Thursday, August 9th, 7:00pm (Auditorium):  Are you overwhelmed by the clutter in your life? Brooks Palmer, author of Clutter Busting Your Life:  Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter to Reconnect with Yourself and Others, will discuss how to let go of those things that are no longer a part of your life.

Tuesday, July 24 at 7pm: Om Johari presents a class for those who are familiar with Sudoku basics and who are ready to learn some tricks and strategies for solving these popular puzzles.

Join librarian Leah White for the very first meeting of Books on Tap on July 18th, 7pm at The Landmark Inn.  Meet on the lower level in their private room to relax, talk books, enjoy a tasty beverage, and maybe nosh on some Colossal Nachos!  This month's book is Swamplandia! by Karen Russell. Grab a copy on the third floor of the library at the Reader Services Desk.  Even if you hate the book or don't finish it, come anyway!

If you’re among the many fans of RefUSA for directory assistance, you’ll be happy to know that RefUSA has improved its service. Using Ref USA to find phone numbers and addresses has always been quick and easy. The coverage includes all of the U.S. and Canada. But the real power of this e-directory is for business people and job seekers who want to create a list of companies of a certain type, size, or location.

Dr. Mark Howes, DVM, Berglund Animal Hospital, will present a talk on issues of concern to both current and prospective dog and cat owners, including how to select an appropriate pet to match your lifestyle, seasonal health issues, pros and cons of pet health insurance, taking care of your senior pet, and more. A question and answer session will follow. Tuesday, May 22, 7:00pm: Auditorium.

Join us for a panel discussion on why locally grown food is beneficial to your family, the community, the economy, and the environment. The panel will include representatives from the Northbrook Farmers Market, the Northbrook Community Gardens and a health supportive chef. Topics will include how a Farmers Market benefits the community, how community gardens work, why fresh food is better, what organic really means, and more. Wednesday, May 16, 10am, Auditorium.

History comes to life as historical dramatist R.J. Lindsey portrays New York Times Managing Editor Carr Van Anda, who broke the story of the Titanic disaster. Lindsey presents a slide program detailing the Titanic’s construction, its luxurious accommodations and safety features. He then narrates an hour by hour chronology of that fateful day with stories of several passengers on board, why they were there, and what fate awaited them. Co-sponsored by the Friends and the Northbrook Historical Society. Tuesday, May 8 at 7pm, Auditorium.

The $.10 fine for overdue materials has not been raised in over 40 years. To encourage the prompt return of materials, the Board of Trustees has decided to raise the fine to $.20 as of May 1, 2012. If you sign up for your library notices by email, we'll let you know 3 days before an item is due and you may never pay another late fee again.