines Public Library at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Books are available one month prior at the Readers' Services Desk.
"The Thirteenth Tale" is about reclusive author Vida Winter, who has talked about her life many times, but never told the truth. But now, she is nearing the end of her life and is ready to reveal all.
Stories and More: At 4 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 7 and 21, the library will host stories, crafts and related activities for children ages 5-7. (R-YS).
Drop-in Valentine's Day Craft: The library will offer a drop-in craft from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 9, to celebrate Valentine's Day. Craft materials are provided.
Autism discussion: Linda Hoeck, autism coordinator for the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, will discuss "The Many Faces of Autism," a special presentation at 7 p.m. Feb. 11. Registration is required for this free program.
Time is allotted at the end of the presentation for audience questions. Questions and requests for additional information raised at this first program will also be used to plan four additional programs scheduled in April 2008.
"The Many Faces of Autism" is the first in a series of presentations on autism funded by the "Special Families Need Special Libraries" grant awarded to the library to offer programs increasing awareness of autism.
Library staff will also undergo training to better identify and serve the needs of the growing autistic community. For more information about the "Special Families Need Special Libraries" project, stop by the Youth Services Department or phone Veronica Schwartz at (847) 376-2791. To register for this program, call (847) 376-2787 or visit the library Web site at www.dppl.org and click Events.
PJ Storytime: Three- to 6-year-olds are invited to wear their PJs for 45 minutes of bedtime stories, songs and a craft at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Friends Room on the first floor.
The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Friends of the Library will sponsor "The Spirit of Harriet Tubman," a powerful one-woman show exploring the life of Harriet Tubman, at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Friends Room on the first floor.(R)
Animal Encounters with Dr. Robert James: Dr. James, zoologist from Animal Encounters, brings zoo animals such as a porcupine, ostrich and alligator to the library at 2 p.m. Feb. 17. The program is sponsored by Friends of the Library and held in the Friends Room on the first floor.
George Washington -- From Mt. Vernon to Washington D.C.: To celebrate Presidents' Day, Feb. 18, actor Terry Lynch brings George Washington to life in his one-man play at 3 p.m. in the Friends Room on the first floor. All ages are welcome.
Patchouli: Acoustic folk duo Patchouli bring their original brand of music to the Des Plaines Public Library at 2 p.m. Feb. 24. Using acoustic guitars, basses, marimbas and percussion, their music is influenced by worldwide folk styles. Registration is required for this free concert.