Schaumburg Township District Library notes

Teen programming: Teens will find plenty of programs, contests and useful information in October at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Registration is required for all of the following programs.

October is Teen Read Month, with this year's theme "LOL @ Your Library." To celebrate, the library is holding a "What's So Funny" writing contest through Oct. 31. Teens can enter by submitting a story, 200 words or less, about the funniest thing that has happened to them.

Winners will have dinner with an author or win a gift certificate to Borders Books. To enter, send an e-mail with the story, your name, phone number and age to aalessio@stdl.org, or drop off a hard copy at the Reader Services Desk the central library, or the branch libraries in Hoffman Estates or Hanover Park.

The Teen Advisory Board, which meets monthly and is open to teens in grades seven-12, will celebrate Halloween "Potter style" and make cards for soldiers in meetings at the central library and Hanover Park branch. The groups will meet from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. today and Nov. 13 at the Hanover Park branch; and from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 and Nov. 20 at the central library. Food and beverages will be served.

The Teen Writing Club, led by columnist and author Catherine Stier, will celebrate the launch of Stier's new book, "If I Ran for President" during the October meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

Writing Club members should register to reserve their autographed copy. The group meets monthly and welcomes teens in grades seven-12 to share creative writing pieces including poetry, short stories and more. New members are welcome.

To register for teen events, e-mail Amy Alessio at aalessio@stdl.org or call (847) 923-3191.

Upcoming programming: Autumn is here, and the Schaumburg Township District Library is ready with seasonal programs, day trips and more. Programs take place at the central library, 130 S. Roselle Road, unless otherwise indicated.

There can be many challenges to being part of a stepfamily. Clinical psychologist Lisa Irgang will provide some practical tips on building communication, managing discipline and resolving money concerns in "Moving From a Step to a Blended Family," held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Rasmussen Room.

Upcoming trips on the library's agenda include the Chicago Lyric Opera House for "LaTraviata" on Friday. All require registration and fees. See the library's August-September Program Guide for details.

Moviegoers may enjoy discussions by Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire and award-winning author Raymond Benson during Dann and Raymond's Movie Club, held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, in the library's Audiovisual Department on the first floor.

To register for adult programs and trips, call the library at (847) 923-3347. Fees may be paid via telephone with a credit card, or in person at the library's Information-Magazines Desk on the second floor.

Calling all movie buffs: Those who enjoy movies and discussing them with others can join the American Cinema and Book-Film Discussion groups at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.

The American Cinema Group meets at 6:45 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, September through May, in the library's Adult Classroom.

Members will view the movie and follow up with a discussion lead by film critic Alan Grimm. Registration and a $20 fee are required for the series.

The Book-Film Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the library's Rasmussen North Room. Group members view the movie at the first meeting and discuss the book and movie at the second.

Led by Grimm and fellow film critic Bonnie Antosh, registration and a $30 fee are required for the group. The fee includes the cost of all books in the series.

For more information or to register, call (847) 923-3347. Fees can be accepted via telephone with a credit card, or in person at the Information/Magazines Desk on the library's second floor.

For more information, call (847) 985-4000.