Perform your search for your favorite author or subject, etc. and then, once the results are displayed, click on the "Save Preferred Searches" button. The next time you login to "My Account," you will be able to click on "Preferred Searches" for a list of your favorites. By choosing one of these links you can quickly perform that search again.

Beginning in November you will be able to pay your fines and fees online using your credit card. Again, go to "My Account" and click the "Money Owed" link and follow the instructions.

Have you had problems renewing items online? From "My Account" click on your list of "Checked Out Items." Check the boxes for the items you want to renew and click "Renew Selected Items." The best way to see if the item renewed successfully is to look at the status column for the due date. If you have a new due date, the item was renewed. If the date did not change, the item was not renewed. Whether you renew a few items or all of them, check each item's due date to be certain the item renewed.

Navigate to www.woodridgelibrary.org, then click on the link to SWAN. Remember, all of these features are only available after you login to "My Account" in the SWAN Online Catalog. If you need help navigating any of these features, ask one of the librarians for help, or call us at 630-964-7899. We'll be happy to help!

Beginning November, 2007, library users with overdues will notice two changes. The 76 libraries that share the circulation system and catalog known as SWAN have changed their fee schedules. For all library patrons there will now be a $5 per item processing fee that will be added onto replacement costs for any items not returned. In addition, for Woodridge patrons, once an item is returned past the grace period the library's grace period charges will not be deducted from an item's fines. That means that on the 4th day an item is overdue, patrons will owe 40 cents, not the 10 cents they previously would have owed. For those patrons returning materials on time, of course, there will be no additional charges.

Berry, Steve / The Venetian Betrayal
After narrowly escaping a Danish museum fire, rare book dealer Cotton Malone teams up with adventurer Cassiopeia Vitt to find the tomb of Alexander the Great, rumored to contain a healing serum.

Delaney, Frank / Tipperary
Folk healer Charles O'Brien travels around Ireland treating patients, collecting stories, and witnessing the Irish struggle for independence. In Paris to treat Oscar Wilde, he falls in love in with young Englishwoman April Burke, and tries to help her reclaim the Tipperary estate.

Ewan, Chris / The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam
Debut mystery narrated by Charlie Howard, a mystery writer and a burglar. An American who asks Howard to steal two plaster monkeys is later beaten and hospitalized. Howard, with the help of his literary agent Victoria, looks for a connection with a diamond heist a decade earlier.

Iles, Greg / Third Degree
Liz Pike wakes up to find her physician husband Warren frantically searching for documents, supposedly related to the tax fraud investigation of his partner Kyle. Liz worries that he's discovered her affair, and is afraid for her two children as Warren becomes increasingly unhinged. The story takes place during one very suspenseful day.

James, Syrie / The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen
Imagine searching a dusty attic and finding a ring and diary belonging to Jane Austen. Syrie James tells readers what might have happened during the years 1809 to 1812, before Jane Austen became a published authoress.

Koontz, Dean / The Darkest Evening of the Year
Amy Redwing is so dedicated to rescuing golden retrievers that she won't commit to a relationship with Brian McCarthy. A thrilling rescue of alpha dog Nickie is followed by a stalker, home invasion, and other eerie incidents endangering Amy, Brian, and her three dogs.

McCaig, Donald / Rhett Butler's People
A must read for fans of Gone With the Wind, this is the authorized story of Rhett Butler, who runs away from home, attends West Point, becomes a blockade runner, seeks his fortune in San Francisco, and romances Scarlett O'Hara in Charleston.

Wolfe, Gene / Pirate Freedom
Father Christopher has led two lives, three hundred years apart. In the near future, he is a parish priest in postcommunist Cuba. In his youth, he traveled back in time, starting out as a common seaman and becoming a pirate captain with a wife, child, ship, and Spanish gold.

Join us for great reading and lively discussions at your library, led by a variety of library staff members. Register for any or all discussions and pick up a copy of the book at the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk. Copies of the books will be available one month before the discussion.

Mornings - Third Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.
Dec. 18	Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick
Jan. 15	Snow Flower and the Secret Fan By Lisa See
Feb. 19	The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
Evenings - Fourth Tuesdays 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 11	The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson (2nd Tuesday)
Jan. 22	The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
Feb. 26	Boy's Life by Robert McCammon

First-run, award-winning independent films. Please note: these films are not rated. Indie films tend to have more mature themes and situations than mainstream American films. At the same time, they can be more challenging and rewarding in their character development. After the films are shown, they are added to the circulating DVD collection.

