Northwest suburban books and enrichment

Events related to books and events that enrich your mind, such as lectures, classes, book signings, book club events, writers' group events, forums and discussions. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

It Pays to Read winter reading program: Monday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 28, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stop by the Mount Prospect Public Library to tell them what you are reading and enter the raffle to win prizes. During the It Pays to Read program, the library is also collecting money for its Literacy Is Priceless Fund to purchase books for Mount Prospect children in need.

Adult/High School Winter Reading Club: Through Sunday, Feb. 28, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Every book you read or listen to earns a chance to win great weekly prizes. Read three books of your choice and take the Winter Reading Challenge, using library services, to be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing March. 1. Stop by the Information/Rader's Advisory desk to sign up.

Poplar Creek adult reading program: Through March 15, Poplar Creek Public Library, 1405 S. Park, Streamwood. Register and participat in the adult reading program, "How Far Will You Go When Your Go for the Gold." Read or listen to six books, one must be a biogrpahy. Readers will receive a prizes after reading four books and upon completion will be eligible for the grand prize drawing. Call (630) 483-4925.

Feb. 9Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Stories, rhymes, and a short film for ages 3-5. No siblings or guardians in the room. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Rosa Parks: 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Discuss the life and times of Rosa Parks, a pioneer for the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Open Storytimes: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 10; and 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 12, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for children ages 6 and under with their family. No registration required. (847) 253-5675.Feb. 10Computer File Management: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, or 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn to use Windows Explorer to manage files. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Navigating the Corporate Maze: 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 10, Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road Arlington Heights. Jillian Walsh, director of corporate giving and community relations for Zurich North America presents workshop for nonprofit managers on "Navigating the Corporate Maze." Hosted by the Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago. For fees and registration, call (847) 228-1320 or volunteerinfo.net/workshops.php.Meet Harriet Beecher Stowe: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Paddy Lynn will bring to life Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 11Read to Rover: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-5 can sign up in person at the Ask Here desk for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with a dog. No parents or siblings allowed in the room during the session. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Financial management: 7:15 -8:45 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 11-March 4, Living Christ Lutheran Church, 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights. Seminars designed to aid people in the community who are seeking help with issues related to finances including time management. Open to all community residents free. (847) 577-7133 or LivingChristLutheran.org.Live, Laugh and Love-Adult storytime: Noon Thursday, Feb. 11, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Special valentine's Day storytime for adults. Share wild stories about love found and love lost. Registration is limited, refreshments served. Call (847) 259-6050 or rmlib.org. Home Energy Efficiency seminar: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Schaumburg Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Topics: Lower monthly energy bills increase the overall comfort, and the many government and utility-based funding programs available. Free. To register, visit energy360solutions.com/index.php/events or call (877) 336-0669.Night Lights Family Storytime: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Variety of story sharing activities, sweet treats, and craft making for children birth-fifth grade. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info. Washington Lincoln-What Made them Great: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Historian and bibliophile William B. Haase leads an in-depth discussion of what each of these great presidents "brought to the table" to make them so effective. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info. Adult book discussion-non-fiction: 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson will be discussed. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 166 or palatinelibrary.org. Preschool Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. or 2-2:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11 to March 18, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Ages 3-5 (not yet attending kindergarten) can enjoy six weeks of stories, songs and movement. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Jamma Tales: 7-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11 and March 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Ages 2-6 and their caregivers can enjoy stories and songs. Pajamas are welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 12Black History Month Storytime: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Barnes Noble, 13 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Storytime with crafts and activities. The featured book will be "Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya" by Donna Jo Napoli. Free and open to the public. For details, call (847) 259-5704.Feb. 13"Tales From Africa": 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Join Hot Silk Productions for a theatrical performance of three African tales. Storytelling, body movement, African music and dramatization. Sponsored by the Mount Prospect Public Library Foundation in celebration of Black History Month. To register, visit mppl.org/events, stop by the library or call (847) 253-5675.Crazy about Cakes: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Watch Amy Alessio lead a fast paced history of vintage cakes and munch on some samples. No hands-on baking. (847) 259-6050.Making quality reproductions of artwork: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy. The Northwest Cultural Council invites artists to learn more about making quality reproductions of their work, by hosting Bruce Strarrenburg of Lightbox, Inc. State of the Art Giclee Reproductions, for a seminar. Reservations recommended. Fee $15; $5 students. (847) 382-6922; nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org.'The poem of the act of the mind': 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Feb. 13, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. Poet Steven Schroeder will lead the Second Saturday Poetry Workshop, sponsored by the Northwest Cultural Council. Topic will be "The poem of the act of the mind," taken from the last line of "Of Modern Poetry" by Wallace Stevens. For poets and writers. $15; R.S.V.P. to (847) 991-7966 or nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org.Polish Storytime: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 13, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12. Elm St. Polish volunteers share crafts, refreshments and stories in Polish. For information, call Aldona, (847) 295-3500 or e-mail asalska@phpl.info. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 of phpl.info.Feb. 15Book Voyagers-Terrific Tooth Tales: 4:15-5:15 p.m., Monday, Feb. 15, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Kids first-third grade celebrate Dental Health Month with a variety of stories about teeth, a craft, snack, and video. To register, visit mppl.org/events or (847) 253-5675.Adult book discussion-Monday Evening: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. "Run" by Ann Patchett will be discussed. