Harvard Diggins Library

Ed Hall, well-known local solo musician and member of the folk band "Trillium," will bring an energetic array of Celtic, folk, ragtime and bluegrass music to the library on Saturday, March 13, at 2:00 pm. Joining him will be Mim Eichmann, on the hammered dulcimer and vocals. Ed is a Walnut Valley National Fingerpicking Guitar Champion. Mim is artistic director and choreographer of Midwest Ballet Theatre. Their music has been heard all over Northern Illinois and Chicago, WFMT, WDCB, CelticNet and Highlander Radio. Ed tells us other members may show up as well, so come and get a head start on celebrating St. Patrick's Day. We guarantee you'll soon be humming an old country tune and tapping your feet. There is no admission charge for this event. Pre-registration is not required but seating may be limited so plan to arrive a little bit early.

Displayed this month on our book cases in the nonfiction area are entries in the 2009 Inaugural Land Conservancy Photography Contest — Art of the Land. These are photos taken on properties on which TLC owns or on which it holds a permanent conservation easement. They were entered in the Art of the Land Benefit held on September 26, 2009 at the Starline Gallery. These are stunning images of the natural beauty all around us in the Harvard area. The Land Conservancy works to protect these natural areas for all. In this gloomy, cold part of the year, enjoy the verdant color and promise of the future seasons. The exhibit will end with a presentation on The Oaks of McHenry County as described below.

Our great oak groves are disappearing. 170 years ago, nearly a third of the county's landscape was dominated by oak groves. Now, only 18,000 acres of mature oaks remain and the majority may be gone within 30 years. Various groups and individuals are trying to save the land these oaks and other species inhabit. The McHenry County Conservation District began an intensive mapping project in 2005 to determine change. The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is part of the effort to put land in protection for the future and develop oak planting projects. On Tuesday, March 9, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, The Land Conservancy will give a program on The Oaks of McHenry County. What is it like to discover a grove of 300 year old oaks? Or see the county's pre-settlement swamp white oaks for the first time in our generation? Learn about "Oak Keepers." If you love trees and nature, this will be inspiring. Free to the public, no pre-registration required.

Once again the AARP Foundation will provide a limited amount of assistance with income tax filing at the library. In order to qualify, you must be age 60 or over and have a 2009 income of less than $60,000. Tax returns with complicated capital gains, real estate purchases, or foreclosures cannot be processed by this program. To make an appointment or find out more, call the library at 815-943-4671.