On Thursday, May 23 from 6:30-8:30 PM, Starfish Family Services presents Activity Times to Support Learning and Development. Trained staff will explain how to support all children's learning and development during activity times. They will also explain the importance of active learning. Bring your children, free daycare is provided by Starfish's licensed daycare providers.

On Thursday, May 9 at noon we will be discussing:

The tiger's wife: a novel by Téa Obreht — Natalia, a young doctor, arrives in a Balkan country on a mission of mercy. By the time she and her lifelong friend Zóra begin to inoculate the children there, she feels age-old superstitions and secrets gathering everywhere around her. But Natalia is also confronting a private mystery of her own: the inexplicable circumstances surrounding her beloved grandfather's recent death. After telling her grandmother that he was on his way to meet Natalia, he instead set off for a ramshackle settlement none of their family had ever heard of and died there alone. Why he left home becomes a riddle Natalia is compelled to unravel. Searching for clues, she turns to the stories he told her when she was a child. But the most extraordinary story of all is the one her grandfather never told her, the one Natalia must discover for herself. One winter during the Second World War, his childhood village was snowbound, cut off even from the encroaching German invaders but haunted by another, fierce presence: a tiger who comes ever closer under cover of darkness. "These stories," Natalia comes to understand, "run like secret rivers through all the other stories" of her grandfather's life. And it is ultimately within these rich, luminous narratives that she will find the answer she is looking for.

Interested in writing? Join other adults to share your work, get feedback and discuss the craft of writing. We will meet at 2:00 PM:

• Saturday, May 11
• Saturday, May 25

Join library staff and other eReader users as we share eBook tips and tricks in an informal environment. Group will meet Tuesday May 16 from 7:00-8:00 PM in Study Room A.

Check out the new Zinio Digital Magazines. This online collection features:

Into board games like Settlers, Carcassonne, or Puerto Rico? Drop by Saturday, May 4 between Noon and 5:45 PM for our monthly Board Gaming League of Canton meeting. Play some of the hottest games and meet some new folks!

Winner of two Newbery medals, E. L. Konigsburg died on Friday, April 19, 2013 after suffering a stroke. Her writing career spanned over thirty years and she authored twenty books. In addition to the literary arts, Konigsburg was well known for her contributions to the visual arts. Konigsburg is survived by three children and five grandchildren.

From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by written and illustrated by E. L. Konigsburg  (1968 Newbury Award)

The view from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg  (1997 Newbury Award)

Advanced English Language Learners — join us to read and discuss books in English. Books will be discussed until finished. Meets in Group Study Room A every other Friday.

If you enjoy the novels of Lee Child, David Baldacci, James Lee Burke, Joseph Finder, or Vince Flynn and like the readability of Large Print try...

To quote Mark Twain "Truth is stranger than fiction..." and the following titles are certainly proof of that!

Lord Minimus: the extraordinary life of Britain's smallest man by Nick Page — Th true story of Jeffrey Hudson, the 18-inch "official dwarf" of the 17th century Stuart court.

The last alchemist: Count Cagliostro, master of magic in the age of reason by Iain McCalman — A fascinating account of the career of one of the most famous charlatans of the 18th century, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, who traveled all over Europe - usually one step ahead of the authorities - passing himself off as an alchemist and a healer.

Agent Zigzag: a true story of Nazi espionage, love, and betrayal by Ben MacIntyre — Eddie Chapman was a charming criminal, a con man, and a philanderer. He was also one of the most remarkable double agents Britain has ever produced.

Although Earth Day is officially celebrated once a year on April 22, the Library has a great collection of environmentally-themed documentaries that are available all year round. From wildlife to climate change, from recycling to alternate energy, we have it covered! Check out just some of the titles below:

Beyond pollution [videodisc] by directed by Barker White — Examines the economic impact and health effects that the disastrous BP oil spill will have on local communities both immediately and long term.

Climate of doubt [videodisc]: the politics of global warming by written by John Hockenberry, Catherine Upin ; directed by Catherine Upin — An examination of the shift in political attitudes towards global warming in the United States.

Collapse [videodisc] — The economic predictions of investigative journalist Michael Ruppert regarding the possible global financial meltdown and major social change that could result if oil dependence continues unabated.

The nominations for the 2013 Eisner Award have been announced. Named after acclaimed comics creator Will Eisner, this is the 25th year of this award highlighting some of the best comics and graphic novels around.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct its new members for 2013 on April 18. The inductees are Rush, Heart, Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Donna Summer, and Albert King. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Lou Adler and Quincy Jones. The ceremony will take place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Ordinary girl: the journey by Donna Summer ; with Marc Eliot

Please join the Adult Contemporary Book Discussion Group on Monday, May 20 at 7:00 PM in the Purple Room to discuss:

In the presence of my enemies by Gracia Burnham, with Dean Merrill — A gripping true story of American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham’s year as hostages in the Philippine jungle, was a New York Times best seller and has sold nearly 350,000 copies. Now releasing in trade softcover for the first time, this updated edition has a new look and contains never-before-published information on the capture and trial of the Burnhams’ captors; Gracia’s secret return trip to the Philippines; and updates on recent events in Gracia’s life, ministry, and family.

The Women's National Book Association's third annual writers' panel is this April 24 at the Novi Public Library. The theme is young adult literature and how it spans generations of readers, with four award-winning Michigan YA authors on the panel. And, it's absolutely free!

Our 2013 local author guests cover nearly every genre from children's to tweens, mystery and history, nonfiction and inspirational. We are pleased to welcome an interesting and successful group of authors to the Canton Public Library on Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 PM. Join us to hear their stories of how they are making their way in the book world, to purchase their books and to get the books signed. This is a great opportunity to buy signed, first-edition books for your collection.

Our guest authors include:

• Diana Barnes Patillo, children's
• Gordon Briley, children's
• Leis Dauzet-Miller, history
• Jody Lamb, tween
• Stephanie Neilan, children's
• Elaine Pereira, nonfiction
• Linda Svacha, inspirational
• Angil Tarach-Ritchey, nonfiction
• Ed Wendover, mystery
• Sean Williams, children's
• Kris Yankee, tween/teen

Digital access to almost 200 of your favorite magazines is now available! Just click on the Zinio icon on the front page of our website, or click on the link from our Databases or eBooks page to get started. Newsweek, Consumer Reports, Elle Decor, Organic Gardening, Martha Stewart Living, Hockey News, Rolling Stone, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance are just some of the titles to pick from. It is recommended that you use Google Chrome from the CPL website to view issues on the library's computers. For a short but helpful video click here.  Both the video and a user's guide are available on the Zinio site once you are signed up. Happy reading!

The Canton Public Library is celebrating Earth Day from April 14-27 with a series of entertaining and educational programs. Topics include bat conservancy, organic eating, buying local food, and rain gardens. The week will wrap up with a fantastic performance by authentic Native American Dancers. The Library's collection if full of excellent books, dvds, and cds to help you celebrate with us:

America's neighborhood bats by Merlin D. Tuttle

The bat house builder's handbook by Merlin D. Tuttle, Mark Kiser, Selena Kiser

Bats by M. Brock Fenton

Wildlife heroes: 40 leading conservationists and the animals they are committed to saving by Julie Scardina and Jeff Flocken ; with photo editor Sterling Zumbrunn

Learn about advanced formatting options useful in creating