Fireside Reads—a Winter Book Club for Everyone The Library’s newest book club, Fireside Reads, starts Monday, January 5. Pick up a Reading Log at the Adult Reader’s Assistance Desk, the Youth Services Desk or on the web at http://www.wilmettelibrary.info/winterreadingclub. Find out how to qualify for prizes and giveaways and how to participate in online book discussions. Fireside Reads is open to all Wilmette and Kenilworth residents and is funded by the Friends of the Wilmette Public Library.

In This IssueJob Counseling 2Women in Business 2Greener Choices 2Lyric Opera Lectures 2Foreign Film Screenings 2Book Talk: Supreme Court 3Comedy of Errors 3One Book, Everybody Reads 3Youth Services 4-5Speaking of Books 6Armchair Travels 6Diabetes Support Group 7Caregivers...Support Group 7Alzheimer’s Support Group 7Current Events 7Internet Classes 7Computer Classes 7Teen Talk 8

January/ February 2009

www.wilmettelibrary.info

Closings & OpeningsThe Library will be closed on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1.The Library will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19 and on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16.

Library Closed on February 20The Library will be closed for staff training all day on Friday, February 20.

Sunday Concerts Features Folk and Classical January 4: Sing In the New YearWilmette resident Steve Justman opens the Library’s 2009 concert season on Sunday, January 4 at 2:00 with classic American folk and country music played on the guitar and banjo. He prefaces his selections with background about the music and the artists who made the songs famous. You may just find yourself singing along. His performance is geared for all ages.

January 18: Concert Features Clarinet and Piano Pianist Diana Schmück and clarinetist Bonnie Campbell, appearing as the Vermillion Duo, express the plaintive melodies of composers’ homelands on Sunday, January 18, at 2:00. Featured composers include Schumann, Vaughan Williams, de Falla and Chicago’s own Robert Kritz, who will be in attendance. Kritz’s Diaspora Dances,

with melodies of Ukraine, Nigeria and Egypt, infused with a dose of American Jazz, conclude the afternoon.

February 8: Original Music, Plus Folk and PopJeanne T. Arrigo and Friends present a concert of original acoustic music, plus well-known folk and pop tunes, including songs by Woody Guthrie and Buddy Holly on Sunday, February 8, at 2:00.Jeanne is a Chicago singer/songwriter and actor. Joining her are fellow actors/singers/musicians Ben Harris on guitar, mandolin and piano; Shaun Whitley on bass and guitar; and musician Jim O’Donnell on guitar.

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Fridays, January 9 & February 6, noonBusiness consultant Kim Dougherty, of Birch Advisory Services Interna-tional, moderates a discussion on ‘guerrilla’ marketing techinques at the January session. Learn about low-cost marketing/advertising strategies that can be helpful during tough economic times. In February, Mary Lawrence Wright, a business development coach whose firm is called Launch Pad, talks about ‘Ladies Who Leverage: Maxi-mizing Your Personal and Profes-sional Potential.’ With her expertise as a business coach and marketer, Wright recommends ways to use your talents and strengths to accom-plish your goals.Enjoy the company of dynamic business owners and representatives from local businesses who meet to network and share expertise and leads. The group is co-sponsored by the Library and the Chamber of Commerce. Bring a lunch or order one by calling the Chamber at 847-251-3800. You need not be a Chamber member to attend.

Lyric Opera LecturesTuesdays, January 13, February 10 & 24, 10:00Members of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps present hour-long lectures, accompanied by recorded music. Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde will be featured in January. The operas for February 13 are Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. The Abduction from the Seraglio will be highlighted on February 24. The Wilmette Chapter of Lyric Opera and the Library co-sponsor the series.

One-on-One Job Counseling Wednesdays, January 7 & February 4, 2:00 Individual, 30-minute career coun-seling sessions are available between 2:00 and 4:00. There is no charge for this service offered by the Jewish Vocational Service; it is available regardless of religious affiliation and at any stage of your career. Call Community Services, 847-256-6912, for an appointment. Career Counselor Roberta Glick will consult with you on topics such as résumé preparation, interviewing skills, self-marketing techniques and other ways to increase the effective-ness of your job campaign.

GREENER CHOICESThese programs are presented in partnership with Go Green Wilmette and are co-sponsored by Friends of the Wilmette Library.

