Are you new to genealogy and would like to know the basics? The Westland Public Library will be hosting a program for genealogy newbies on Thursday, August 6th at 7 pm. Kris Rzepczynski, genealogy librarian and expert from the Library of Michigan, will be presenting. Register by calling the adult reference desk at 734-326-6123.

August is National Immunization Month. Most people think that only children need vaccines, but did you know that adults need to be immunized too? Check the immunization schedules on the CDC website to see what vaccines are needed at all stages of life. For more information, read The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults by Randall Neustaedter.
[Photo courtesy of eLibrary.]

Born in Flint, Michigan, Harris was a New York Times bestselling author. He was best known for his novels portraying African American men.

The Automotive Hall of Fame building, in Dearborn, Michigan, was opened on August 15, 1997. Over 200 individuals have been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the highest place of honor in the international motor vehicle history.

Fordlandia : the rise and fall of Henry Ford's forgotten jungle city by Greg Grandin documents Henry Ford's 1927 purchase of a Connecticut-sized plot of land in Brazil for the purpose of growing rubber. The South American leaf blight and the advent of synthetic rubbers forced the company to abandon Fordlandia in 1945, long after Ford had poured millions of dollars and years of strenuous effort into the project. Grandin argues that this was more than an economic venture. It was a missionary application of Ford-style capitalism--high wages, humane benefits, moral improvement to a backward land.

It's not to early to start thinking about going back to school in September. A new link on the PCCS page will connect parents and students to information about the upcoming school year. Find class list, bus routes, school supply suggestions, and open house schedules. So get your pencils out. Let the learning begin!

The 2009 Traverse City Film Festival opens today at the historic State Theatre. Originally opened in 1918 the theatre has been the main venue of the festival since it began in 2005. This year's offerings include The Answer Man starring  Michigan's own Jeff Daniels, and Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. The festival ends on August 2.

New titles in Vietnamese are coming in to the library. Out on the shelf today are two books by the ever popular Quynh Dao: Bên b̀ơ quạnh hiu and Ch´ơp b̂̉e mưa ngûòn. And more titles are on the way!

This is the 50th Anniversary Recording for this trio. This CD is a mix of Jazz and Bach. It includes two tracks of Jacques Loussier's Swing Jazz - the 1984 versions. I enjoyed the juxaposition of the jazz beat and the classical melodies. I found to be fresh and stimulating. If you like Jazz or Classical Music, check out this CD.

Is it possible to imagine a world where cash is no longer accepted and Smart Cards and credit cards are used for everything, including vending machines? Where direct deposit is not only requested but mandated? Why is this scenario not only likely, but less expensive for the government, and actually lucrative in the long run?

What better way to learn to download ebooks from CPL's vast digital collection! Hop on the 18-wheeler of a bookmobile to get acquainted with the latest process and gadgetry! Come today, July 29, Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll be in for a new experience, and also have a chance to win an iPod Nano!

I always enjoy movie adaptations of favorite books. Even when I don't agree with the director's interpretation of the work (the end of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince had me downright angry!) there is a special magic in seeing beloved characters come to life on screen. If you also enjoy books and their film adapations, here's a list for you.

Atonement: Book / DVD

with strong female characters and edge-of-your-seat suspense, try these titles and authors:    

  Do you like to travel?  My husband and I have enjoyed travelling over the last ten years.

     Two of our favorite spots are Ireland and the state of Hawaii.

      We went to Ireland with Kelly Tours in 2006.  We joined the second tour that visited three spots in

Northern Ireland.  This was of particular interest to me because my father was born in Belfast and lived

there until he was eighteen.  My husband and I watched 3 tapes which highlighted many interesting locations in Northern Ireland and Ireland.  The titles of these medias are

Growing Your Own Vegetables: An Encyclopedia of Country Living Guide by Carla Emery and Lorene Edwards Forkner covers the gamut of the home veg garden, from planning and layout to specific info on onions, legumes, herbs, and more. Handy tips and solid instruction.

You remembered to cancel the newspaper and mail delivery and to turn off the coffee pot and shut the garage door. What you forgot to do was...return your DVDs! Don't fret - you can renew library materials online at any time, from your hotel or vacation cottage. Or call (734-397-0999) during normal business hours to speak with someone at the Checkout Desk. (Our direct-dial automated renewal line is no longer available and the automated service will be discontinued September 1, 2009.)

The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), commonly referred to as Cash for Clunkers officially began on July 24th. Under this $1 billion government program consumers qualify for a cash credit towards the purchase of a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. This program is also designed to help energize the economy; boost auto sales and put safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation's roadways. Eligibility requirements and other details can be found at the official website for the program, CARS.gov.

In support of Cow Appreciation Day, celebrated on July 25th, break out your creative juices...let the milk of inspiration flow. In honor of our bovine friends, create a mosaic, paint a picture, write a narrative poem, or make up an interpretive dance! If you need some artistic reference, check out this handy website all about cow art! After all, how can you not love a cow?