Algonquin library offers hobby groups, book clubs, more

It's no secret that community happens at the library and through library programs. Many discussion groups, book clubs, and hobby gatherings at the Algonquin Area Public Library provide opportunities for people to explore and learn together.

See what groups are talking about in December and January, and get in on the conversation. Note, some groups require registration.

For information, visit www.aapld.org.

Adult book clubs

Stop by the adult services desk with any questions or to pick up a copy of the book to be discussed. The clubs are for ages 18 and older unless, otherwise noted.

• "Cozy Corner," a new book club for cozy mystery fans ages 14 or older, meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Harnish Main Library. On Jan. 2, the book will be "A Clue for the Puzzle Lady" by Parnell Hall. Contact Lindsey Tomsu.

• "Book Clubbers" at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Harnish Main Library. On Jan. 3, the book will be "Girl Waits with Gun" by Amy Stewart. Contact Patty Pearsall.

• "Spinecrackers" at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of the month at the Harnish Main Library. On Jan. 4, the book will be "Young Jane Young" by Gabrielle Zevin. Contact Elena Feiza.

• "Bookalicious: A Not-So-YA Book Club" meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at Woods Creek Tavern, 251 Randall Road in Lake in the Hills. On Dec. 10, it will be "I'll Meet You There" by Heather Demetrios, and on Jan. 14, "Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1" by Laini Taylor. Contact Karrie Stewart.

• The Great Books Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Harnish Main Library. On Dec. 19, they will discuss the Arthur Miler 1949 play "Death of a Salesman." On Jan. 16, they will focus on the 1844 novel "The Three Musketeers" by Alexander Dumas. Contact Kristen McCallum.

• "Pages at the Projects" meets from 6 to 8 p.m. at Daily Projects Coffee Bar and Eatery, 124 S. Randall Road in Algonquin. On Jan. 16, it will be "Illuminae" by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

• "Night Readers" meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursdays at Harnish Main Library. Due to the holidays, the next program will be Dec. 13 with "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. On Jan. 17, it will be "Enchantress of Numbers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Contact Patty Pearsall

For more information about these book clubs, call the adult services department at (847) 458-6060, ext. 143.

Book clubs for kids

• "Cover-to-Cover" Youth Book Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursdays of the month at Harnish Main Library. Registration is required. On Dec. 13, the book will be "Project Mulberry" by Linda Sue Park. On Jan. 10, it will be "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Contact Heather Swanson.

• "Pageturners" Youth Book Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursdays of the month at Harnish Main Library. Registration is required. On Dec. 13, the book will be "Schooled" by Gordon Korman. On Jan. 10, it will be "Best Bad Luck I Ever Had" by Kristin Levine. Contact Kimberly Damitz.

For more information about these book clubs, call the Youth Services Department at (847) 458-6060, ext. 135.

Hobby clubs

• "Photo Fabulous" for fourth- to eighth-graders meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Harnish Main Library. Registration is required. Bring your camera or phone to learn about taking fabulous photos. Learn about different camera settings and filters, editing apps and get to play with a variety of props.

• "Worth 1,000 Words" camera club for photographers ages 14 and older meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the Harnish Main Library. Registration is required. Amateur and expert photographers are welcome to learn, discuss and practice photography from basic tips to pro tricks and do-it-yourself photo hacks. Compare and critique photos taken with different equipment, settings and techniques.

Special interest

• Animangiacs: Anime & Manga Fan Group for fans 18 or older meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesdays of the month at Eastgate Branch Library. On Dec. 11, it will be "Holidays and Winter," and on Jan. 8 it will be "New Year/New World." Fans of anime and manga who are out of high school are invited to watch anime shows with us. Themes change each month and guests are welcome to show & tell. Contact Brandon Zimmerman.

• "Creativity Cafe," the Algonquin Area Writers Group for writers 18 and older, meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Harnish Main Library. Aspiring authors, beginners to advanced, are invited to join a diverse group of local writers. Contact Virginia Donahue.

• "Critique," the Algonquin Area Writers Group for writers 18 and older, meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Harnish Main Library. Writers can use this time for writing, small group critique or to present a workshop. Contact Virginia Donahue.

• "Keeping It Reel," a discussion group for film lovers age 18 and older, meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at Eastgate Branch. Registration is required. On Jan. 24, the movie will be "Amadeus." Watch the film, then come to the library for a lively discussion about film on the Austrian composer, winner of the 1985 Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture. They will be discussing the recent award ceremony on Jan. 5 as well. Copies of the film will be available for checkout. Contact Rebekah Noggle.