Warren-Newport Public Library notes
Warren-Newport Public Library For more information, call (847) 244-5150. Register at www.wnpl.info.
The Warren-Newport Public Library District serves a population of approximately 58,000 within a 55-square mile area that covers all or most of Warren and Newport Townships, including Gurnee, Wadsworth, Park City, Wildwood, Grandwood Park, Old Mill Creek, and portions of Grayslake, Millburn, Lake Villa and Waukegan.
Teen theater opportunity: Teens ages 15 to 18 who are interested in acting, science fiction or skateboarding are invited to audition for "Walls" by Gurnee playwright Madelyn Sergel. Auditions will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, with rehearsals scheduled for March 13 and 15. There will be a public reading by the teen talent at 2 p.m. March 16. As described by Sergel, " 'Walls' is a sci-fi action series for the stage that explores topics such as friendship, conflict and freedom." For more information, visit www.madelynsergel.com
Writing contest still open: Now in its 15th year, the Friends of the Library Creative Writing Contest has drawn hundreds of poems and short stories from schoolchildren to seniors. The deadline for submissions for the current contest is Sunday. The awards ceremony and reading is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 13. Cash prizes are awarded in four age categories for poetry and short stories. Details are available at www.wnpl.info.
Free Kids Movie Matinee: Parents, caregivers and kids are invited to a free showing of the film "Cars" at the Warren-Newport Public Library on the Casimir Pulaski Day holiday, at 2 p.m. March 3. This animated film, rated "G," follows Lighting McQueen, a hot stock car, heading to a big race. He gets bogged down in Radiator Springs and learns about true friendship. No registration needed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Animal crackers will be served.
Preschool storytime: To help children discover the joy of books, the library will offer preschool storytimes through April 12. Online registration is under way for children ages 2 through 5 (pre-kindergarten). In addition, drop-in stories for all families are offered at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at 10 a.m. Saturdays.
Gather and stitch: From 6 to 9 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month all stitchers are welcome to come the library to enjoy a relaxing evening of sharing and conversation while working on projects and learning new stitches. The informal group session is open to all levels and needlecrafts, including knitting, quilting, cross stitch, crochet, tatting and crewel. Young stitchers with an adult are also welcome. The library's collection includes hundreds of books on hand and needle crafts.
One Book, One Community: The Warren-Newport Public Library has announced its first One Book, One Community program. Everyone is invited to read "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson, a best-selling and award-winning book set in Chicago during the World Columbian Exposition of 1893, and discuss it at several scheduled events. More than 100 paperback copies of the book are available for check out. Book discussions have been scheduled, and the program will close with special performances during National Library Week in April. All programs require registration.
IM the reference desk: The reference desk of the Warren-Newport Public Library offers a new instant message service. It's easy to do and is faster than e-mail, and no special software is required. Visit the library's homepage and click on the "IM Reference" link for adults or kids, during regular library hours. Once connected, type in question and the reference staff will help out.
Monthly gatherings: Several library-sponsored groups meet monthly at the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee and welcome new members. Three book discussion groups cover fiction and non-fiction on scheduled days, evenings and Saturdays. Stitch and Share meets at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. A local chapter of the Red Hat Society, Lovely and Lively Ladies of the Library, meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday. Finally, the Friends of the Library, meet at 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday.
Math tutors: The Warren-Newport Public Library holds free volunteer math tutors who are Motorola professionals from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for drop-in help for fifth-grade through senior high school students.
Library Cafe: Visitors to the Warren-Newport Public Library can enjoy their coffee and more with the opening of K-Sweets Cafe, which serves sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, sweets and paninis. The cafe is also a free wireless hotspot. For more information, call (847) 782-2233.