Once every 12 months, you can request for a copy of your credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian & TransUnion. You can log on to AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free copy. It's quick, easy and secure!

Thursday, March 19, 9:30-11:30AM

Learn to create multimedia presentations in Microsoft Powerpoint 2007. Prerequisite: Mouse and Word skills.

If you are 55 or older, AARP  has job programs (there may be certain income requirements) and information. It will assess your skills and interests, then connect you with free training.

If you went to the Michigan Golf Show last weekend, you probably have the bug to get your clubs out and start swinging.  Check out the great golf collection at the library for tips to improve your game, golf course information and ideas for planning a golf get-away.

If there's a loved one in your life that has an addiction, a good book to read is: No more letting go by Debra Jay.  This book weaves together real-life family stories and interventions that can offer comfort, hope and help.  Another good book is called Heart of Addiction by Lance Dodes.   Both these books can help in getting through this difficult time.

Another favorite series with a strong female character is Victoria Thompson's  Gaslight Murders featuring Sarah Brandt, midwife and amateur detective assisted by New York police detective Frank Malloy. Sarah, born into a wealthy family, defied her parents by marrying Dr. Tom Brandt.  Dr. Brandt is killed one night returning from a late night call and rather than return to her parents' home Sarah continues her midwifery practice in New York's tenements. She is a strong, independent character, at times challenging and baffling Detective Frank Malloy.

Come join us in the Community Room on Wednesday March 18th at 2p.m. as we view and discuss The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. This is the saga of Chris Gardner's life struggle from homeless, jobless poverty to Wall Street success. Online registration required.

Three Cups of Tea has been on the New York Times paperback nonfiction bestseller list for 108 weeks running (currently in the #1 slot) for good reason: Greg Mortenson, who is carrying out his mission to build schools — and peace — in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, is living proof of how one person can truly make a difference in the world. Now, Mortenson’s story is accessible to young children through the newly published picture book Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea. A Young Readers’ version of Three Cups of Tea has also just been published. My 8-yr-old son and I saw Mortenson in late January when he spoke to a packed auditorium (800+ people) at Ann Arbor’s Huron High School.

Moira Hodgson, former restaurant critic for the New York Times and current colmunist for the New York Observer, began her food education as a child moving around the world as a British diplomat's daughter. In her new book, It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time, she recounts the fascinating food, places, and people she has discovered throughout her life.

When you are looking for a research topic, or supporting materials for a debate, Opposing Viewpoints database is your solution. Here you'll find different viewpoints on a wide range of current issues, such as global warming and welfare reform. Social science instructors will find the 7,000 viewpoint articles useful for preparing lesson plans. The ability to print, download or email documents makes it easy to use.

In Sunday's USA Weekend Magazine, ParentSmart writer, Reyhaneh Fathieh, listed tips parents can teach their kids before they take the big test. The Library has a huge selection of study guides for all students.

Many efforts are underway ahead of the stimulus packages being presented by Congress and BHO.
One is Spendten. This plan is apparently trying to help our economy by having sponsors pledge to spend $10 on March 31 for something they didn't intend to. I can't predict how effective this idea will be, but I do know that I end up unintentionally spending that amount (or much more) almost daily, so I and many others are included in the effort by default. The plan encourages spending on services and products made in the U.S. to have the most impact.

Plane fares are so expensive, especially if you have a big family, it might just be cheaper to drive.  But how do you know for sure?  AAA Fuel Cost Calculator can help you decide with their interactive site.  You enter in where you are going and what kind of vehicle you own and it tell you approximately how much it will cost in gas.  If only the airlines were so helpful.

If you're like me you love to scrapbook but just don't seem to find time to fit it into your busy schedule.  Scrapbooking doesn't have to  take a lot of time.

Knit Night is Monday, March 9 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Drop in to enjoy time with other handcrafters of all ages. Compare projects, ask for help with a tricky stitch, or learn how to knit! Crochet, embroidery, and other handcrafts are also welcome.

photo by Todd Huffman used under Creative Commons license

Spring is in the air! Check out some of our great craft books, especially the ones highlighting spring. Get out the scissors, glue, glitter, and brightly colored paper to have fun making flowers, birds, and baby animals. Enjoy!

Wireless and remote printing to the library's printers is now available. Send print jobs from your laptop here in our building or from any place with internet access - like your home office. Your job will remain in the Copy Center print queue until the close of business on the day it's sent.

Each day seems to bring more bad news about Americans facing foreclosure and Michigan is among the hardest hit states.  Many neighborhoods are seeing the effects first hand and people faced with such 

Learn about the history of the "Star Spangled Banner," through live saxophone presentations. 
Program Date and Time : March 5th at 7:00 PM

The annual auto issue includes the BEST & WORST 2009 CARS.  Exclusive ratings, reliability, performance and value are also included in the April/09 edition of Consumer Reports.  CR is available for patron use on the Adult magazine shelf and at the Adult Reference desk.