December 7  Mother of Mine
Story of a 9-year-old boy sent from Finland to Sweden in order to escape the war against the USSR. Finland. 105 min.

January 4  The Way I Spent the End of the World
The final year of Ceausecu's reign in Bucharest,1989, told from the perspective of a spunky 17-year-old girl and her 7-year-old brother. Romania. 106 min.

February 1  Fraulein
Older and younger Balkan women struggle with differences in attitude and outlook. Switzerland. 81 min.

The following classes will be offered at Woodridge Public Library. All classes are hands-on, stand-alone, single sessions. Classes are free and open to Woodridge Library cardholders only, in 7th grade or above. Please ask at the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk or call us at 630-964-7899 for available class dates and times, and to register. Class size is limited so advance registration is required!

A brief, gentle introduction to computers for the novice computer-user. Topics covered include: the parts of the computer, how to use a mouse, and the basic features of Microsoft Windows (this class uses Windows XP).
Prerequisite: None.

Wednesday	Dec. 5	10:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursday	Jan. 10	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday	Feb. 7	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

This class is a follow-up to the Computer Basics class. Topics covered include: basic file and folder terminology and creating, deleting, renaming, copying, and moving files and folders in Microsoft Windows (this class uses Windows XP).
Prerequisite: Computer Basics class or equivalent knowledge/skills (see Computer Basics class description above).

Wednesday	Dec. 12	10:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursday	Jan. 17	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday	Feb. 14	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Do you want to learn about email? Easy Email covers all the important skills you need to send and receive email and to work with attachments. This class does not teach specific email software (Yahoo! Mail is used for instructional purposes). Rather, it provides a general overview of email functionality.
Prerequisite: Basic keyboard & mouse skills.

Wednesday	Dec. 19	10:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursday	Jan. 24	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Did you know that you can find a book in a library located anywhere in the U.S., download an audiobook for your MP3 player, look up a topic in the World Book Encyclopedia, find the address of a local business, research a medical condition, brush up on your math skills, discover which books you've missed in your favorite series, and more all from your home computer, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Explore the library's Internet-based, online subscription databases with this quick tour!
Prerequisite: Basic keyboard & mouse skills.

Thursday

Feb. 21

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Learn how to find your family roots using a variety of online resources, including websites and the library's subscription databases. This class is great for the beginning genealogist or for the seasoned genealogist who wants an introduction to the library's genealogy databases.
Prerequisite: Basic keyboard & mouse skills.

Thursday

Jan. 31

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Do you think you know Google? Really? Learn useful search tricks and advanced search commands and how to use Google's specialized searches. We'll also explore some of Google's cutting-edge services and tools.
Prerequisite: Experience using the Web.

Wednesday	Jan. 30	10:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursday	Feb. 28	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Register for these programs at the Adult/Young Adult Department Reference Desk or by calling 964-7899.

Are you considering buying a computer? Confused about all the choices out there? Come to this class and let John Keehn of TechSavant explain about the various components of a computer and how they relate to what you need. He will cover all aspects of purchasing your first home computer.

Anu Malhotra of the American Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Clinic in Naperville is offering a session on Pranayama, which consists of specific breathing techniques that create inner peace, mental balance, and restores health. Please eat a light meal beforehand, wear comfortable clothes, and bring a yoga mat or towel with you. Chairs will be provided for those who prefer to sit. The program starts promptly at 7:00!

John Keehn returns with a discussion and demonstration of many of the basic functions of your new computer. Learn about internet services, benefits, and continuing education options geared to the new user of computers and computer services.

Steve Gadomski, a professional medical photographer for Rush University Medical Center and photography teacher at Triton College, will present this workshop for new or inexperienced digital camera owners. Find out just what to do with all those pictures stored on your camera. Come and learn how to use your new toy!

Investors, here's an opportunity to take advantage of an expert! Dan Sovocool of Standard & Poor's will show us how to access stock reports, bond reports, company profiles, corporation records, get industry reports, mutual fund reports, and more. He will demonstrate a library database, NetAdvantage, a very powerful tool you can use at the library or at home (if you have internet access and a Woodridge library card).