Green Tea: A Social Gathering with a PurposeTuesday, January 13, 1:00Magazines, newspapers and environmental groups all have suggestions for being environmentally responsible. Which ones really make a differ-ence? Join Margrit Kuehn and Beth Drucker of Go Green Wilmette, and come away with great ideas and be inspired to take action.

Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America Thursday, January 22, 7:00; repeated Sunday, January 25, 2:00 This acclaimed, hour-long, documentary film illustrates practical solu-tions that can lead to savings of approximately $1,000 a year on energy bills, and at the same time help the environment and protect human health. A discussion follows both screenings.

Grow Your Own Food—Right here in Wilmette!Saturday, February 7, 2:00Wilmette gardeners show ways to create a productive garden in your own backyard or in a community garden plot. Learn about compost-ing other organic gardening methods.

Foreign Film Screenings Thursdays, January 15 & February 19; 9:00 coffee; 9:30 filmThe Library welcomes film buffs for screenings in the Auditorium.

The 99-minute Danish film, The Boss of It All, will be shown on January 15. An IT company hires an actor as the company’s president in order to help sell the business. In February, see Mister Foe, a 96-minute film from Scotland. A young man seeking the cause of his mother’s death, instead finds himself searching for love.

Where to ParkOverflow parking is available at St. John’s Church on the south side of Wilmette Avenue. Parking in the Library’s lot is limited to two hours.

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Women in Business Group

Greener

Choices

Wilmette Library Selected for Digital Literacy ProjectTh e Wilmette Library is participating in a national, grant-funded research project to measure the learning outcomes of youth and teens who partici-pate in library-based, digital literacy workshops. Th e workshops, such as “Digital Media Design from Scratch” on page 5, provide participants with the technologies and skills to create original video games, digital stories, animations and other interactive applications.Th e project is funded by a grant from the Institute of Library and Museum Services. It includes a total of eight workshops facilitated by Wilmette librarians Brian Myers and Janet Piehl. Teen volunteers from the community will assist the staff members during the workshops.

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Author Simon Winchester to Speak on May 3New York Times best-selling author Simon Winchester will discuss his book, Th e Man Who Loved China, at the Library on Sunday, May 3. Save the date for this premier event of the fourth annual One Book, Everybody Reads program.

Winchester, who also wrote Th e Professor and the Madman, is the perfect writer to tell the singular story of Joseph Needham, the brilliant and nonconformist Cambridge University biochemist, who re-established China’s rightful preeminence in the history of science. Starting the Week of January 12Extra copies of Th e Man Who Loved China will be available in the Read-ers’ Assistance area starting Monday, January 12. Details about all the programs related to Winchester’s visit will be announced in the next Off the Shelf , and online at www.wilmettelibrary.info/onebook. One Book, Everybody Reads is funded by the Friends of the Library.

Special accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter and/or auditory devices are available for all Library programs with advance notice.

Wilmette Resident Wins ContestCongratulations to Wilmette resident Samantha Tierney who was a winner in the 2008 Step Up to the Plate@Your Library contest sponsored by the Ameri-can Library Association and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Watch for details on how to enter the 2009 contest in a future issue of Off the Shelf.

A Look at the Secret World of the Supreme CourtTuesday, February 10, 7:30Th e national bestseller, Th e Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeff rey Toobin, will be the topic of discussion at an evening co-sponsored by the Library and the Wilmette League of Women Voters. Toobin bases the book on exclusive interviews with the justices and creates a riveting story of one of the most important institutions in American life.

A Valentine’s Confection: The Comedy of ErrorsSaturday, February 14, 2:00Th e Shakespeare Project, or TSP, now in its seventh season of perfor-mances at the Library, presents Th e Comedy of Errors, on Saturday, February 14 at 2:00.TSP’s artistic director Jeff Christian directs this tale in which two pairs of identical twins create mayhem in this comedy of mistaken identity. For Playgoers of All AgesTh e Comedy of Errors is fun for playgoers of all ages It is both a great introduction to Shakespeare and a delight for those familiar with his comic genius. TSP is made up of Equity actors who perform theatrical readings of great playwrights’ plays.

Other Participating LibrariesIn addition to Wilmette, the other participating libraries are the Hennepin County (MN) Library, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg (NC) County, Free Library of Philadelphia, Seattle Public Library and Memphis Public Library. After the workshops, research partners will assess the new literacy skills the youth and teens have acquired as a result of their partici-pation. In 2010 the fi ndings will be published in professional journals.

