High-definition and on-demand are two terms that you often hear. It seems we all want high quality things whenever we need them no matter the time, day or location. As you will see on pages 6-7, the Vernon Area Public Library District (VAPLD) is able to exceed your needs by providing both high-definition and on-demand entertainment, information and services that no one else can provide. The library has information databases, movies, music and staff that are available when you need them. When it comes to quality VAPLD is your resource!

SAVE MONEY USING YOUR LIBRARY CARD!

Save money by using your library card! Receive discounts when you show your Vernon Area Public Library District card at these businesses during the month of September.

Click here for a printable list of businesses offering discounts.

Games for Grownups
Sundays, August 3 and September 14 from 1–4pm
Registration is not required.

Chess player? Face off against Chess Instructor Robert Krause! He can teach you the game and offer tips to improve your play. Apples to Apples! Settlers of Catan! Wits & Wagers! Carcassonne: The City! Cloud 9! Lost Cities! Discover boisterous party games, games ideal for a quiet evening with friends and great family games at our Games for Grownups sessions. Open to adults and high school students of all skill levels.

Change Your Thinking… Change Your Life
Thursday, September 4 from 7–8:30pm
Registration is required.

Do you feel in control of your life or do you feel your life is in control of you? Are you happy with your life or do you settle for less
than what you really want? Life coach Alesa Burbach explains how your life today is a reflection of the past. Learn how to change
your life by making the right choices that produce more satisfying results.

3rd Annual Car Show - Sunday, September 7 from Noon-2pm

Three divisions of cars – sports, muscle and classic – meet to compete in our 2008 Car Show! Stop by and cast your vote for Best in Show, while enjoying entertainment, raffles, giveaways and free food and refreshments while supplies last. The winners will be announced at 2:15pm. Registration is not required.

Magic Show
Sunday, September 7 at Noon
Registration is not required.

Magician Matthew Scherer’s “I CAN DO IT!” magic show shares “tricks” on how to make magic happen in your life and how to reach your goals with practice and patience. Following the show, Magic Matt teaches a few simple magic tricks and creates his balloon artistry for the audience.

12 Fascinating Ways to Use the Internet
Thursday, September 11 from 6:45–8:45pm
Registration is required.

Join presenter Jack Waddick for this fun and fascinating real-time demonstration of how you can use the Internet to simplify and improve daily life. If you use the Internet just for email, news or online shopping, then you will be amazed at the opportunities you discover in this program.

Friend’s Annual Meeting Kilimanjaro and Me: My Journey to the Rooftop of Africa
Tuesday, September 16 from 7–8:30pm
Registration is required.

In this interactive photo presentation, Doug Dvorak delivers a highly entertaining and educational talk about his 19,340 foot
summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hear about his physical, mental and emotional challenges and view breathtaking pictures of his journey to the rooftop of Africa.

Balancing Hormones Naturally
Wednesday, September 17 from 7–8pm
Registration is required.

The Foundation of Wellness Professionals presents a workshop on how to ease the hormone fluctuations caused by PMS and menopause. Gain a complete understanding of why these symptoms occur and learn healthy solutions through diet, vitamins, exercise and stress reduction.

Second Annual Race to VAPLD 5K
Saturday, September 20
Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire
Sign-in/Registration: 8:15-8:50am
Race Start: 9am

This is a great race for both experienced and first time runners. There will be music, refreshments, massages and giveaways. Your whole family will enjoy this event. Registration is required. Entry fee is $16 when postmarked by August 20 and $20 thereafter. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Vernon Area Public Library. Participants receive a t-shirt and the top three men and women will receive trophies.

Safety Net: Protecting Yourself in the Online World
Tuesday, September 23 from 6:45–8:45pm
Registration is required.

If you believe your computer is safe on the Internet – think again. An average of 80% of all computer users assume they are protected against computer viruses, spyware and other forms of online threats when in fact they are not. Join Rich Trauth and Jill Brenner as they take an eye-opening look at the dangers that exist in the online world. Learn how easy it is to protect your online life so that you can enjoy the experience.

Laughing Yoga
Wednesday, September 24 from 1–2pm
Registration is required.

Looking for a fun and healthy way to relieve stress? Certified Laughing Yoga Teacher Phylis C. Sugar guides you through easy
laughing and breathing exercises. Learn techniques that use laughter as a tool to remove negative effects of stress, increase
oxygen supply, boost the immune system and just make you feel good!

Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera
Wednesday, September 24 from 7–8:30pm
Registration is required.

Confused with your digital camera? Professional photographer Roger Mattingly shows you basic commands to operate your camera. Learn how to adjust your camera for pictures in dim light, edit your camera’s memory card, fix red eye and take close-up pictures. Please bring your own camera and instruction book

Senior Series

A monthly series for our senior community! Coffee and refreshments are served. Registration is required.

