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There’s no better time than in the heart of winter to learn a new skill (making gourmet pastries and desserts, perhaps?) or to get your legal house in order, all from the comfort of home. The Arlington Heights Memorial Library offers a robust selection of Great Courses on DVD and audiobook CD covering a wide range of topics, from world languages to mathematics, from the stars (astronomy) to the earth (paleontology). Explore the world’s greatest paintings; learn how to read Shakespeare, invest your money or play chess. Great Courses are instructor-led, college-level courses you can work through in your own time, at your own pace. Lessons in myths, medicine, and music await; search “Great Courses” under “series” in our catalog at ahml.info to discover your next lesson.

Book Discussions

Join the conversation.

Register to attend a book discussion. Stop by the Info Desk to pick up a copy of any of the books or contact us at 847-392-0100 to request a copy. Book discussion titles are also available as an eBook and eAudiobook.

NEW: BEYOND THE BOOK Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Sutton Foster Book Discussion and Craft

Wednesday, February 15, 6–7:30 p.m. Makerplace, 112 N. Belmont Ave.

Are you someone who loves to craft and read? Join us for a special book discussion with a craft where we will discuss Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Broadway star Sutton Foster as we create a cross-stitch bookmark to take home! Come to the Info Desk to pick up a copy of the book or call 847-392-0100 to reserve a copy to pick up. Books are also available as an eBook and eAudiobook on cloudLibrary.

Page Turners

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

Monday, February 13, 7–8 p.m. / Cardinal Room or Thursday, February 23, 10–11 a.m. / Conference Room H

The Violin Conspiracy is about a black classical musician’s desperate quest to recover his stolen family heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world. Throughout this lyrical debut whodunit, Slocumb confronts privilege, racial discrimination, complex family relationships, the strain of success and the struggle of upholding a family legacy.

Classes

All in-person tech classes are held in the Training Center, unless otherwise noted.

Register for Tech Classes starting February 1. More information available at ahml.info.

Basic Computer Skills

Monday, February 6, 1:30–3 p.m.

Learn the components of a window, how to use a mouse and open and close files.

Let’s Photoshop: Fixing Photos

Monday, February 6, 7–8:30 p.m.

Learn to improve everyday and digitized photos by editing colors, fixing blemishes and more.

Excel: Basics

Wednesday, February 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Learn about spreadsheets and how to move within them and the basics of Excel including rows, columns, tabs and more.

Beginning Computing with Windows 10

Wednesday, February 8, 1:30–3 p.m.

Learn how to launch programs; create, rename and delete files as well as folders; organize your desktop and more.

Using Your Mac: Basics

Thursday, February 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

Learn all about the Mac operating system, from the keyboard and your Apple ID, to launching apps, organizing files and changing settings.

How to Use Your Android Device

Thursday, February 9, 1:30–3 p.m.

Learn how to install apps, manage your device settings and more. Bring your Android device

How to Use Your iPad/iPhone

Friday, February 10, 10–11:30 a.m.

Learn to use your device’s settings, apps, web browser and more. Bring your iPad or iPhone if you have one.

Digitize It: VHS and 8mm Tapes

Friday, February 10, 2–3 p.m.

Learn how to digitize your VHS, 8mm, Hi8, VHS-C and Mini DV tapes using the equipment and software in the Studio.

Word: Basics

Monday, February 13, 7–8:30 p.m.

This class will introduce you to all the tabs, especially the File and Home tabs, and how to change words on the page.

PowerPoint: Basics

Tuesday, February 14, 1:30–3 p.m.

This class covers the basics for developing an interesting presentation.

Excel: Intermediate

Wednesday, February 15, 10–11:30 a.m.

Learn about charts and graphs and commonly used functions for working with data.

Making One Minute Videos

Thursday, February 16, 7–8:30 p.m.

Learn to shoot, edit, upload and share short format videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

How to Use Your

iPad/iPhone’s Apps

Friday, February 17, 10–11:30 a.m.

Explore many of the default apps available on your iPad or iPhone. Bring your device.

PowerPoint: Intermediate Tuesday, February 21, 1:30–3 p.m.

Learn how to enhance your presentations with creative effects.

Digitize It: Reel to Reel Film

Tuesday, February 21, 7–8 p.m.

Learn how to digitize your 8mm and 16mm film reels utilizing the equipment and software in the Studio.

Excel: Charts and Graphs

Wednesday, February 22, 11 a.m.–noon

Take an in-depth look at how to use Excel to display data using charts and graphs.

Cord Cutting 101: Exploring Cable Alternatives

Wednesday, February 22, 7–8:30 p.m. Zoom

Learn how to save hundreds of dollars annually by cutting your cable and phone cord and instead use cost-effective alternatives.

Using Apple’s iCloud

Thursday, February 23, 10–11:30 a.m.

Learn the ins and outs of iCloud and work seamlessly between your iPhone, iPad and Mac computer with synchronized contacts, calendars and more.

Make a Photo Slideshow with iMovie

Thursday, February 23, 7–8:30 p.m.

Learn how you can use iMovie on your Mac computer or mobile device to turn existing photos into a movie you can share with your friends and family.

Digitize It: Audio and Slides/Photos

Friday, February 24, 11 a.m.–noon

Learn how to digitize your vinyl records, audio cassettes, 35mm slides and photos utilizing the specialized equipment and software in the Studio.

Word: Intermediate Monday, February 27, 7–8:30 p.m.

Learn how to change margins, use bullet points, formatting, tables, templates and more.

PowerPoint: Transitions and Animations

Tuesday, February 28, 2–3 p.m.

Take an in-depth look at how to work with transitions and animations in your PowerPoint presentations.

