Books and 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. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.
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.
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. 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.
Writers Group: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works and other creative minds. Registration and the $10 fee must be made in person. before Jan. 20. Call (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org.
Financial planning classes for retirees and pre-retirees: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings Jan. 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3, Village of Mount Prospect, 50 S. Emerson St. Topics include retirement planning, fixed income, annuities and insurance, stocks and mutual funds. Free, registration required. (847) 870-5680.
Irving Berlin series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 20 and 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Multimedia presentations explore the 101-year life of Irving Berlin. Upcoming events include "Amidst war, the writing of 'White Christmas.'" on Jan. 20 and "The writing of 'Annie Get Your Gun' and the birth of a recluse" on Jan. 27. Registration is required. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Jan. 21
Coffee, books and more book discussion: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. "My Antonia" by Willa Cather will be discussed. Register at mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Eleanor Roosevelt: Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Dramatist Roberta Randall will present look at Eleanor Roosevelt's life. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Astronomy and the Winter Sky: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Learn about the winter sky in this informative program presented by Greg Lopatka from. View slides from the Space Shuttle and see what repairs are being done to the Hubble Telescope. Weather permitting, get a chance to view the current sky. Telescopes welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
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.
Russell Lissau: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, Barnes and Noble, 20600 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Meet comic book author Russell Lissau as he discusses and signs copies of his comic books at. Lissau is the author of the comic "The Batman Strikes." (847) 438-7444.
The Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Kick off the International Year of Astronomy with NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador John Vittallo and explore the rings, ice moons and planetary environment of Saturn. For all ages. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
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.
Letters from the Oregon Trail: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Reed Turner Woodland, 3849 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Two actresses will recreate one family's journey westward in 1853 through demonstrations and audience participation. Cost is $30 for a family of four and $8 for each additional person. To register, call (847) 438-4743.
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.
Book Drive: Sunday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 31, Queen of the Rosary School, 690 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. School is collecting new and gently used children's books to donated to publc elementary schools in Chicago through the Book Worm Angels organization. (847) 437-3322.
Jan. 26
Lyric Opera lecture: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. The music and story of "Tristan and Isolde" is presented by Larry Lapidus, Lyric Opera Volunteer Corps.
Parent/child book club: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, Enders-salk Library Media Center, 345 N. Salem Drive, Schaumburg. (847) 357-6400.
Parent/child book club: 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, Lakeview School gym, 615 Lakeview Lane, Hoffman Estates. For second grade children and thier parents. (847) 357-6600.
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 Nor thwest Suburban Bar Association. Free, registration required. (847) 925-6558.
Business Survival seminar: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, Makray Memorial Golf Club, Barrington. The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce hosts John Delany, founder and president of Giraffe, LLC, presenting,"Embracing 2009: Seven Fundamentals to Help You Get to 2010." $125 per person or $600 for a corporate table of five. To register, (847) 381-2525 or barringtonchamber.com.
Irving Berlin series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Multimedia presentations explore the 101-year life of Irving Berlin. The series concludes with "The writing of 'Annie Get Your Gun' and the birth of a recluse." Registration is required. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
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.
Planning for Uncertainty - Power-of-Attorney for Health Care: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Susan Dolan, nurse, attorney and hospice director, will explain advance directives, including living wills and power-of-attorney. Discussion includes reasons and tops for preparing for the dying process. Register at (847) 376-2787 or dppl.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.
Cooking Moroccan: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Chef David Esau will cook up a Moroccan meal. Recipes and tasting are included. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Jan. 30
Mother/daughter book club: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, Enders-Salk Library media center, 345 Salem Drive, Schaumburg. (847) 357-6400.
Jan. 31
Arlington Heights Fire and Police Departments, A Century of Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St. Program tracks the evolution of the fire and police service in Arlington Heights from 1894 to the present. Refreshments will be served. All ages welcome. For information or to register, visit ahpd.org or call (847) 577-3000.
Feb. 1
Lyric Opera lecture: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Featuring "Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci," presented by Marian Goldberg of the Lyric Opera Volunteer Corps.
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
Author visit: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Robert Renteria, author of "From the Barrio to the Boardroom," will share secrets to success, his own personal struggles growing up and his commitment to inspire youth to avoid the pitfalls and make better choices to lead a productive life. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.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.
Love is Murder conference: Noon, Friday, Feb. 6 to noon Sunday, Feb. 8, Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Conference for lovers of mystery, romance, thrillers and suspense books.
Visit, loveismurder.net.
Life Coaching Group for mothers: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Ammemarie Husser will facilitate the group which is based on the book, "The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal" by Renee Trudeau. Lean how to rejuvenate and re-balance your life. Fee required. Annemarie, (708) 287-9393 or e-mail annemariehusser@yahoo.com.
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
Used book sale: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 and noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Discounts on used books, magazines, games, more. There will also be a silent auction of autographed and collectible items on Feb. 7. (847) 392-0100.
Feb. 9
Buffalo Grove Parent Association presentation: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, Buffalo Grove High School, 1101 W. Dundee Road. Laurie Josephson, licensed Clinical Social Worker, presents, "Growing Out of Adolescence: Successfully Launching Your Teen." Free. For information, e-mail the Buffalo Grove Parent Association parent education coordinator at lyfe-wyr@comcast.ne.t
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.
Feb. 12
Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Lincoln: 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Author and storyteller Lynn Rymarz portrays "An Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Abraham Lincoln." Hear the joys and trials experienced by this First Lady and have a taste of her favorite cake recipe. register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Protect your children symposium: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Prairie Lake Theater, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Robert Hugh Farley, a consultant on child sexual exploitation, will speak at this symposium for parents, educators and childcare professionals which will adress the issues of protecting children from predators who use the Internet and other electronic mean to prey on children. Co-sponsored by Maryville Academy and the Des Plaines Park District. Free, register at (847) 391-5711. Children under 18 will not be admitted.
Feb. 17
Writers Group: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works and other creative minds. Call (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org.
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
Bridge of Hope for Russian Children program: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, St. Simon's Church Parish Hall, 717 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Information meeting for the 2009 program, which provides an opportunity for Russian orphans ages 7-12 to experience a summer in the United States. Call (888) St-Marys to register or e-mail msloan@stmaryservices.com.
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.
March 17
Writers Group: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Author Lisa Rosenthal leads the library's Writers Group, where writers of all genres are welcome to discuss their works and other creative minds. Call (847) 253-5675 or mppl.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
Ongoing
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.