Zion-Benton Public Library

This parent-run networking group will meet on Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m.  Bring a snack and a drink to share, along with crafts and/or board games for the kids.

Celebrate the up-coming bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, by spending an evening with the temperamental Mrs. Lincoln, whose years in the White House were haunted by the Civil War and family tragedies. On Monday, Jan. 26, at 7:00 p.m., Jessica Michna combines history and theater to take you back almost 150 years. Experience life with one of the world’s greatest men in one of America’s most troubled times.

Registration is required.  Register online or call the Adult Reference Desk at 847.872.4680 ext. 4.

The library hosts free GED classes for earning a high school equivalency diploma for parents who have children under the age of 6. Free child care is provided, along with activities and crafts. Classes meet Wednesday and Thursday mornings, starting Jan. 21. For information about testing and registration, call Sari Oosta at 847-543-2317.

Come in from the cold! On Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2:30p.m., Chef Michael Niksic will make and serve Roast Turkey & Red Bean Andouille Sausage Chili. He will provide the recipe and offer serving ideas, samples and prizes.

Registration is required.  Register online or call the Adult Reference Desk at 847.872.4680 ext. 4.

Congratulations to M. Annell Alvarez, winner of the Christmas Ramble quilt raffled off by the Friends of the Library. Proceeds will support library programs and services. See pictures here.

Homeschoolers and their parents are invited to attend computer classes designed to enhance your homeschooling curriculum.  Please register as space is limited. Classes meet on Mondays from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

• Basic Word Processing: Jan. 12
• Grolier Online: Jan. 26
• NoveList Plus: Feb. 2
• BrainFuse Online Tutoring and Skills Building: Feb. 9

Adults & Teens
Honor Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday and mark milestones in his life when you join the adult/teen reading club. Read or listen to five books in 10 weeks. Return the completed reading log for a prize! Register for the club at the Adult Reference desk. Feb. 7-Apr. 18

Families
Read and light up your life! Share that special time together reading as a family. Read 300 pages aloud to each other and get a free book. Read a Go Green book to earn an energy-saving light bulb. Register for the club at the Youth Reference desk. Feb. 7-Apr. 18

Kids
Wolves Read to Succeed Club–Independent readers can earn a prize every two weeks by reading 60 minutes per week. Some prizes donated by the Chicago Wolves. Register for the club at the Youth Reference desk. Feb. 7-Apr. 18

T’weens (ages 11-14)
39 Clues Book Club–The Cahills are the most powerful family the world has ever known. 39 Clues hidden around the world guard the family’s power and it’s up to YOU to find them. It’s Cahill vs. Cahill in a race to find the Clues…and beat the competition. Book 1 - “Maze of Bones”, Book 2 - “One False Note” and Book 3 - “The Sword Thief”. Register for the club at the Youth Reference desk.  Wednesdays, Jan. 7, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 25, at 3:00 p.m. 

Kids–Turn in your Win with Reading and Monarch logs by Jan. 31 to vote and collect prizes.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6:00 p.m., Wii videogaming is open to teens (ages 15-19) with ID or proof of age.

Are you ready?  Digital Television Transition starts Feb. 17, 2009.  On Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7:00 p.m., John Kuzma of the Federal Communication Commission will explain the transition and answer questions about what is needed to be ready for the change.

Registration is required.  Register online or call the Adult Reference Desk at 847.872.4680 ext. 4.

Weather is not a factor in this winter league. Various competitions each week: stroke play, match play, foursomes, four ball and team competition. Each play earns individual points each week, with the leader at the end being the VGA champion.  Thursdays, Jan. 8-Mar. 26, at 7:00 p.m.