Northwest suburban books and enrichment
February Computer Programs: Online registration for the Mount Prospect Public Library's January computer programs is currently being held. February's slate of computer programs will help patrons learn the basics of using a computer, sharpen Internet skills, become familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel, and, for the more advanced user, how to use Mail Merge to create personalized form letters, envelopes, and labels. Space is limited for each program. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Glass Sampler Class: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays in January; Suevel Studios, Inc., 1021 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Students will try mosaic, fusing, bead making and glass blowing. Register for one or all four. Cost: $160 for all four classes or $45 for one. Ages 14 and up. ahpd.org.
Reading Road Trip: Adult/high school winter reading program runs through Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 North Elm St. Join the program and earn chances to win weekly prizes with each book you read. Read three books of your choice and one from our displays to be eligible for our Grand Prize drawing on March 1. Sign up in person at the Information Desk.
Jan. 13
Volunteer Management Training Series: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13-Thursday, Jan. 15, Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. For persons involved in or working for a nonprofit. Includes risk management, understanding, planning, recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating your volunteer program. A VMTS certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course. To register or for information, volunteerinfo.net or call (847) 228-1320.
Evening Book Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Discuss "Swim to Me" by Betsy Carter. For information or to register, (847) 634-3650 or vapld.info.
Financial course: 7-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 13-April 7; Christian Life Church, 400 E. Gregory St., Mount Prospect. Subjects include getting control of your money, stop struggling to make ends meet and changing family future. Fee is $100. (847) 259-3090.
Get Organized Now: 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13; Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Topics include Reduce the Paper Chase, How to Effectively Break Projects Down, Where to Start, Working through the Emotional Connection, and other pointers to stay organized. Ages 18 and up. Fee is $16. Visit ahpd.org
The Basics of Wine: 7:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13; Urban Harvest, 15 S. Dunton, Arlington Heights. Learn the proper techniques for tasting and evaluating wine. Ages 21 and up. Fee is $25. Visit ahpd.org.
Retirement savings workshop: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Karen Chan, Consumer and Family Economics Educator for the University of Illinois Extension Center, will explain the ins and outs of the rules governing retirement savings. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Private 30 minute guitar lessons for ages 8 and older: 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 13-March 17 or Wednesdays, Jan. 14-March 18; Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Residents: $200/nonresidents, $250. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org.
Jan. 14
Writer's Support Group: 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. An opportunity for writers - published or not - to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques. Registration is not required. (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Forgiveness, Truth and Reconciliation-A Reflection On the South African Lesson: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Discussion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its emergence as a new model of conflict resolution in an evolutionary period in human history.
Movie Discussion: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14; Discussion of the 1957 movie directed by little-known Alexander Mackendrick, "Sweet Smell of Success" stars Burt Lancaster as J.J. Hunsecker, the most powerful newspaper columnist in New York. The movie runs 96 minutes, followed by discussion. Visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Jan. 15
"Saddle up and Pass the Beans": 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. Monthly Movie Club features Western film clips shown and discussed by novelist Raymond Benson and Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire. Free; register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Route 66; A Road Trip through History: 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm Street. Highway Historian and author Dave Clark will tell the story of "Main Street, America" in pictures and music. To register, call or visit the Information Desk, (847) 259-3500 ext. 35, or visit phpl.info
Basic Organizing Principles for ages 18 and older: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15 or Wednesday, March 18; Cumberland Terrace, 448 S. Warrington Road, Des Plaines. Professional advice to clear the clutter from your office, home and life. Residents $34/nonresidents, $43. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org
Ballroom Dancing for ages 16 and older: 7:30-9 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 15-Feb. 19; Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Residents: $52/nonresidents: $65. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org
Funding College 101: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, Lakeview Library Media Center, 615 Lakeview Lane, Hoffman Estates. Learn how to help your children prepare for their future and develop financial plans to support their plans. Led by Richard Bauer, a guidance counselor at Conant High School. (847) 357-6600.
Jan. 16
Book Sale: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17; and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. The Friends of the Indian Trails Public Library District used book sale. Members-only preview sale on Friday, with numbered entry tickets available beginning at 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, most books will be sold $3 per grocery bag. For details, (847) 459-4100, ext. 250.
Coffee and Conversation: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. This month's discussion on cultural relativism, the principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of his or her own culture. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Private 25 minute drum lessons for ages 8 and older: Fridays, Jan. 16-March 20; Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Residents: $220/nonresidents: $275. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org
Jan. 17
Money Summit workshop: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. Two-part, one-afternoon workshop on the current economic situation. Includes three speakers as well as an open forum. Call Kay, (847) 632-0660 or ccuu.org.
