Looking for a way to ring in the holiday season - especially if it's a family-friendly, convenient and inexpensive way? Head over to the library on Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. and catch the "Jingle Bell Express." This humorous musical revue features all of your favorite holiday tunes, woven together with a story full of laughs and good cheer. Best of all, the show is free and appropriate for all ages. No need to register, but seating is limited so you might want to get the family to the library a little early on December 16th. Hope to see you there!

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? A gearhead? Or are you just plain sick of paying an expert every time any little thing goes wrong with your car? Then you'll love our newest database: Chilton Library. A quote from the database introduction page: "You learn by doing, are unafraid of challenges, and feel proud when completing a job well done. Chilton has been helping people like you maintain cars and trucks for more than 80 years. We know how to help you succeed."

If that sounds like you, then you'll love Chilton's. You'll also love that it is available through our Web site 24/7 -- all you need is your Des Plaines Public Library card so you can type in your card number. Once you're in, you'll find exclusive photographs, diagnostics designed by instructors, step-by-step repair procedures, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for automobiles and light trucks. For some makes and models, you'll find information going all the way back to 1945. Check it out and start saving money on car repairs and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to fix it yourself.

Just a disclaimer: we provide Chilton's to our patrons as a public service. It's up to you to read the instructions carefully and follow through, so we can't be responsible if something goes wrong with your repair. When in doubt, seek professional help, but Chilton's is a great starting place.

In a country as large as the United States, it can be easy to feel like merely a number, and dealing with government agencies can seem impersonal and frustrating. The Des Plaines Public Library is proud to offer citizens regular opportunities to meet with government representatives for one-to-one personal consultations.

On Wednesday, December 19, from 5-7 p.m., residents are encouraged to come in and meet with Ann Limjoco, a representative from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's office. Limjoco will meet with residents privately to discuss such federal government concerns as immigration, visas, social security, veterans' benefits and more. No appointment is necessary, just stop by the library's 3rd floor and follow the signs. There is nothing like face-to-face, personalized help when you need it so take advantage of this free service. Ann Limjoco from Congresswoman Schakowsky's office visits the library regularly, as does Janie Morrison from State Senator Dan Kotowski's office. Check our Events calendar in the coming weeks to find when these representatives will visit the library in the new year. Put the power of democracy into your life and find the answers you need.

By now, we hope you've started reading the library's PlainTalk blog, where we share with you the latest and hippest stuff happening at the library and all over Des Plaines. We've recently introduced a new feature to PlainTalk, "Monday Morning Movie Mania," where you get to be the movie reviewer. We know we have a lot of movie fans amongst our patrons, because the demand for our DVD collection is huge. So we thought those same movie watchers might like to have a place where they can meet online and share their feelings about the newest releases. To get to PlainTalk, just go to the library's home page, www.dppl.org.You'll see the green PlainTalk logo there and also a little blurb about the topic du jour. If it says, "Monday Morning Movie Mania," it's time to warm up your typing fingers and fill us in on what's worth seeing at the cineplex. Try it out - we think you'll like it. In fact, there's a lot to like in our blog - local restaurant reviews and entertainment listings, tips on getting the most out of the library's Web site, along with articles and videos that will help you get to know us better and learn more about our community. See you at PlainTalk!