Youth Services

Special Events in the Auditorium

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Stories and More in the Youth Program RoomPreschool StorytimesMost Preschool Storytimes are for ages 1½ and older and take place several times a week. The winter session begins the week of January 5. Visit www.wilmettelibrary.info/kids or ask at the Youth Reference Desk for a complete schedule. Additional programs are listed below.

Family Storytimes Mondays, January 12 & February 9, 6:30-7:00Parents, bring your preschoolers for stories and fun.

Special Needs StorytimesWednesdays, January 21 and February 18, 4:00-4:30 These good stories and fun activities are aimed at children with special needs. Recommended for 4-8 year-olds. Children must attend with a parent or caregiver. Funded by Friends of the Wilmette Library.

French StorytimeMonday, January 26, 6:30-7:15Parlez-vous français? It doesn’t matter! Kids ages 4-7 are welcome at this French-themed storytime. We’ll learn easy French vocabulary words, sing French songs, read stories about France and do a related craft. Lapsit Storytimes Wednesdays, January 28 – February 25, 9:30-9:50 Stories and songs for children between the ages of 6-18 months. Parents or caregivers must attend with the children they bring.

Valentine Stories with the Storybook MomSaturday, February 7, 11:00-11:40 Join Nili Yelin for stories and more to celebrate this special day. Make a Valentine to give to someone you love! For ages 3 and older.

Creative Music Play with ScribbleMonster Saturday, February 28, 2:00-2:45 Enjoy a fun concert with ScribbleJim and ScribbleJayne from ScribbleMonster. Named a “Parenting Pick” by Parenting Magazine, this duo presents a unique mix of music, comedy and, of course, scribbling! Kids get a chance to sing, dance and even help write a song.

K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore Wednesdays, January 14, Febru-ary 11, March 11, 6:00-7:00Kids, want to practice your reading skills on a trained therapy dog?Now’s your chance, thanks to this volunteer-run program. The dogs will visit the Library on three Wednesdays, January 14, February 11, and March 11 from 6:00-7:00. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. How to Sign Up Beginning Monday, January 5, sign up for a 15-minute time slot on ONE of those nights by calling or visiting the Youth Reference Desk, 847-256-6945. This program is for Wilmette and Kenilworth residents in grades 1-5. K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore is a Therapy Dogs Interna-tional Children Reading to Dogs Program.

Sean Masterson Presents Vaudeville Magic Saturday, January 10, 2:00-2:45 This theatrical show uses stories, masks and puppets to bring magic to life. Masterson has been performing since the age of seven and has appeared at numerous venues in the Chicago area as well as at Festimagic in Paris. For more about him, see www.mastersonmagic.com.

Come to the MoviesMovies are shown in the Auditorium.The Rosa Parks Story Monday, January 19, 2:00-3:30 Angela Bassett stars in this acclaimed 2002 made-for-TV movie about the courageous woman who, in 1955, refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white passenger.

Kung Fu Panda Monday, February 16, 2:00-3:30

Can Po the Panda overcome his laziness so he can fulfill an ancient prophecy and become a Kung Fu star?

Find out in this 2008 animated feature. Rated PG.

Special Events in the Youth Program RoomMeet the Police OfficerMonday, January 12, 2:00-2:40 Community Relations Officer Jessica Black will visit the Library to read to children and talk about her work with the Wilmette Police Department. For ages 3-6.

Chess Drop-in Sundays, January 25, February 1, February 8, from 4:00-5:15For Chess players in grades K-8, come to the Library with your chess boards, chess pieces and clocks. Advance registration is requested. Additional details are on the registration form, which is available beginning January 5 at the Youth Reference Desk and online at www.wilmettelibrary.info/kids. Chess Drop-in is co-sponsored by the Wilmette Library and local parent volunteers.

Think Spring – and Summer! Thursday, January 29, 4:15-5:00 Join us for stories about playing in the park, going to the beach and having fun outdoors in warm weather. A craft project is also part of this program for grades K-2.

Call All Artists—Preschool through 8th GradeKids, it’s time to show off your best painting, drawing, collage or photo. Bring an original piece of artwork to the Youth Reference Desk between February 11 and February 24. All works will be exhibited in the Library Auditorium in March. A recep-tion for artists and their families will take place Sunday, March 8, from 2:00-3:30. Guidelines for Art Work Please note the following guidelines: Work must be no smaller than 8 by 11 inches and no larger than 24 by 36 inches. It must be easy to hang (either mounted on poster board, mat board or any sturdy material through which a hole for hanging can be punched, or framed with a wire or sturdy hook on the back). We do not have space for freestanding art. The show is open to children in preschool through 8th grade. One piece of art per participant, please.

