Northwest suburban books & enrichment
Events related to books and events that enrich your mind, such as book signings, book club events, book sales, writers' group events, lectures, speakers, classes, forums and discussions.
December Computer Programs: Online registration for the Mount Prospect Public Library's November computer programs begins Saturday, Nov. 1. December's slate of computer programs will help patrons sharpen their Internet skills, provide tips for online shopping, and create spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel. Space is limited for each program. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
1950s House: Open 1-4 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays, April through December; Rolling Meadows Historical Museum, 3100 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. For details, and to schedule tour groups, call (847) 577-7346.
Long Grove Art School: Spoerlein Commons S.C. Suite 209, Arlington Heights and McHenry roads, Buffalo Grove. Class instructions are in oil paint, acrylics, watercolor, and drawing one 2-hour workshop/class for adults in oil on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Four weekly classes are forming with a maximum of six students. Private instruction and open studio time. Four week classes for kids ages 7-12. (847) 634-2920 www.longgroveartschool.com.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates exhibit: On display Nov. 11 to Dec. 31, Indian Trails Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. "Confronting Democracy's Boundaries - The Lincoln Douglas Debates" will highlight the 1858 series of seven debates. For information, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Nov. 11
Eighth Air Force Combat Veteran Recalls WWII: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Bill Wagner, former radio operator and gunner on B-17 Flying Fortresses during World War II is honored. On his 24th combat mission his plane was shot down and he was captured and held as a POW. To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or visit phpl.info.
Veterans Day program: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Earl D. Epsteen will share his experiences as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II and describe how he transported troops to Omaha Beach in support of the D-Day invasion and how his transport ship survived a direct hit by a German torpedo. Mppl.org/events or (847) 253-5675.
Genealogy class: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Topic is A New Location - Steps for Quickly Getting Started." Call (847) 923-3390.
Veterans Day: 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn the history of Veterans Day. A member of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will appear. The library will be presented a congratulatory certificate and a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building. The Color Guard will also be on hand. For information, call (847) 459-4100.
Principals at the Library: 7-7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Adam Palmer, principal of Lake Louise School reads his favorite story. (847) 358-5881.
American Legion Post 690 Veterans Day program: 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans' Memorial in Community Park, Northwest Highway and East Wood St., Palatine. Legion's Color Guard and Rifle Team, remarks by leaders of the Legion, the Legion auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion, as well as by Mayor Rita Mullins. Legion commander Wally Degner presents the keynote address. Call Fred Hall, (847) 921-5149.
Elgin Community College open house: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Advanced Technology Center auditorium, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. ECC faculty and students provide information about the benefits of attending ECC. Tour campus, classrooms, labs, special presentations, more. Register at (847) 214-7385.
Nov. 12
Movie discussion: 6:30-9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Complimentary screening and discussion of a feature film. Call (847) 253-5675. Due to a restrictive marketing agreement, the Library is prohibited from reporting the title of this film in media aimed at the general public.
Career discovery workshop: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 12 and 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Two-hour workshop for individuals seeking assistance with career planning. Free. To register, call (847) 214-7399.
Physical Therapist Assistant information session: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, Elgin Community College, Advanced Technology Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Learn more about the physical therapist assistant program from ECC representatives. Entrance requirements, admission process and employment options discussed. To register, call (847) 214-7385 or elgin.edu/schedulevisit.
Nov. 13
Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Salsa and Latin Dance: 7-9 p.m.; Thursdays, Nov. 13 and 20; Des Plaines School of Dance 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines Learn Cha Cha, Rumba, and Salsa. Open to ages 16 and older. Residents: $38; nonresidents, $48. Call (847) 391-5700 to register or visit desplainesparks.org.
King Arthur Flour holiday baking class: Noon-2 p.m. sweet and savory yeast breads; 7-9 p.m. festive cookies and pies; Thursday, Nov. 13, Hotel Indigo Chicago, 920 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine. kingarthurflour.com/baking or call (800) 827-6836.
Lyric Opera Lecture: 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm. Learn why Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" is considered the finest American opera ever composed. To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or visit phpl.info
Book Discussion: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Discussion on "Digging to America," by Anne Tyler. Register dppl.org, or call (847) 376-2787.
Coffee Talk: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Features Mammalogist Joyce Hoffmann who will speak about bats in Illinois. Free. desplaineshistory.org. (847) 391-5399
Lyric Opera Lecture: 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Discussion of "Porgy and Bess,"including musical excerpts and historical background. To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or visit phpl.info.
Nov. 14
Ain't Wii Got Fun: 10 a.m., Fridays, Nov. 14 and 28; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Computer game system that translates movements into action on the screen. Register at dppl.org or call (847) 376-2787.
Create-a-Craft: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Create autumn-inspired art. An adult must accompany children under 9. No registration is required. Drop by anytime. Call (847) 253-5675.