Memoir writing: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Workshop gives ideas for topics, plus tips to prod memory for your stories. (846) 259-6050
Jan. 18
"No Dumb Questions": noon, Sunday, Jan. 18, Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. The public is invited, free of charge, to share the acclaimed documentary movie "No Dumb Questions." The short film follows a family with three young children as they accompany their uncle through the journey to transition from male to female. Katie Thomas, president of Chicago Gender Society, will facilitate a question-and-answer session following the movie. Kay, (847) 632-0660.
Jan. 19
Book Voyagers: 4:15 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson. Stories, a craft, a snack, and a video about having fun in the snow. Open to first to third graders. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Jan. 20
Income tax update: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. AARP tax aide Jack Hanahan presents current information on preparing your 2008 tax return. Free; register at ahml.info under programs or call (847) 392-0100.
Book fair: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20-Friday, Jan. 23, Bartlett Park District, 700 S. Bartlett Road. The Bartlett Park District Preschool holds a Scholastic Book Fair. Public welcome. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Kosher cooking: 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through March 3; Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Discusses common questions about Kosher cooking, as well as cooking a dish each week reflecting the weekly topic. Call (847) 634-0777.
Jan. 22
Comfort cooking: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Chef Dave Esau from Dave's Specialty Foods warms up the audience with "Comfort Cooking" favorites. Recipes and tastings will be provided. Free; register at ahml.info or (847) 392-0100.
Homebuyer workshop: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, Baird Warner Real Estate, 11 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. For the first-time and move up homebuyer. R.S.V.P. to (847) 923-6967, space is limited, mention workshop code JT100.
Love, Forgiveness & Wisdom Book Discussions: 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 19 and April 23; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Jan. 22 book is "Sense & Sensibility," by Jane Austen; Feb. 19 is "The History of Love," by Nicole Krauss; March 19 is "A Winter's Tale," by William Shakespeare and April 23 is "The Essential Rumi." Discussions will center around how time and experience can lead to forgiveness in the presence of wisdom - and how wisdom can emerge. Register at dppl.org or call (847) 376-2840.
Jan. 23
Living Creatively-A Retreat for Busy Moms: 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 23, Bartlett Nature Center, on the north side of Stearns Road, west of Powis Road. Mini-retreat for moms to get back in touch with self through creative exercises, journaling and group discussion. $30. Register in advance at the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road or call (630) 540-4800.
Jan. 24
Winter Used Book sale: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 and noon-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Recent patron donations of best sellers, novels, cook books, hobby books and other topics assure a wide variety of choices. Members only sale will be 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23. Annual individual memberships available at $5. Family memberships available. (847) 253-5675.
Jan. 25
"A Night to Remember": 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 25; Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Focuses on understanding memory loss, how it impacts on self-esteem and confidence level, and ways to minimize the embarrassment of "senior moments." There is no charge for the morning lecture. The complete Validation memory test will be given to each attendee for a minimum donation of $10; proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Fred Rabinowitz.
Jan. 26
Knit Night: 7-8:30 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 26 - Feb. 16; Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Bring your project to class and the knitting instructor will help you unravel your problem. All levels of knitters welcome. Ages 16 and up. Fees: Residents, $15; nonresidents, $18. Visit ahpd.org or call (847) 577-3000.
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, open to the public. New and seasoned opera lovers welcome. To reserve a seat call Jill, (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.
Jan. 29
Finding Your Financial Footing in 2009: 11:30 a.m. registration Thursday, Jan. 29, Cafe La Cave, 2777 Mannheim Road, Des Plaines. Jack A. Ablin, Harris Private Bank executive vice president and chief investment officer speaks. $60 per person or $600 for a table of 12. For reservations, call Christie, (773) 594-9292, ext. 232.
Feb. 3
Retirement Reality Check: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 3 and 10; Cumberland Terrace, 448 S. Warrington Road, Des Plaines. Investment Series class on long term budgeting, paying for health care and living without a regular paycheck. Residents, $15/nonresidents $19. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.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, (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.
Feb. 7
Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info
Feb. 11
Writer's Support Group: 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. An opportunity for writers - published or not - to critique each other's work and share ideas and techniques. Registration is not required. For information, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
March 7
Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March, 7, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. New writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or online at ahml.info
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, (847) 756-3200. lyricopera.org.
April 4
Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April, 4, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or online at ahml.info
May 2
Poetry Writing Group: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May, 2, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Writing group for ages 18 and up. Register at (847) 392-0100 or online at ahml.info
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 longgroveartschool.com.