Tips for Buying Online

Tuesday, February 28, 7–8:30 p.m. / Zoom

Learn tips for buying items on sites such as Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and Etsy. No accounts needed; this will be an overview.

Discover the place where you can be a maker.

The Makerplace provides visitors ages 12 and up a unique opportunity for making and creating using the latest technology and equipment, along with flexible workspaces and a commercialgrade kitchen. Visit anytime to explore the space, try something new or bring a project from home and use the open workspaces. All users must sign a waiver before using equipment or participating in Makerplace classes. Makerplace classes are for Arlington Heights cardholders only, unless otherwise noted.

Registration for February classes at the Makerplace begins at 9 a.m. on February 2.

Makerplace Tour

Sunday, February 5, 1–2 p.m. / Makerplace Flex Space 1

“INSPIRED BY”ART NIGHT

Tuesday, February 14 6–7:30 p.m. / Makerplace Creative Arts

Join us for an evening of creating art inspired by famous artists and art styles. Create a masterpiece and chat with your neighbors. Supplies provided.

For ages 18 and up. Arlington Heights cardholders only.

Needle Felting

Tuesday, February 21, 2–3 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m. Makerplace Creative Arts

Create an adorable owl out of wool with this fun class! Join Natasha Lehrer Lewis as you learn how to transform fibers into animals with this magical technique. Supplies provided.

This program is designed for ages 12 and up. Arlington Heights cardholders only. Both sessions are the same; register for only one.

TWEENS: SEW A WINTER EAR WARMER

Wednesday, February 22, 5:15–6:45 p.m. / Makerplace Sewing Area

Learn how to use a sewing machine and make a cozy winter headband to keep your ears warm throughout the winter and into the spring.

Arlington Heights cardholders only. Grades 4–6.

Makerplace Essentials Classes

Essentials classes are designed for ages 12 and up and adults. Arlington Heights cardholders only. Registration for February classes at the Makerplace begins at 9 a.m. on February 2.

VINYL CUTTING

Thursday, February 9, 1–2:30 p.m. Makerplace Flex Space 2

LASER CUTTING

Sunday, February 19, 1–2:30 p.m. Makerplace Flex Space 2

3d Printing

Wednesday, February 22, 1–2:30 p.m. Makerplace Flex Space 2

SEWING

Sunday, February 26, 1–2:30 p.m. Makerplace Sewing and Quilting Room

Makerplace Culinary Classes

Culinary classes are designed for adults 18+, unless otherwise noted. Arlington Heights library card required. Limit one culinary class every month, per cardholder.

Culinary program attendees are selected monthly through a lottery system. Register any time from February 2 at 9 a.m. to February 3 at 8:59 a.m. to join the lottery for a chance to attend. Individuals will be chosen at random and notified by email on February 3.

All classes take place in the Makerplace Kitchen, unless otherwise noted. Please note: The Makerplace Kitchen is not a nut-free, gluten-free or other allergy-free environment.

Homemade Pasta

Saturday, February 11 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or 2:30–4:30 p.m.

Food writer and cookbook author Emily Paster returns to share recipes and techniques for adding fresh, homemade pastas to your table.

Beer Tasting

Saturday, March 4, noon–1 p.m. or 2:30–4 p.m.

CHEF’S CHOICE WITH CHEF GRACE

Tuesday, February 28 2–4 p.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Join Chef Grace Goudie of Scratchboard Kitchen for a culinary treat of her choice and bring her signature composed, but not complicated recipes into your kitchen.

Learn, sample and socialize at this tasting with Beer on the Wall’s Matt Geary. An Advanced Ciccerone, Geary will guide you through the flavors, aromas and mouthfeel of each selected beer and you’ll walk away with some new beer history. Must be 21 to attend.

MAKERPLACE

112 N. Belmont Avenue

Visit ahml.info/makerplace for more information.

Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Monday & Friday: Closed

Programs At The Senior Center

All in-person programs are held at the Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road. Many also offer the option to attend via Zoom.

Reading Room hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Travelogues

Fridays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 10 a.m. Senior Center

Drop in and enjoy travel movies and documentaries.

Film Discussion Circle

Tuesday, February 7, 1 p.m. / Senior Center

February’s film is The Narrow Margin (1952), 71 minutes, unrated. A discussion led by staff follows a free showing of the film.

Computer Interest Group

Wednesday, February 8, 1–2 p.m. Senior Center or Zoom Novice and experienced users discuss current technology, exchange tips and offer advice for solving problems on PCs, tablets and smartphones.

Current Events Discussion

Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 10 a.m. Senior Center or Zoom

Register by calling 847-870-3712.

The Music and Influence of Peter, Paul & Mary and The Kingston Trio

Wednesday, February 15, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Senior Center

Drop in and join Steve Justman, Chicago area singer and musician, as he shares the story and songs of two of the most influential folk music groups that put guitars and banjos in the hands of millions.

Senior Center Book Discussions

Books available in the Senior Center Reading Room. Register to meet in-person at the Senior Center or join on Zoom.

Popular Books The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

Wednesday, February 8, 10 a.m. Senior Center or Zoom

Modern Classics Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Monday, February 27, 10 a.m. Senior Center or Zoom

Senior Center Tech Classes

Classes feature small class size and hands-on instruction. All classes are held in person at the Senior Center. Check for class openings and register online.

Full schedule and class descriptions available at ahml.info/senior/materials

Senior Phone Programs

Join our weekly phone discussions where we listen to and discuss short stories or share reminisces of past events and experiences. No technology other than a phone is required. Contact Senior and Accessible Services at 847-870-3712 to learn more about these programs or to register.