Nov. 15
Starting from the Middle-Changing Course Midlife: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Half-day workshop designed to help explore options for finding a meaningful new path at midlife. $45. For information, visit bacoa.org.
"In Search of Shangri-La": 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15; Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Travel and Adventure program on southwest China and Hong Kong. Follows the path of James Hilton's inspiration for his novel "Lost Horizon" Follows the path of James Hilton's inspiration for his novel "Lost Horizon" Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for District 214 Gold Card Members. Call (847) 718-7703.
Weber Grill Grilling 103 Cooking class: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 15, Weber Grill Restaurant, 1010 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg. Demonstration-style indoor cooking class on rubs and brines, as well as classic barbecue and smoking techniques. Reservations, required, (847) 413-1277.
Nov. 16
Barrington Chapter Lyric Opera of Chicago lyric education symposium: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Northwestern University's Chicago campus. Symposium on "Porgy and Bess." $25. Call the Lyric's ticket office at (312) 332-2244. lyricopera.org.
Film And Discussion: 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Screening of the animated feature film based on the novel "Persepolis," by Marjane Satrapi. Register at dppl.org or call (847) 376-2787.
Nov. 17
Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Porgy and Bess" with lecturer Howard and Mary Robins. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200.
lyricopera.org.
Drumming circle: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road. Learn the history and culture of exotic drums from around the world and experience how playing these drums releases stress, promoted creativity and self-expression. Instruments provided. Free for all ages. To register, (630) 213-0100.
Nov. 18
Intermediate Internet Searching: 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 and 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Tips and tricks for smarter searching and a some useful Web sites. Register at dppl.org or call (847) 376-2787.
Drop-In e-mail and Internet assistance: 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 or 8:05 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Learn how to get e-mail, search on the Internet and navigate Web sites. No registration required.
Journey to Antarctica: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm. Photographic journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. To register, call (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or visit phpl.info
Experiences of War: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Hear firsthand accounts of the ravages of war from a panel of veterans from Mount Prospect. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Nov. 19:
Building Wealth Through Debt Elimination: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Harper College, 1200 Algonquin Road, Palatine. Presented by Sherry Ridge, author, personal finance adviser and financial independence consultant. Free, registration required. (847) 925-6558.
James Bond author: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. In-depth, audiovisual exploration of "007," and the character's creator, Ian Fleming. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Nov. 20
Career discovery workshop: 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Two-hour workshop for individuals seeking assistance with career planning. Free. To register, call (847) 214-7399.
Family reading night: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Includes strolling musician and balloon artist, John Measner. (847) 358-5881.
Career Counseling: 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 20; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Learn interviewing skills, resume writing, networking, and other issues in the job search process. Sign up at the registration desk. Call (847) 376-2787.
Nov. 21
Friends of the Palatine Library holiday sale: Library hours Tuesday, Nov. 21-Thursday, Nov. 23, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Books suitable for gift giving will be available along with a like-new collection of adult and children's books and miscellaneous gift items. (847) 358-4396.
Nov. 23
Abraham Lincoln In Song: 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Using period music and Lincoln's stories, folk singer and songwriter Chris Vallillo brings Abraham Lincoln to life from his birth in Kentucky in 1809 through his tragic death in 1865. Register at dppl.org or call (847) 376-2787.
Nov. 24
Principals at the Library: 7-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Diane Murphy, principal of Hunting Ridge School reads her favorite story. (847) 358-5881.
Computer practice and playtime: 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Learn computer games and get practice in computer skills. No registration required.
Nov. 25
Weird Science: 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. A series of short, easy and sometimes weird demonstrations on chemical and physical phenomena. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Thanksgiving storytime: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Drop in for a preschool Thanksgiving storytime. (847) 358-5881.
Nov. 26
Pajama party at the library: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Children of all ages - grab a pillow, war your coolest pajamas and slippers and join the library for a special storytime. Mile and cookies served. (847) 358-5881.
Dec. 3
Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Madam Butterfly" with lecturer Sheila Amend. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.
Dec. 4
Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Dec. 13
Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Dec. 14
Jewish United Fund Book Buddies: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Barnes & Noble, 590 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Learn about Hanukkah through art projects, storytime, and songs. For families with children under age 5. Reservations to Abby, (312) 444-2844.
Jan. 27
Divorce and Finance: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, Harper College, 1200 Algonquin Road, Palatine. Presented by Adra Campbell, past president of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. Free, registration required. (847) 925-6558.
Jan. 28
Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Tristan Und Isolde" with lecturer John Piepgras. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. .lyricopera.org.
Feb. 6
Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 1 p.m. Feb. 6, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci" with lecturer Denny Hayes. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.
March 11
Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Corps lecture: 3:30 p.m. March 11, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago's Outreach Community Education program presents "Abduction From the Seraglio" with lecturer Gary Pett. Free and open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers are welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill Lund at (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.