Summer Concert: A Sentimental Journey
Thursday, August 21 from 1–2:30pm
Registration is required.

Award-winning vocalist Maureen Christine sings melodies from the World War II era and the golden age of swing. Listen to all your favorites from Doris Day to Frank Sinatra to patriotic melodies like You’re a Grand Old Flag.

Digital TV: Prepare for the Switch to Get the Picture
Thursday, September 18 from 1–2:30pm
Registration is required.

The newest technology in digital television can be confusing! Plasma, LCD, HDTV, Blue Ray Disc and the February 2009 broadcast switch from analog to digital TV – what does all that mean to you? FCC Representative John Kuzma and Mark Cook of ABT Electronics will anwer all your questions to give you a clearer picture.

Evening Book Discussion
Tuesday, September 9 from 7–8:30pm

Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones
Registration is required.

On a tropical island shattered by war, eccentric Mr. Watts spends his days reading to the local children from Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations. His readings capture the imaginations of 13-year-old Matilda and her peers who are fascinated by the adventures of Pip. Copies of the book will be available at the Adult Services Desk beginning August 1.

Lunch & Learn

Bring your lunch and enjoy a dessert provided by the library. Registration is required.

Letters from the Oregon Trail
Wednesday, August 20 from Noon–1pm
Registration is required.

Storyteller Paddy Lynn engages you with the historically accurate story of life on the trail told through one woman’s letters written home to her mother. The letters depict the adventures these early pioneers had when they left their homes to venture on a 2,000 mile trek westward. Be transported back in time and gain a newfound appreciation for these women and the human spirit.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Wednesday, September 17 from Noon–1pm
Registration is required.

In this program inspired by our Third Annual Car Show, Caryl Derenfeld of Learned Conversations takes you on a trip along Route 66 that starts in Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica Pier in California. Learn what set Route 66 apart from other roads, discover famous roadside attractions and share stories from your own trips along this famous road.

Business Series

Tips for Small Business Success
Tuesday, September 16 from Noon–1pm
Registration is required.

Have you always wanted to start your own business? Or have you already started your own business and are looking for ways to take it to the next level? Get tips on making your small business succeed! Jan Bauer, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center, teaches you what you need to know to start your business and shares tips on making it a success.

Judy Levin Book Discussion

Thursdays from 10–11:30am
A limited number of books will be available to check out with a VAPLD card starting four weeks before each discussion. Registration is required.

No August meeting

Digging to America by Anne Tyler
September 11
Registration is required.

The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
October 16
Registration is required.

Writer’s Support Group

Wednesdays, August 13, September 10 and October 15 from 6:30–8:45pm
Registration is not required.

“The Writer’s Group provides two invaluable resources: additional learning and renewed confidence. The varied interests and experiences of the other writers broaden my knowledge of the writing world, and their enthusiasm for their work and encouragement of others enhances my resolve to persist with mine.” Laura Mills, Writer’s Group Participant

Whether you are a published author or trying to become one, the Writer’s Support Group, led by Sandy Kamen Wisniewski, offers an opportunity to critique each other’s work and share ideas and techniques. New members are always welcome.

Go Digital @ the Library
Download digital books and video to your home computer 24/7! Your VAPLD library card gives you instant access to e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, PBS series, classic theater productions and music, which are all available for download to your computer.

IM a Librarian!
Send an instant message (IM) for instant help from a librarian. Is there a book you want us to hold for you? Do you have a reference question? You can chat live with a librarian using any IM service. The screen name for the Adult Services Desk is askvapld and for the Youth Services Desk is askvapldkids. IMing is available all hours the library is open.

Listen to Music!
Three music databases are available online for your listening enjoyment: Classical Music Library, Smithsonian Global Sound and African American Song. These resources provide a wide range of music encompassing choral, chamber, stage and screen,
American folk, bluegrass, ragtime, blues and spoken word. You can download tracks to an MP3 player for a small charge.

Watch Video!
You can watch movies, travel programs, cooking shows and theater productions on your computer through MyLibraryDV and Theatre in Video. MyLibraryDV provides over 500 videos, including classic movies and lifestyle programming such as America’s Test Kitchen and the Rick Steves series. Theatre in Video contains more than 250 performances of the world’s leading plays such as Death of a Salesman, King Lear and The Imaginary Invalid. These programs are ready to watch at your convenience.

Learning Does Not Take a Vacation!
Continue to learn all summer and keep your skills sharp. Live Homework Help® services are expanding to include kindergarten through “Adult Learners.” Now students from five to eighty five can connect one-on-one with live tutors for GED preparation, English, writing (including resume assistance), social studies, science and math. Help is available everyday from 2–9pm at http://www.livehomeworkhelpil.com. You may access this website in the library or from home. Pick up an entry form in Adult or Youth Services and let us know what you think of this resource. We will enter your name into a drawing for a $15 gift certificate.