Vernon Area Public Library notes

For more information or to register, call the Vernon Area Public Library at (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

All programs are offered free, unless otherwise indicated. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information contact Shannon Galton at (847) 634-3650, ext. 137, or e-mail Shannon at sgalton@vapld.info

Feng shui for your home: Discover feng shui, an ancient Chinese system for creating peaceful, supportive surroundings, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Writers Support Group: The Writers Support Group, led by Sandy Kamen Wisniewski, offers an opportunity for writers -- published or not -- to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, May 14 and June 11. New members are welcome. Registration is not required.

Animal encounters: Dr. Robert James, a zoologist, teacher and author, will teach respect for animals and the environment from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Encounter an ostrich, porcupine and alligator in this educational, hands-on program.

Games for grown-ups: Play chess against an old friend or find a new opponent from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Participants can sharpen their skills with the help of chess instructor Robert Krause. Those who prefer can play one of the library's other board games. Registration is not required.

Teen book discussion: There will be a teen book discussion of "Beastly" by Alex Finn from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday. This book is a modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" told from the point of view of the Beast, a vain high school student who is turned into a monster and must find true love before he can regain his human form.

Copies of the book are available at the library. For eighth- to 12th-graders.

Ricky Recycle: This interactive program from 7 to 8 p.m. April 15 encourages kids to laugh while learning the importance of recycling. Learn how to preserve natural resources, what can be recycled and how to reduce waste.

Tax help for seniors: A trained AARP volunteer offers free help to senior citizens in completing their income tax forms from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring a copy of last year's tax return. To make an appointment, call the Adult Services Desk at (847) 634-3650.

Baby or bridal showers: Learn how to throw a baby or bridal shower from 7 to 9 p.m. April 16. Deena Stovall will provide ideas for themes, invitations, decorations and favors, and finish with finger food and desserts. Stovall will provide recipes for a bridal shower luncheon menu and a baby shower dessert buffet. Tasting and recipes will be included.

Parent-child book discussion: There will be a book discussion from 7 to 8:15 p.m. April 16 for the book "The Liberation of Gabriel King" by K.L. Going. A complimentary copy of the book will be reserved upon registration. For fourth- to eighth-graders.

Barbara Rinella presents: Barbara Rinella will portray award-winning novelist and screenwriter Nora Ephron, who wrote "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail," from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 17.

Chicago wilderness: In "Chicago Wilderness: Where I Find Inspiration," professional nature photographer Mike MacDonald will celebrate the natural beauty of the Chicago wilderness from 7:30 to 9 p.m. April 22. From Illinois State Beach to Elgin's Bluff Spring, explore the secret beauty of Chicagoland.

Live Green! library bags: The library will provide patrons with the option of purchasing a Live Green! reusable library bag made from revolutionary, high-tech, non-woven polyprolene that is reusable and degrades more easily than plastic when disposed of. Patrons can purchase a bag for $1 at the Patron Services Desk beginning on Earth Day, April 22.

Prairie State test primer: John Lynn will share a comprehensive overview of Illinois and its heritage, features and attractions from noon to 1 p.m. April 23.

Money smart for kids: This program, presented from 7 to 8 p.m. April 23 by Great Lakes Credit Union and Junior Achievement, features "Biz Kid$," a PBS television series on entrepreneurship and financial literacy for kids. The program includes a viewing of an actual "Biz Kid$" episode followed by learning activities on how to make and manage money.

Go green with home design: Michelle Pelech and Tara Brown of Chelle Design Group in Libertyville will show how to incorporate environmentally-friendly design into a house with everything from flooring to furniture and accessories. Learn how to select materials good for the planet without compromising style or price, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 24.

Reuse-A-Shoe: VAPLD will collect old athletic shoes through April 24. Help stop clogging landfills with shoes by dropping off old athletic shoes in the lobby. Shoes need to be clean and contain no metal.

Music with Carol Weston: This musical program from 10 to 10:45 a.m. or 11 to 11:45 a.m. April 26 is a mix of music, dancing and fun for infants to 5-year-olds with caregivers. Carol Weston will perform new songs and the tried and true ones that children love to sing on their own.

Earth Day Fair: The Vernon Area Public Library District, a member of the Clean Air Counts Campaign, will host its Second Annual Earth Day Fair from noon to 2 p.m. April 27. Visit with local villages, park districts, garden clubs and other area environmental groups as they share information about their organizations, discuss environmental topics and offer ways to help.

Enjoy organic snacks from Trader Joe's, green giveaways and raffles, an animal exhibit, worm bin exhibit, the Field Museum Soil Adventure Mobile, Bubba the Art Bus, an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt at 1 p.m. and the library's Second Annual Tree Planting Ceremony at 1:30 p.m.

Booths will include: Bubba the Art Bus from Art Works, Buffalo Grove Garden Club, Chelle Design Group Ltd, ComEd, Lake County Forest Preserves and Ryerson Woods, Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lincolnshire Garden Club, Long Grove and Kildeer Garden Club, Long Grove Park District, SWALCO, Shaklee Sergeant Health and Wellness Solutions, Sierra Club, State Representative Kathy Ryg, Trader Joe's, village of Buffalo Grove and the village of Lincolnshire.

Registration is not required.

Movie night: The library will show "The 11th Hour" from 7 to 9 p.m. April 28. The film, produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, explores how people affect the Earth's ecosystems and can be done to change its course.

VAPLD Extreme Makeover: VAPLD is teaming with Michael Thomas Salon to make someone's "extreme makeover" dream come true. Applicants must explain in 200 words or less why they are in need of a makeover. The library will choose one winner to spend a day at Michael Thomas Salon getting a facial, makeup application, new hairstyle and color. All entrants should be willing to participate in a "before and after" photo session. Entry forms are available in the library lobby and need to be turned in at the service desk by 9 p.m. May 1. The library will announce the winner at the Women's Wellness Day Event at 1:45 p.m. May 18. Winner does not need to be present to win.