Dog Fair Saturday, October 19th Stop by to find out all about dogs from several local organizations including Bark ‘N’ Town Pet Resort and Day Spa, Save-A-Pet, and the McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center. We will be collecting new or gently used dog items (bowls, leashes, collars, toys, crates, unopened food/treats, towels, beds) for dogs in need during the Dog Fair. More event details listed online . The Dog Fair is for humans only. Please leave your furry companions at home.

KID CITY | CHILDREN'S OFFERINGS

Book Buddies October 16th, 4:30 p.m. Kids - looking for a new way to practice reading skills? Teens – looking to earn volunteer hours and become a mentor? We will match you up with each other to build reading skills and confidence. Enjoy great books, a relaxed reading time and making a new friend. REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Paws to READ October 17th, 1:00 p.m. Bring your favorite book and read aloud to certified therapy dogs. Time slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Ages 5-10)

Stuffed Animal Clinic October 17th, 1:00 p.m. Does your cuddly friend have a cut that needs stitching? We are here to help! A "Stuffed Animal Veterinarian" will assess the overall health of your beloved stuffed animal, perform surgical repairs, apply bandages, or wrap a wound.

Puppy Picture Party October 17th, 1:00 p.m. Attending Stuffed Animal Clinic or Paws to Read?  Stop by Studio 801 for some green-screen fun with your favorite stuffed animal!

Doggy Detective Agency October 18th, 10:30 a.m. We have a mystery at the library.  All the neighborhood dogs have gone missing.  Find them before they are taken to the pound.   Follow the clues before time runs out.   Do you have what it takes to be a doggy detective?  (Grades K-2) REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Dogman Capers October 18th, 10:00 a.m. If you are a fan of Dogman, join us as we celebrate our love of this precious pup. Play some games and try to stop Petey the Cat from ruining our fun. (Grades 3-5) REGISTRATION REQUIRED

TEEN | TEEN AND TWEEN OFFERINGS

Teen Read October 22nd, 4:00 p.m. We’ll join in the Fall Big Read with Garth Stein’s  Racing in the Rain , a touching story told through the eyes of Enzo’s unconditional love. (Grades 6-12) Pizza will be provided. Books available at the Adult Help Desk REGISTRATION REQUIRED

ADULT | ADULT OFFERINGS

The Art of Finishing Well October 17th, 7:00 p.m. Susan Sheehan is the founder of Finishing Well Consulting and is passionately committed to making life’s most challenging seasons easier for families. She will discuss end of life issues and the importance of advance directives, including healthcare power of attorney. REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Armchair Travel (Prime Time) October 18th, 10:30 p.m. Tour the colorful coastal jewels of Northern Italy including Genoa, Cinque Terre and Portofino. Visit the mosaics of Ravenna, the old walls and towers of Montagnana and Bologna, the moated castle of Ferrara, and the cathedral of Milan. REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Fall Big Read Discussion October 19th, 7:00 p.m. - Wauconda Area Library October 21st, 7:00 p.m. - Side Lot Brewery Join us for a lively and thought provoking discussion and share your thoughts on this year’s Fall Big Read. OCTOBER 19th REGISTRATION OCTOBER 21st REGISTRATION

The Art of Racing in the Rain: An Evening with Garth Stein October 23rd, 7:00 p.m. $50 Discover the inspiration behind the story of Denny and his beloved best friend, Enzo as the Wauconda Area Library Foundation welcomes celebrated author, Garth Stein. Ticket price includes a hardcover copy of the book, the opportunity to meet Garth and have your book signed, as well as light appetizers and desserts.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Meet the Author: An Evening with Garth Stein October 24th, 7:00 p.m. $5 Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear Garth Stein discuss his book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, the writing process and so much more. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the program. REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Novel Thoughts Wednesday, October 16th, 7 p.m. Mayhem - Sarah Pinborough Beyond Fiction Monday, November 4th, 7 p.m. The Last Castle - Denise Kiernan Books are available for check out at the Adult Help Desk.

LIBRARY NEWS | LIBRARY CLOSINGS

WELL READ | BOOKS WE LOVE

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death   by Caitlin Doughty Submitted by Molly J. Though the title is shocking and death isn’t the most pleasant topic to think about, this book is extremely interesting. Author Caitlin Doughty is a mortician and funeral director famous for her New York Times bestsellers Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and From Here to Eternity . This book collects questions she has received from children over her years in the funeral industry. Told with both humor and professionalism, Doughty answers some of those questions you may have wondered but never dared to ask.  (New Non-Fiction) REQUEST ITEM

Going Postal: A Novel of Discworld by Terry Pratchett Submitted by Erik S. This comedic fantasy follows a con man—Moist von Lipwig—saved from hanging by a (somewhat non-tyrannical) tyrant and put in charge of the local post-office, which happens to be cursed and in major disarray. Moist (amidst encounters with dwarves, banshees, werewolves, and the ghosts of librarian wizards) ends up mounting a challenge to the corrupt financiers of the city’s emerging telegraph industry and along the way struggles to find his own moral compass. This was my first foray into Terry Pratchett’s whimsical “Discworld” series, and is likely a good place to start. (SciFi/Fantasy) REQUEST ITEM

The Secret Rooms: A True Story of a Haunted Castle, a Plotting Duchess, & a Family Secret by Catherine Bailey Submitted by Lynn M. This fascinating true tale should appeal to mystery lovers and to fans of Downton Abbey , but its greatest appeal is likely to be to those who themselves pursue historical or genealogical research. Bailey has written her book very much like a research report, which means the reader is able to tag along as she hunts down documents, wrestles with possibilities, and pieces together the missing years of the duke’s life. I really, really enjoyed this! (Non-Fiction) REQUEST ITEM

A Girl Named Anna by Lizzie Barber Submitted by Terri S. On the 15 th anniversary of the date her older sister went missing, the younger, left behind sister sets out on a mission to find out what happened that fateful day at the Astroland Theme Park. Reading this book reminded me of V. C. Andrews’s Flowers in the Attic; how much I enjoyed that story – creepy, gothic, and utterly compelling. I think this novel has similar appeal. It’s a good book to sink into, and one I didn’t want to put down. (Fiction) REQUEST ITEM