A frequent speaker here, Judi Strauss of Strauss Tax Service will explain the complexities of taxes. She will discuss deductions and contributions, (including donations), and common tax problems. Judi's emphasis will be on specific changes for tax year 2007. She will also discuss e-filing and audits.

Bill Helmuth, corporate nomad, is taking us on another cultural journey, this time to India. Bill spent a year traveling to the remote regions of the country, including Mumbai, New Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Join us for this fascinating and beautiful presentation.

Kelly James-Enger, full-time freelancer, has written for more than 50 national magazines and is the author of six books. She will show us how to select and analyze potential markets, develop winning article ideas, and craft great query letters. Fulfill your dream of writing for magazines!

Leave your calculator at home! Learn to master speed mathematics, using a multitude of little-known, supershortcut techniques and strategies involving addition, subtraction, fractions, squaring, and multiplication. Presented by Cliff Petrak who taught math for 40 years and whose motto is "Go figure!"

Unless otherwise noted, registration is required for all programs. Baby Lapsits, Toddler Times, and Storytimes are open to Woodridge Public Library card holders only. Other Children's Department programs are open to children who attend District #68 schools and have a valid card from their home library. Please bring your library card when you register. For more information call the Children's Reference Desk, 964-7899.

School's out and nothing to do? Bring a school-aged friend and come to our No School Specials. Anyone K-6th grade is welcome. Bring your own lunch for the Brown Bag Movie events; preschoolers may also attend if accompanied by an adult. Registration not required. Programs will be held on the following days and times:

Thursday, December 27, 11:30 a.m.
Brown Bag Movie - Title to be Announced

Monday, January 21, 11:30 a.m.
Brown Bag Movie - Title to be Announced

Monday, February 18, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Games and Activities

During the month of January, the library will be participating in a reading program sponsored by the Chicago Wolves ice hockey team. Participants may win a ticket voucher for a game or other Wolves memorabilia. Signup begins January 2. For details contact the Children's Department at 630-964-7899.

Children (Preschool - 6th grade) are invited to write or draw "Why I Love My Library." Entries will be displayed in the Children's Department for all to enjoy. On Saturday, March 1, there will be a random drawing for prizes from all entries. Entry forms will be available at the Children's Reference Desk beginning Friday, February 1. Completed entries must be turned in to the Children's Department no later than 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 29.

Kids in 2nd through 6th grade, want to learn how to play chess? The Beginners Class will cover fundamental strategy and tactics. The Intermediate Class will concentrate on Opening, Middlegame, and Endgame strategies for improving your ability. Determine the right skill level for you and sign up for 6 weeks of lessons. Registration begins Monday, January 28. A Woodridge library card is required for registration and you will need to come in and sign up at the Children's Reference Desk. Have questions? Call the Children's Reference Desk at 630-964-7899. Limit of 16 per class.

Join us for our annual holiday puppet show for preschoolers - grade 2. Registration begins Monday, November 26.

Sunday, Dec. 2	2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 4	4:00 or 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 5	10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.

Children must turn the correct age for the winter session by January 1, and the spring session by March 1.

Baby Lapsit is a fifteen-minute story program for 6- to 24-month-olds and parent, with fifteen minutes of playtime and socialization following the program.

Tuesdays	9:15 - 9:45 a.m.
Tuesdays	1:15 - 1:45 p.m.

Toddler Time is a twenty-minute story program for 2-year-olds (or young 3's) and parent.

Tuesdays	7:00 - 7:20 p.m.
Wednesdays	10:30 - 10:50 a.m.
Thursdays	9:30 - 9:50 a.m.

Storytime is a half-hour story program for 3- to 5-year-olds (not in Kindergarten).

Tuesdays	10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Wednesdays	9:30 - 10:00 a.m. 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays	10:30 - 11:00 a.m. 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Stories, activities, a craft, and fun will be offered in this holiday program for grades K - 3. Registration begins Monday, December 3.

Kids in grades K - 6, join us for 90 minutes of MONSTEROUS FUN! There will be stories, games, and a craft. Register with a friend!

This literature-sharing program for young people in grades K - 3 meets after school and includes stories and activities related to the theme for the week. Registration begins on Monday, January 28.

MONDAYS*	Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 *(4:00 or 7:00 p.m.)
TUESDAYS	Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
WEDNESDAYS	Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27

This literature-based program, for 4th - 6th graders, will feature activities and FUN! Each week we will focus on a high interest topic. Will it be gross, funny, slimey? Come and find out! Registration for this event begins on Monday, January 28.

