Mount Prospect Public Library notes

For information, call (847) 253-5675.

Banned Books Week: "Treasure Your Freedom to Read" during Banned Books Week 2007, which began Saturday and runs through Sunday. Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to express one's opinion -- even if that opinion may be unorthodox or unpopular. The event stresses the vital importance of ensuring that controversial viewpoints are available to all who wish to read them, thus guaranteeing intellectual freedom to all. Check out the library's lobby display featuring titles that have been banned at one time or another in schools and libraries around the country. For more information, call (847) 253-5675.

"When I Grow Up I Want to Be …": Local artist Erik Blome, creator of the library's "Peace Sculpture," has put together an exhibit featuring original works from students in the African country of Ethiopia that will be on display through Oct. 14. The display, located in the second floor hallway, seeks to educate and raise awareness about the Ethiopian nation. The exhibit also features a brief video containing interviews with the student artists. No registration is required to view the exhibit. Call (847) 253-5675 for more information.

Food for Thought: The library's "Food for Thought" book group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, to discuss Michael Raleigh's "In the Castle of the Flynns." Copies of the book are available at the Fiction/AV/Teen Desk. No registration is required. Call (847) 253-5675 for more information.

Movies @ MPPL: The library presents a complimentary movie screening at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 1 p.m. Oct. 11. For more information on this month's featured film, call (847) 253-5675.

Due to a restrictive marketing agreement, the library is prevented from reporting the title of this film in media aimed at the general public.

Caribbean Festival Night: A month-long cultural celebration of the Caribbean kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday, when the library presents a performance/demonstration by the Pan Go Steel Band, led by Paul G. Ross.

Featuring the Midwest's most experienced professional pannists, Pan Go Steel Band members will demonstrate different instruments of the steel pan family, discuss the steel drum's origins, perform authentic Caribbean music, and entertain questions from the audience. Guests will enjoy refreshments during the performance. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

The library's "Passport to the Caribbean Islands" cultural celebration in October features events designed for patrons of all ages. This exciting series of programs is part of the library's ongoing effort to explore the diverse cultures of the Chicago area.

Chess for All Ages: Test your skills during an afternoon of open play chess from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The library welcomes players of all skill levels, from novice to master, and will provide chessboards and refreshments. An adult must accompany children under age nine. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Chat and Chew: Children in grades four through six will enjoy a Columbus Day lunch and book discussion of Candace Fleming's "Lowji Discovers America" from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Just after his ninth birthday, Lowji learns his family is moving … all the way from Bombay, India to Hamlet, Illinois. Already, he has learned a uniquely American expression for how he feels about this: bummer. Books are available at the Youth Services desk. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

October's Chat and Chew program is part of the library's participation in the Suburban Mosaic Book Discussion Program, which seeks to promote understanding of the many races and ethnic backgrounds of people living in Chicago's Northwest suburbs.

Tastes and Flavors of the Caribbean: The library welcomes Chef David Esau, of Dave's Specialty Foods, for a program that will present best techniques for cooking and serving Caribbean food at 7 p.m. Oct. 9.

During this cooking demonstration -- part of the library's month-long "Passport to the Caribbean Islands" cultural program -- Chef Esau will prepare Jerk Chicken, Jamaican Rice and Peas, and Mango Tart. Guests will enjoy samples and take home recipes, all included with the program's $4 registration fee.

Register for this program in-person at the library's Registration Desk. For more information, call (847) 253-5675.

The library's "Passport to the Caribbean Islands" cultural celebration in October features events designed for patrons of all ages.

How to Double or Triple Your Business: Kriss D. Knowles, Director of Elgin College's Small Business Development Center, presents an overview of resources available to business professionals and entrepreneurs looking to increase sales at 8 a.m. Oct. 9. The SBDC, funded by a grant administered by the Small Business Association, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Elgin College, provides free confidential counseling to area businesses. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.