January 17 – January 23

FRIENDS BOOK SALE:  Prepare for the chilly “stay inside and read” days ahead by stocking your home library. You will find great bargains on books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks at the Winter Book Sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 17, 18 and 19) at Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.). Members Only can shop on Friday (Jan. 17) from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The general public is welcome on Saturday (Jan. 18) from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday (Jan. 19) from Noon – 4 p.m. Funds raised through the sale helps the Friends support additional Library programs, events and services. For more information, call 847/253-5675. 

WRITERS  GROUP: Do you enjoy writing short stories?  Perhaps you need some feedback on your novel. Are you looking for constructive criticism in a friendly environment among others who share your passion? Join the Mount Prospect Writers Group on Tuesday (Jan. 21) from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2A on the Second Floor of Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.). The group is open to all adult writers with all levels of writing experience, in all genres. Bring up to five double-spaced pages and copies to share (approximately 10) with group members. A modest fee is required on a quarterly basis. The Writers Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Questions? Contact Laird Larsen at l-larsen@att.net. 

MEET WITH A REP: Talk with a representative from Jan Schakowsky’s Office on Wednesday (Jan. 22) from 2-5 p.m. in Room 130 of Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.). Ask questions about immigration, visas, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans’ benefits and other federal services.  

CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH: Practice your conversational skills in a friendly group setting with native English speakers on Thursday (Jan. 23) from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Community Connections Center (1711 W. Algonquin Rd.). This class is available to Mount Prospect and Elk Grove Village residents. For more information, or to register, call 847/506-4930.  

ULTRASOUNDS AT HARPER: The Harper College Diagnostic Cardiac and Medical Sonography programs are seeking volunteers interested  in receiving free ultrasounds. Appointments can be made starting Wednesday (Jan. 22) through mid-April. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The tests are non-diagnostic. The hour-long exams will be performed by students under the supervision of a registered diagnostic medical and cardiac sonographer. To make an appointment, call 847/925-6104. 

TEXAS ROADHOUSE GIVES BACK: This new business opened to the public on Monday (Jan. 20) at (841 E. Rand Rd.). Before that, however, they held special events to benefit local organizations. One of those organizations is Lemons of Love, a charity that offers programming and support services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.  

SPRING CLASSES @ OAKTON: Prepare for your dream job or complete your college degree by enrolling in classes at Oakton Community College (1600 E. Golf Rd. DP) .Classes begin on Tuesday (Jan. 21.). Registration can be completed online at www.oakton.edu/admission. Students can also register in person Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday.  

NEARBY HAPPENINGS: 

—- WHAT’S ON THE MENU: Stop by the River Trail Nature Center (3120 Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook) on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 18 and 19) 3 p.m. It will be feeding time for the center’s animals. Watch and learn their habits! For more info, call 847/824-8360. 

—-SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY: Learn about these cute critters and celebrate the role they play in nature and the environment on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 18 and 19) from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Grove (1421 Milwaukee Ave.). This free program takes place in the Beck Room of the Kennicott House. For more info, visit www.glenviewparks.org.

All information for This Week in Mount Prospect is gathered from various local news sources.