Oak Park Public Library Calendar, Feb. 23

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:26AM

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. 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.

Tech Skills: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 24. “Online Tools @ Your Fingertips!” Walk-ins only.

Computer Help: 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Dole Branch.

Lego Club: 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at Dole Branch. Join other Lego maniacs and build to your heart’s content. Library will supply plenty of bricks so your kids can have a blast being creative, making structures and creatures of all shapes and sizes. All ages. No registration required.

Oscar Day Marathon: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 25. Film presentations of four of 2011’s Academy Award nominated films. The day will include trivia and prizes and popcorn will be served. The Oscar Day Marathon is free and everyone is welcome to attend one or more of the film screenings.

Tech Skills: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 27. “Microsoft Word 2007 for Beginners.”

Billy Wilder Film Series: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 27. Billy Wilder films are screened at 1:30 p.m. Mondays. On Feb 27: “Stalag 17” (1953) 120 minutes. When two escaping American World War II prisoners of war are killed, the German POW camp barracks black marketeer (William Holden) is suspected of being an informer.

Book Discussion: 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at Maze Branch. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

Toddler Playgroup: 10 a.m. Feb. 28 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.

Knitting Program: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. “Ewe Need a Headband?” Outdoor winter fashionique? Don’t wear hats? Ears like ice? Sue Jaffee will lead a one-session opportunity to create a toasty headband ear warmer embellished with a flower. This class is for experienced knitters. Register in person, online, or call (708) 452-3480. Required materials list will be provided in advance.

Teen Improv Workshop: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Maze Branch. Calling all teens ages 11 and up for improvisational drama games. Never acted before but always wanted to try? Or are you a seasoned pro that loves moment-to-moment action? Either way, come join in fun and games that are sure to test your quick-thinking skills. Warning: hilarity will ensue.

Great Decisions: 7 p.m. Feb. 28. “Promoting Democracy.” Great Decisions 2012 promises to be an exciting series of discussions about international issues. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest and the Oak Park Public Library.

genre X Book Discussion: 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Molly Malone’s, 7652 Madison Street, Forest Park. Discuss Just Kids by Patti Smith. Monthly book discussion for 20s and 30s Patti Smith, an artist and musician, recounts her romance, lifetime friendship and shared love of art with Robert Mapplethorpe, in an illustrated memoir that includes a colorful cast of characters, including Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol and William Burroughs.

Family Open Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 29 at Maze Branch. Fun story time for ages 2-6.

Bogie! Film Series: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at Maze Branch. Ongoing film festival.

See and discuss films starring the most famous actor of all time. Popcorn is served, discussion moderated by librarian and film historian follows each film. On Feb 29: “The Maltese Falcon” (John Huston, 1941). A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette. Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre also star (100 min.). Bogie! film series runs every last Wednesday through October.

After the Bell: 2 p.m. Feb. 29 at Dole Branch. After school program for first- through fifth-graders. Activities include crafts, movies, plays and contests.

Folk Concert: Michael Smith, 7 p.m. Feb. 29. Chicago-based singer/songwriter Smith performs a free concert, funded by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.

Preschool Playgroup:10 a.m. March 1 at Maze Branch.

Family Open Story Time: 10:30 a.m. March 1 at Dole Branch. Story time for children age 2-6. No registration required.

Open Play Gaming: 4 p.m. March 1.

Tech Skills: 7 p.m. March 1, “LinkedIn Tips and Tricks.”

“Inside the Arts & Crafts Home”: 7 p.m. March 1. Lecture Series. Tonight’s topic: “Restoring Arts & Crafts.” Free. Sponsored by Pleasant Home Foundation. Series concludes on March 8.