Join us Friday, July 27, 2:00-3:00 PM. Space station, shuttle, terraforming colony. Help us build the best in the galaxy and later we’ll catalogue your entries online for future scientists — complete with your descriptions. Registration required.

July 18, 6:30-8:30 PM at the library. All ages. Scrabble on our insane 10x10-foot board.

Did you know that your favorite stuffed animal can enjoy the library too? Kids, ages four-six, and their caregiver can bring their furry friend to a special storytime on Thursday, July 19 from 7:00-7:45 PM. But it doesn't end there. Your stuffed animal can then stay at the library for a super fun sleepover. Don't worry, you can pick up your animal at the children's desk the next day. We will take pictures of all the animals' fun activities and post them on the library web site.

Movie Challenge 1: watch two (or more) movies/tv shows involving… Robin Hood. There have been a gazillion remakes. Make a comment to this post ranking what you watched to earn a secret badge besides your Curtains Up (see comment example below).

The story of Robin Hood [videodisc] by Walt Disney

Robin Hood [videodisc]: men in tights by Twentieth Century Fox ; a Brooksfilms production ; in association with Gaumont

The adventures of Robin Hood [videodisc] by a First National picture

Wishbone [videodisc]: Paw prints of thieves by written by Adam Felber ; produced by Betty Buckley ; directed by Ben Vaughn

Did you know that June is the Great Outdoors Month. Blue skies, cool breezes and blue lakes abound in Michigan, so take advantage of this and take a long walk, ride a bike, or go swimming or golfing. The opportunities are endless. Share your experience on CYS and earn an appropriate badge.

Maia and Alex Shibutani are ice dancers with dreams of attending the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In 2011, the Shibutanis were the first ice dance team in U.S. history to win a medal (bronze) at the World Championships in their debut senior season. They also took the silver at the U.S. championships and at Four Continents Championships behind their training mates, 2010 Olympic Silver Medalists, Meryl Davis and Charlie White. While we are all still steeped in the London Olympics, hear what dedication and drive are needed to aspire to the Olympics and perform at championship levels from brother and sister team, Maia (18) and Alex (21) on Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 PM.

Get Hands On this summer with different styles of jewelry making. These books will help you get started making fun and pretty necklaces, bracelets, and more.

Jewelry making for fun! by Robin Koontz

Jazzy jewelry by Dawn Brend ... [et al.]

Junk drawer jewelry by written by Rachel Di Salle and Ellen Warwick; illustrated by Jane Kurisu

Geek n.

1. An unfashionable or socially inept person.
2. A person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest: "A computer geek".

We have lots of books in our Children's Library starring geeks. And quite often, they are the heros. Check one out today.

Notes from an accidental band geek by Erin Dionne

NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by Michael Buckley; illustrations by Ethen Beavers

The Children's Library has lots of nonfiction on your favorite geeky subjects. Here are some fun ones to get you started.

The real spy's guide to becoming a spy by Peter Earnest and Suzanne Harper, in association with the Spy Museum

The big book of spy stuff by Bart King; illustrations by Russell Miller

The dangerous book for boys by Conn Iggulden, Hal Iggulden

It's often said that people fear public speaking more than death. While that's not exactly true, talking is front of people is a major fear — one you can conquer!

Places to Speak

• Canton Communicators Toastmasters club — Toastmasters is a great way to hone your speaking
• Speech classes at Wayne County Community College
• Spotlight Players — acting at the Village Theater

Other places often welcome speakers, such as conferences, meetup groups, places of worship, and even the library!

Books on Speaking

Speaking your way to success by Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts

Public speaking success in 20 minutes a day

Time machines provide a fun learning experience, a unique business opportunity, and a contrived way to manipulate your plot arc. Watch out, though — depending on the make and model you choose for your temporal vehicle, they can often be expensive to build and difficult to maintain. See below for several types of time machine, along with assembly instructions when available.

Hot Tub

The mechanism for how a hot tub can become a time machine isn't well-explained. However, if you acquire a hot tub and the chronological mechanism never works, at least you have a hot tub, right? For further instructions view:

Origami for everyone: beginner, intermediate, advanced by Didier Boursin

Origami zoo: 25 fun paper animal creations by Paul Jackson and Miri Golan; illustrations by Paul Jackson; photographs by Avi Valdman

The new encyclopedia of origami and papercraft techniques by Ayako Brodek; edited by Claire Waite Brown

Connect Your Summer is back and better than ever, and with it are 12 new badges. Click on the badges below to see the reading, program, and activity recommendations from our staff experts for how to earn each badge. Once you've completed an experience, claim the badge online for a chance at some great prizes:

The budding chef by edited by Kate Kuhn ; [illustrated by Jane Dippold]

Cooking with kids by from the experts at FamilyFun magazine

Emeril's there's a chef in my family!: recipes to get everybody cooking by Emeril Lagasse ; illustrated by Charles Yuen ; photographs by Quentin Bacon

Batter Up! We've got a whole roster full of great reads for kids about America's Favorite Pastime. Check one out today before they're loooong gone.

The boys by Jeff Newman; illustrated by Jeff Newman

Baseball hour by Carol Nevius; illustrated by Bill Thomson

Watch me throw the ball! by Mo Willems

Are you in a reading rut? Summer is a great time to try something new.

Use the drop-down menus on the Kids Book Lists page and May We Suggest blog to generate suggestions for a brand new read. Try a graphic novel, audiobook or ebook for a fresh reading experience. If you're feeling brave, combine a new format with a genre you've never read before to truly conquer this badge.

Can't find anything inspiring? Fill out the May We Suggest form to receive personal recommendations.

Don't just read a book this summer, conquer it by checking out one of our Children's or Adult Book Discussion Kits and holding your own Book Club.

I know someone with cancer by Sue Barraclough

I know someone with dyslexia by Sue Barraclough

I know someone with diabetes by Vic Parker

I know someone who is obese by Sue Barraclough

Apples, cherries, red raspberries: what is in the fruits group? by Brian P. Cleary; illustrations by Martin Goneau; consultant, Jennifer K. Nelson

Green beans, potatoes, and even tomatoes: what is in the vegetable group? by Brian P. Cleary; illustrations by Martin Goneau; consultant, Jennifer K. Nelson

Did you know that many of the great family movies out there were kids books first? You can earn your "curtains up" badge by reading some of these great titles:

Ella enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke; translated from the German by Anthea Bell

Cheaper by the dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr., Ernestine Gilbreth Carey; (with a new afterword by Ernestine Gilbreth Carey)