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 166 or palatinelibrary.org.AAUW Novel Approach Group: Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, at a member's home to discuss "The Help: A Novel" by Kathryn Stockett. For information, call (630) 289-9096 or aauw-il.org/schaumburg. Half Pint Library Book Drive: Monday, Feb. 15-Wednesday, March 31, at any Half Price Books location including, 5605 W. Touhy Ave., Niles; 1319 N. Rand Road, Palatine; and 51 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park. 12th annual drive collects and distributes children's books to families and children in need through local nonprofits and community organizations.Feb. 16Write It Now Creative Writing Group: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Do some writing and share it with others. For registration or information, call (847) 259-6050.Morning Book Discussion: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join the discussion. New members are always welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Vintage Spring Holidays: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Take a look at the special foods and treats used to celebrate Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Passover in decades past with avid cookbook collector, author and librarian Amy Alessio. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info. Great Books adult book discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. Currently the group is reading from the Great Books Foundation short story Omnibus, which contains 39 selections. Discussion will be "Gimpel the Fool" by Isaac Bashevis Singer and "The Wall" by Jean-Paul Sartre. (847) 358-5881, ext. 166 or palatinelibrary.org. 'The Legend of Bob Atcher": 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Sarah's Grove, Friendship Center, Bridgewater Place, on the campus of Friendship Village, 350 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Schaumburg's Mayor Al Larson presents the story of Bob Atcher's role as one of the city's fathers and his career as a country musician. Atcher served as mayor of Schaumburg for several years. Free event. Call Jeannette, (847) 884-5539.Feb. 17Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 and 18, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Book discussion: Go beyond the resolutions and begin the year with a revelation and perhaps transformation through a small group book discussion called "The Prodigal God." The discussion, taking place at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, kicks off on Feb. 17 at the 7 p.m. Lenten Service. Small discussion groups will meet five times during Lent for approximately one hour to share thoughts on the week's reading. Anyone interested in attending may call the church office at (847) 437-2666 for more information and to sign up today. Hardcover copies of the book can be purchased at CVLC starting Sat., Feb. 6, at a discounted price of $12. Christus Victor Lutheran Church is located at 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village.Feb. 18Evaluate and Improve Your Reading Skills: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays beginning Feb. 18, Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Program designed to improve reading comprehension and recall. For all ages high school and above. Double your reading speed. $99. Register online at ce214.org; by fax, (847) 718-7713 or in person.Feb. 19Meet Curious George: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Barnes Noble, 13 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. A storytime visit from Curious George, with crafts and activities. The featured book will be "Curious George" by H.A. Rey. Free and open to the public. For details, call (847) 259-5704.Tea with Martha Washington: 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Author and storyteller Lynn Rymarz portrays the nation's very first, lady at "Tea with Martha." Register at (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.Feb. 20Saturday Stories: 10-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 20 and 27, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Families can enjoy stories, finger plays and more. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 22Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join our popular book discussion leader Trish McLaughlin for a lively book discussion! New members are always welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies from birth to 18 months enjoy stories, puppets, finger plays and playtime with their parents. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22-23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Stories, rhymes, and a short film for ages 3-5. No siblings or guardians in the room. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 23The Amazing Amazon River: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Former Time-Life director and world traveler Bill Helmuth takes on an ultimate eco-tour adventure down the Amazon River to places of intrigue and fascination. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info. Youth Book Discussion: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, or Thursday, Feb. 25, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 2-3 can discuss "Just Grace" by Charise Mericle Harper. Registration required; a complimentary book will be reserved upon registration. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 24PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Lusk conference room of the Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. (847) 259-3500 or phpl.info. Prospect Heights Book Review Club: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 24, March 24 and April 28; and two luncheons/book reviews at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Nov. 18 and May 26. A limited number of memberships are still available for the upcoming season. For information, call Margie, (847) 398-8504. Barrington Lyric Lecture: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. "Marriage of Figaro" lecturer, Gary Pett. Free. To register, (847) 304-1996.Feb. 25Author Judith Warner: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Judith Warner will discuss how pervasive disorders like autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia and more are and show how complex and painful a journey it can be for parents in "We've Got Issues: Children and Parents in the Age of Medication." Book sale and signing included. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 26Friday afternoon movie: 12:30-2:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Screening of "The Time Travelers wife." A Chicago librarian suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress. Romantic comedy shows that love knows no boundaries and transcends time and death. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Feb. 27Saturday Stories: 10-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Families can enjoy stories, finger plays and more. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.March 11Jamma Tales: 7-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Ages 2-6 and their caregivers can enjoy stories and songs. Pajamas are welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.March 21Jewish orphanages: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present Chicago Jewish Orphanages and family trees. Julian Frazin and others speak about the Chicago Jewish orphanage experience at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St. Skokie. You are invited to ask any genealogical-related questions you may have regarding your research into your family's history. The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use the library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet, or ask genealogical-related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.March 22Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read the book and join our popular book discussion leader Trish McLaughlin for a lively book discussion! New members are always welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.March 31PHPLD regular meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, Lusk conference room of the Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. (847) 259-3500 or phpl.info.OngoingStart your job search at AHML: Business librarians Jason Kuhl and Barb Vlk man the Jobs Desk at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., weekdays from 1-4 p.m. to help residents start their job search at the library. Register for free weekday job programs like networking and resume review at ahml.info or stop by the Answer Center on the library's first floor. (847) 392-01001950s 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 longgroveartschool.com.