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Valentines for Veterans Monday, January 19, any time between 10:00 and 4:00 Have fun volunteering this Martin Luther King Day by making valentines for U.S. veterans. All materials will be provided. Ask at the Youth Reference Desk.

Knitting Circle for Teens and Tweens

Bring a project and meet other knitters from 6:30-7:30 on

Tuesday, February 17, in the Youth Program Room. Beginners are welcome! Refreshments will be served. For grades 5 and up.

For 10- to 14-Year Olds: Digital Media Design from ScratchMonday, February 2 & Thursday, February 5, 6:00-8:00

All the tools you’ll need to start creating digital media— a Windows- or Mac-compatible copy of Scratch, plus handouts—are yours for free on Monday, February 2, from 6:00-8:00. You’ll be on your way to learning the basics of computer programming, media design, and creating your own games, animations and digital stories.

You must attend the session on February 2 in order to attend the creative lab on February 5. To register, call or visit the Youth Services Desk at 847-256-6945. Space is limited, so don’t wait!

Recurring Programs

Overflow parking is available at St. John’s Church on the south side of Wilmette Avenue across the street from the Library. In case of severe weather, please call the Library, 847-256-5025, to determine if a program will be held.

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Armchair Travels

Speaking of Books

Off-Site Book Talks for SeniorsMeskill Center: Fridays, January 9 & February 6, 10:30Mather Place: Fridays, January 16 & February 13, 10:30Join librarian Amy Barrow for an hour of book reviews and selected readings from books of current interest. Meskill Center is located at Mallinckrodt Park on Ridge Road, and Mather Place is on Old Glenview Road just east of Skokie Boulevard.

First Monday Readers: Great BooksMondays, January 5 & February 2, 7:15Wilmette resident Arthur Arfa leads First Monday Readers, also known as the Great Books discussion, in the Small Meeting Room. A flyer with the readings is available in the lobby, or look under Adult Programs at www.wilmettelibrary.info.

Classics and Contemporary Book ClubTuesdays, January 13 & February 10, 10:30This hour-long book discussion, complete with coffee and cookies, is held in the Small Meeting Room. The selection for January is The Quiet American by Graham Greene. In the death throes of French colonial ambitions in Indochina, a young American idealist named Pyle begins to fund a dangerous “Third Force.” Greene’s narrator finds it impossible to stand by as Pyle’s policies blunder into bloodshed. The February selection is Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits. This classic family saga is also the rivet-ing story of an unnamed Latin American country’s turbulent history. In a triumph of magic realism, Allende constructs a spirit-ridden world and fills it with colorful and all-too-human inhabitants.

Fourth Monday ReadersMondays, January 26 & February 23, 7:00Fourth Monday Readers, a 90-minute book discussion group, meets in the Fiction Room on the first floor.The January selection is The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. In her witty, contemporary retelling of Penelope’s part in Homer’s The Odyssey, Atwood wonders what Odysseus’s wife was really up to while he was away for twenty years, and why he hanged her twelve maids.Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns is the February selection. With the same superb storytelling that made The Kite Runner a classic, Hosseini’s latest is a chronicle of 30 years of Afghan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith and the salva-tion found in love.

Thursdays at 1:00 in the Auditorium Mary Adair, volunteer coordinator Programs subject to change

February5 Australia John Krupka12 China A & K Miller19 Adriatic Odyssey Bill Bridgman26 Incomparable India Foil Miller

January8 Argentina Dieter Klagge15 United Arab Emirates Molly Brown22 Washington, D.C Larry Stern29 Viva Mexico Foil Miller

Group Computer ClassesIn-Person Registration Begins Wednesday, January 7, 9:00In-person registration begins at 9:00 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Technology Support Desk. Patrons are limited to registering for one class on that day. No advance registration accepted. Beginning on Thursday, January 8, telephone registration will be accepted at 847-853-6566; patrons may then sign up for more than one class. Classes take place in the Small Meeting Room.

