Oak Park Public Library Calendar, Feb. 16

• Reprints

Updated: March 17, 2012 8:13AM

Main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., (708) 383-8200; Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson, (708) 386-4751; Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, (708) 386-9032. Registration is required unless otherwise noted; www.oppl.org. All events free and open to the public. All events are at the main library unless otherwise stated. For class dates and full descriptions, visit www.oppl.org/events/classes.htm.

Chess Open Play: 5:30-9 p.m. Mondays. Open play, all ages, all skill levels. Drop in when you can.

Preschool Playgroup: 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at Maze Branch. Join in an open playtime for preschoolers with toys, puzzles puppets and music.

Family Open Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at Dole Branch. Story time for children ages 2-6.

Manga! Manga! Manga!: 4 p.m. Feb. 16. A group for teens who love all things Manga and Anime. Meeting every third Thursday.

Tech Skills: 7 p.m. Feb. 16. “LinkedIn 101.” Learn to set up your account and connect with other professionals in your field or industry. Walk-ins only. No preregistration. First-come, first-seated. This class is hands-on using wireless laptops. Bring your own laptop if you prefer.

Pleasant Home: Architecture Series, 7 p.m. Feb. 16. Lectures on architecture sponsored by Pleasant Home Foundation. Series continues on Feb. 23, March 1 and March 8.

Tech Skills: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 17. “Facebook 101.” Learn how to use this popular social networking service and get started with your own account. Walk-ins only. No preregistration. First-come, first-seated. To attend: must have a current e-mail account. This class is hands-on using wireless laptops. You may bring your own laptop if you prefer.

Man’s Search for Meaning: Noon, Feb. 17 at Dole Branch. Read & Reflect Book Group. Join in discussing Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. The author, a psychiatrist and concentration camp survivor, argues we cannot avoid suffering, but can use the experience to find meaning and renewed purpose in our lives. Read & Reflect Book Group meets monthly to discuss a nonfiction title. All are welcome to attend. Books are available at the Dole Branch Library one month before the discussion.

Computer Help: 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at Dole Branch. Ask your computer help questions during one-on-one 20-minute sessions. Answers to questions about Web searching, online job hunting, using e-mail and word processing programs and an array of online research tools. Call (708) 386-9032 to schedule your session.

Teen Open Mic Night: 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Teens come out to showcase their talent.

Tesselations , Technologies, Techniques: 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at Maze Branch. Join Tom Burtonwood, February’s aMAZEing Artist, as he demonstrates the methods and technologies he used to create his recent installation “Tessellations” : a hybrid of new and old technologies, mashing up the ancient craft of paper folding, advanced digital fabrication techniques and a splash of paint for good measure.

Sci-Fi Film Series: 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at Maze Branch. “Solaris” (2002, 1 hr 39 mins). Epic drama of adventure, exploration and discovery.

Brain Quest Challenge!: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Dole Branch. Show off your mind. Challenge your friends, parents or even the librarian with the game that proves “It’s fun to be smart.” Snacks provided. Best for ages 6-12. No registration required.

Billy Wilder Film Series: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Billy Wilder films are screened at 1:30 p.m. Mondays. Wilder was one of the most brilliant and versatile filmmakers of Hollywood’s Golden Age. From the late ‘30s through the early ‘60s, he dominated the film industry with more than 50 movies and six Academy Awards to his credit. Few directors made so many movies that were so taut, savvy and well-received. On Feb 20: “Sunset Boulevard” (1950) 110 minutes. A hack screenwriter (William Holden) is hired to write a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into obscurity and possible madness

Animals in Winter Show: 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at Maze Branch. Christine Buik will introduce you to some real live animals as you learn how they survive the winter months. Best for ages 4-12. Register in person, online or by calling (708) 386-4751.

Tech Skills: 7 p.m. Feb. 20. “Skype.” Seen your kids using Skype and you are clueless? Are you are interested in what this technology has to offer? Communicate with others on the computer while also viewing live video. This class will teach you how to set up an account, how to call someone and how to add contacts, among other tips. Walk-ins only. No preregistration. First-come, first-seated. To attend: you must bring laptops, Web camera (if one was not built-in to your laptop) and microphone (if one was not built-in).

Toddler Playgroup: 10 a.m. Feb. 21 at Dole Branch. For children up to 24 months, with a caregiver. This play group includes toddler toys, board books and music. Have fun and socialize with other children and caregivers.

Plain Truth: Brown Bag Book Group, Noon, Feb. 21 at Dole Branch. Jodi Picoult’s Plain Truth chronicles big city lawyer Ellie Hathaway’s personal and professional struggles as she defends an Amish teen accused with murdering an infant. Brown Bag Book Group meets monthly to discuss international mystery titles. Bring a light lunch. Books are available at the Dole Branch Library one month before the discussion and no registration is required.

Digital Dating: A Panel Discussion, 7 p.m. Feb. 21. A panel of experts talk about dating in the digital world. Craft the perfect online dating profile, tactfully disengage from your ex, when and how to go “Facebook Official.”

Basic Computer Skills: for Beginners, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 22. This class is for beginners who have not used computers before. Learn to use the mouse to click, double click, highlight, scroll, drag and print. Preregistration is strongly suggested; walk-ins are welcome if space allows on a first-come, first- seated basis. This is a two-part class. Second session meets Feb. 29.

Family Open Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at Maze Branch. Fun story time for 2-6 year olds.

After the Bell: 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at Dole Branch. After school program for first- through fifth-graders. Activities include crafts, movies, plays and contests.

Phat Fiction: Book Discussion, 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bar Louie, 1122 Lake St., in Oak Park. Discuss Keyshia and Clyde by Treasure Blue (Love Stories). If you have longed to explore urban fiction, then this book group is for you. Whether you are a passionate lover of the genre or have a mild curiosity about its characters, our monthly discussions will aim to illuminate and inform. Fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss street lit novels over light refreshments. Copies of each book will be available at the main library a month before the discussion.

Preschool Playgroup: 10 a.m. Feb. 23 at Maze Branch. Open playtime for preschoolers with toys, puzzles puppets and music.

Family Open Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at Dole Branch. Story time for children ages 2-6 years of age.

Great Decisions: 1 p.m. Feb. 23 at Maze Branch. “Promoting Democracy.” Great Decisions 2012 is an exciting series of discussions about international issues. Explore eight issues over eight sessions. Each issue will be discussed twice. Attend all eight issues in the series or come to individual issues of interest. Briefing books will be available for purchase. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest and the Oak Park Public Library.

Yarns and Yarn: 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Dole Branch. All are welcome to join a group of avid readers who meet to discuss books while they knit and crochet blankets and scarves to donate to various charities. No knitting experience needed. No registration required.

What Would You Do?: 4 p.m. Feb. 23. Teens discuss current issues.

Young @ Heart: Book Discussion, 7 p.m. Feb. 23. If you enjoy reading books like The Hunger Games and Twilight come to a book discussion for adults who read Young Adult literature. This month Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly.

Pleasant Home: Architecture Series, 7 p.m. Feb. 23. Lectures on architecture sponsored by Pleasant Home Foundation. Series continues on March 1 and March 8.

Job Searching Online: 7 p.m. Feb. 23. Learn to use the Internet to find and apply for jobs. Walk-ins only. No preregistration. First-come, first-seated. To attend: must be familiar with basic Internet Explorer functions and have valid e-mail address. This class is hands-on using wireless laptops. You may bring your own laptop if you prefer.