Vernon Area Public Library notes

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.

Dreamweavers: Spend a day off from school with Madcap Puppet Productions at 11 a.m. today. This children's theater company uses giant puppets and actors to present "The Dreamweavers," a play based on stories about dreams from around the world. "The Magic Axe" from China, "Monstritos Banditos" from Spain and "The Waterman" of Scotland are included.

Behind the Veil: Farhat Haq, Ph.D. in political science and a teacher at Monmouth College will present a sensitive and compelling portrayal of women in the Muslim world at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Co-sponsored with the American Association of University Women.

Preschool Storytime: This half-hour weekly program features stories, songs and finger plays for children ages 3 to 5 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or 2 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 13 or Thursdays through Nov. 15. Halloween costumes may be worn Oct. 25 and 30.

Jamma Tales: This half-hour program, full of stories and songs, is designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their grown-ups at 7 p.m. Thursday. Children are welcome to wear their pajamas. Registration is not required.

Preschool Saturdays: Join in for stories in the picture book area for preschool children and caregivers at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Oct. 27. Registration is not required.

Credit reports: Participants will learn about credit scores, common myths and how to get free copies of their credit reports at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.

Chicagoland Ghost Stories: Get into the Halloween spirit with ghost stories at 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Supernatural and paranormal expert Dale Kaczmarek will tell tales of Chicago and suburban locations considered to be haunted.

A Teeny, Tiny Halloween: This gentle program is just the right mix of seasonal stories, rhyme, puppetry and creative dramatics that help children enjoy the fun of Halloween without the fear from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Oct. 20. For infants through kindergartners and their caregivers.

Legend of Sleepy Hollow: GreatWORKS Theatre Company presents "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," a theatrical adaptation of Washington Irving's classic. This blend of comedy and seasonal spookiness gives a glimpse of life in New England during the 1800s, at 2 p.m. Oct. 21.

Scary stories: "Scary Stories, Tragic Tales and Dreadful Dramas" is a storytelling hour filled with tales of woe and wicked deeds at 7 p.m. Oct. 23. Not for the faint of heart.

Halloween Gingerbread House: Chef Michael Niksic will give a presentation on Halloween gingerbread houses, with professional tips to help participants create a work of art at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

Charity Fair 2007: Celebrate National Make A Difference Day at the Charity Fair from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Local charities will discuss their causes and answer questions. Learn what the charities represent, where they are headed in the future and how to help. Charity Fair Participants include A Safe Place, American Red Cross, Canavan Research Illinois, CASA of Lake County, Cheng-Kung Arts and Culture Society, Community Youth Network, Dysautonmia Foundation, Girl Scouts-Illinois Crossroads Council, Hearts, Body and Soul, Kids Hope United, La Leche League, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District, Lisa Klitzky Foundation, Our Lady of the Grove Knights of Columbus, Skokie Valley Sail and Power Squadron, Special Needs Network, Uhlich Children's Advantage Network, United Way of Lake County, VAPLD Friends of the Library and Vernon Township. Registration is not required.

Red Cross Blood Drive: The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27 during the Charity Fair. Donors must be 17; those who are 16 years old may donate with a signed parental consent form, available in the lobby. Drink plenty of water and eat a good meal prior to donation. A photo ID is required. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, contact Shannon Galton at sgalton@vapld.info or call (847) 634-3650, ext. 137, and leave a name, number and the preferred time to donate. Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes.

Stockwood Rocks: The "World's Youngest Beatles Tribute Band" and 2006 Battle of the Beatle Bands Champions, Stockwood, will provide entertainment during the Charity Fair at 2 p.m. Oct. 27.

Cities of the Dead: Take a slide tour of Graceland, Rosehill and Oak Woods cemeteries at noon Oct. 29. Bill Hinchliff will present the intriguing stories of great Victorian cemeteries, including Graceland, Rosehill and Oak Woods.

Afterschool Adventures: This series features stories, crafts and movies for children in kindergarten through second grade. From 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 14 or Thursdays through Nov. 15. Halloween costumes may be worn Oct. 25 and 31. Registration is required.

E-mail hold notification: The Vernon Area Public Library is now offering e-mail hold notifications.

When items patrons have requested become available, they can receive an e-mail to let them know the items are at the patron services desk. Patrons will have four days to pick up held items. Register for e-mail hold notification by visiting www.vapld.info or by visiting the patron services desk and filling out a privacy permission form. Anyone already receiving due date e-mail reminders will automatically receive e-mail hold notifications.

For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit www.vapld.info.