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Group Internet ClassesRegistration is required for these hands-on classes that meet from 9:15-10:45 in the Small Meeting Room. Register starting Wednes-day, January 7, in person at the Reference Desk or by phone at 847-256-6935. Internet Basics: Using the Wilmette Library Web PagesWednesday, January 14Saturday, January 17NEW: YouTube for Newbies—What is it? Who’s watching? How can I get in on it?Saturday, January 24Google Tips and TricksSaturday, January 31Best in TravelSaturday, February 7Build a Wiki Saturday, February 21

Diabetes Support Group Wednesdays, January 14 & February 11, 7:00 A support group for those with adult type I diabetes, meets from 7:00-8:45. The group is facilitated by Wilmette resident Merle Gleeson, who can be reached at 847-338-2634.

Alzheimer’s Support GroupMondays, January 26 & February 23, 7:00Families who have a loved-one with Alzheimer’s disease are invited to attend support group meetings from 7:00-8:30 in the Small Meeting Room. Andee Kaluzna, who has extensive experience and training from the Alzheimer’s Association, facilitates the group. Newcomers are welcome.

Caregivers of Children with Mental Illness Support GroupFriday, Janaury 16, 9:30; no meeting in FebruaryA support group for caregivers of children with mental illnesses, diagnosed or undiagnosed, are invited to meet with a facilitator from NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, from 9:30-11:00 in the Small Meeting Room. For more information, call 847-716-2252 or visit www.namiccns.org.

Monthly Support GroupsCurrent Events Group Reviews the Latest NewsMondays, January 5 & 19; February 2 & 16, 10:00Have your second cup of coffee at the Library while sharing your views on the issues of the day. Sessions take place from 10:00-11:30.Newcomers are welcome to join in this lively group that covers all points on the political spectrum. The moderator sets the agenda based on the leading national, international and local news stories of the day.

One-on-One Internet ClassesWant better results from the Internet? Enjoy a 30-minute guided session with a librarian who will help you do just that. Call 847-256-6936 to make an appointment.

Introduction to MS Excel Thursdays, January 15 & 29, 7:00-8:00Attendance at both classes is required. Particpants must bring a floppy disk or a USB drive. Familiarity with MS Word required.Introduction to MS Word Wednesday, February 11, 1:00-2:00Familiarity with mouse and keyboard required.Introduction to PowerPointThursday, February 12, 7:00-8:00Familiarity with MS Word required.Enhancing PowerPoint Slide PresentationsThursday, February 26, 7:00-8:00Learn to add animation and sound. Knowledge of PowerPoint required.

One-on-One Mouse TrainingDuring January, a Library technology assistant will be available for an hour of one-on-one mouse training. Call 847-853-6566 to schedule.

POSTAL PATRON

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDWilmette IL 60091

Permit No. 51

Wilmette Public Library1242 Wilmette AvenueWilmette IL 60091

Wilmette Public Library1242 Wilmette AvenueWilmette IL 60091847-256-5025TDD 847-256-6931www.wilmettelibrary.info

Board of Trustees David J. Oser, PresidentCinda J. Axley, Vice PresidentBruce H. Ente, TreasurerRonald C. Rodgers, SecretaryAlice J. ChowKathleen M. O’LaughlinDouglas J. Rathe

Ellen B. Clark, DirectorBonnie S. Forkosh, Editor

Regular Library HoursMonday-Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Holiday ClosingsThe Library will be closed on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1.The Library will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19 and on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16.

Books Down Under Monday 1:00 - 5:00Tuesday 9:00 - 5:00 7:00 - 8:45Wednesday 11:30 - 5:00Thursday 9:00 - 5:00 7:00 - 8:45Saturday 9:00 - 4:45Sunday 1:30 - 4:30

Teen TalkAnime Club: AnimeniacsSaturdays, January 3 & February 14, 10:30-1:00

Game Design ClubMonday, January 12, 5:30-6:30

Final Exam Pizza Break in the Auditorium on January 13 Take a study break and feed your brain with a slice of pizza and a soda in the Auditorium starting at 7:00 on Tuesday, January 13. The Auditorium and Small Meeting Room will be open for group study from 3:00-8:45.

Open to graduates of Game Maker Academy or Scratch Labs.Share design-related tips and tricks.Demonstrate recent projects.Visits from professional designers.

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For kids going in to grade 6 and up. Anime screenings and discussions, trivia contests, plus Fanart (drawing) and Manga workshops.Coordinated by Library staff member Laura Krimsin.

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Teen Advisory BoardSundays, January 4 & February 1, 4:00-5:00Join other Wilmette and Kenilworth teens for pizza and soda to plan library events and programs just for teens. The Board meets the first Sunday of the month at 4:00 in the Small Meeting Room.