What's happening this week in news, sports and entertainment.
TODAY
Wolves hockey player to visit Huntley, Cary libraries
Chicago Wolves hockey fans can meet and greet Wolves defenseman Brad Hunt from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road.
There will be time for autographs and photos. One lucky child will get to try on real hockey gear.
Registration is required by calling 847-669-5386, ext. 26.
Hunt also will visit from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Cary Area Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road.
No registration is required for this family program.
For information, call 847-639-4210 or visit www.caryarealibrary.info.
TUESDAY
Crystal Lake Public Library to host Grinch Party
A Grinch Party will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St.
The book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" turns 55 years old in 2012, and the Crystal Lake Public Library is going to celebrate.
Attendees can drop in to watch the original movie, then act out parts of the book.
Snacks will be served.
This program is for children in kindergarten and older.
For information, call the library at 815-459-1687 or visit www.crystallakelibrary.org.
Last-minute gift workshop set at McHenry library
A "Last-Minute Gift Workshop" will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St., McHenry.
This gift workshop for students in grades six to 12 will include a variety of gifts to make, wrap and give this holiday season. Crafts will include duct tape crafts, bling, cookie mix in a jar, and more.
Registration is required and can be done in person, by calling 815-385-0036 or online at www.mchenrylibrary.org.
WEDNESDAY
After-hours Study Night set at Algonquin library
An After-hours Study Night will take place from 4 to 11 p.m. Wednesday at the Algonquin Area Public Library, 2600 Harnish Drive.
Teens in grades nine to 12 can stay late at the library and use the library's resources to study for finals. They also will have access to meeting rooms, computers, printers and whiteboards.
Snacks and refreshments will be served all night long.
No registration is required.
For information, call the library at 847-458-6060 or visit www.aapld.org.
'It's a Jigglejam Christmas!' at McHenry library
"It's a Jigglejam Christmas!" will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St., McHenry.
Children ages 2 and older can sing and dance with a Chicago-area musician and entertainer. She will have everyone singing and being silly and having a good time with music.
Children also can get their picture taken with a red-suited special guest.
Registration must be done in person; there is a $1 fee per child.
For information, call 815-385-0036 or visit www.mchenrylibrary.org.
FRIDAY
'This is 40' revisits couple featured in 'Knocked Up'
“This is 40,” starring Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel and Melissa McCarthy, opens in theaters.
A look at the lives of Pete and Debbie a few years after the events of "Knocked Up."
The movie is rated R for sexual content, crude humor, pervasive language and some drug material.
'Zero Dark Thirty' opens in theaters
“Zero Dark Thirty,” starring Chris Pratt, Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton and Jason Clarke, opens in theaters.
The film is a chronicle of the decadelong hunt for al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.
The movie is rated R for strong violence including brutal disturbing images, and for language.
Cruise returns to big screen in 'Jack Reacher'
“Jack Reacher,” starring Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins and Rober Duvall, opens in theaters.
A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence, language and some drug material.
'Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away' brings spectacle to screen
“Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away,” starring Erica Linz, Dallas Barnett, Lutz Halbhubner and Igor Zaripov, opens in theaters.
Two young people journey through the dreamlike worlds of Cirque du Soleil to find each other.
The movie is not rated.
Marengo-Union library to host Tot Club
The Tot Club of the Marengo-Union Library will meet at 1 p.m. Friday at the library, 200 S. State St., Marengo.
The club is for children ages 2 to 5 and their favorite adult. This monthly program includes songs, activities and stories that can help foster a variety of social and literary skills.
Participants are asked to register by calling 815-568-8236 or doing so in person.
SATURDAY
Illinois Brass Band to perform in Huntley
The Illinois Brass Band will present “A Christmas Fantasy” at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley.
Tickets, at $10 adults, $5 students and children age 18 and younger, are available at the door.
For information, visit www.illinoisbrassband.org.
Family Holiday Storytime planned in Algonquin
A Family Holiday Storytime will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Algonquin Area Public Library, 2600 Harnish Drive.
Families are invited to drop in for a festive assortment of stories, fingerplays and songs.
No registration is required.
For information, call the library at 847-458-6060 or visit www.aapld.org.
SUNDAY
Carlson Christmas Concert planned in Harvard
The Carlson Christmas Concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 E. Diggins St., Harvard.
Craig Carlson, his two daughters, Cassie and Allie, and Dale Carlson will present their annual concert. Festive music will be performed on the pipe organ, grand piano, violin and guitar.
For information, call 815-943-7433.
Opera House to host Ed Hall's Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night
The 17th annual Ed Hall's Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night will be at 8 p.m. Sunday at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock.
Unique and entertaining arrangements for the guitar and violin will be performed as well as popular holiday favorites.
Tickets are $23 for all seats. For tickets and information, call 815-338-5300 or visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