Do you like crafts? Create something pretty for yourself. Materials provided. To register call the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk at 630-964-7899.

Who would want the popular varsity soccer star...dead? If you would like to help solve the crime and maybe win a prize, pick up a ticket at the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk on or before January 3.

Monday, January 21	Thursday, January 31
Thursday, February 7	Friday, February 29

Friendly tournament play. Snacks. Small prizes. Call the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk at 630-964-7899 to register.

Guitar Hero III (NEW), DDR, Super Smash Brothers Melee, Monopoly, Clue, Connect Four. Snacks. Registration required by February 14. To register call the Adult/Young Adult Reference Desk at 630-964-7899.
*NST=No School Tomorrow

Have ideas? Opinions? Improve your Library. Give us your input. One evening per month. Interested? Email Miss Beth: bvanopdorp@woodridgelibrary.org for dates and times.

December — Nancy D'Agostino of Lisle will display works ranging from impressionistic landscapes to abstract mixed media works.

January — Matthew Blacconiere will exhibit watercolor, charcoal, and oil works. He is currently studying at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

February — Megan Reicher of Woodridge will display a selection of charcoal, watercolor, and oil pieces.

Unemployed? Underemployed? Thinking about re-entering the job market or changing jobs? Come to the Library Job Club on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., (or until we get the job done). Facilitator Susan Peterson helps participants navigate the rough waters of unemployment and job change. Job Club members learn to write resumes and cover letters, develop interviewing skills, and find job leads. No sign up, no fee, just drop in. The Library Job Club is co-sponsored by the Woodridge Public Library and Lisle Township Youth and Family Services, (630-968-1880).

Join the lively discussions on U.S. foreign policy. Great Decisions, the discussion group sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association and offered by the League of Women Voters of Downers Grove-Woodridge-Lisle and the Woodridge Public Library, will meet from 7:00 - 8:50 p.m. on eight consecutive Thursday evenings: February 7, 14, 21, and 28, and March 6, 13, 20, and 27. Great Decisions is the largest non-partisan foreign policy educational program in the United States.

Please register at the Reference Desk in the Adult/Young Adult Department. Booklets will be available in late January, at a cost of $20.00 per participant. No cash will be handled. Please pay by check made out to LWV of DG-W-L. A copy will also be held on reserve for use in the library. Topics are:

• 1. Iraq End-game
• 2. European Union at 50
• 3. Talking to Our Enemies
• 4. Russia
• 5. US Defense and Security Policy
• 6. Latin America Shift to the Left
• 7. US-China Trade Policy
• 8. Private Philanthropy

The Library cannot be open 24/7, but many of its resources are available through the website any time of day or night. The resources listed here and many more are available through the library's website (http://www.woodridgelibrary.org). Click ONLINE DATABASES to view our subscription databases. You will be prompted for your Woodridge Library card number to use any of them. Questions or problems? Call the Reference Desk at 630-964-7899.

ATTENTION INVESTORS! — The library recently started subscribing to Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage. This subscription database includes expanded S&P Stock Reports and S&P Outlook information, which savvy investors have used in print for years. In addition to those two well-known products, financial information and company profiles are provided for thousands of companies. S&P bond reports and ratings as well as analysis on hundreds of mutual funds are included in the database. The Learning Center on the NetAdvantage site provides timely articles on investing, personal finance, tax management, and investment tutorials. A representative from S&P will do a program at the library January 17 explaining the features of this very deep and useful database. If you have not been using S&P print sources in your investing activities, this program is for you! See separate listing under Adult Programs in this newsletter.

NEED A LEGAL FORM? — Try LegalForms online to find wills, estate planning, divorce, and business contracts which you can download or print. Many of these forms are specific to Illinois and even include the section of the Illinois Statutes on which they are based. LegalForms is vastly superior to the previous forms database we had. Try it and see.

COLLECTORS AND EBAY USERS! — Price It! is the ultimate online resource for pricing your antiques and collectibles. Research what you own and what you are interested in buying. Get history and background as well as values. There are more than 23 million records, updated monthly from eBay, GoAntiques, and other online retail and auction houses. This is not just fine art but includes things the rest of us collect & buttons, dolls, sports memorabilia, etc. We still subscribe to P4A, which is a more high-end, fine art collectors auction house source, so you can use both of them and see what your treasures are worth.