The benefit concert is sold out.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.

These wise words were spoken by Martin Luther King, Jr. in his famous I have a dream speech on August 28, 1963. There are many ways to celebrate this remarkable, loving man and his dream. Visit the Cherry Hill Village Theater on January 16 at 5:30 PM for a presentation entitled Martin Luther King, Jr., Building Bridges.

At the Canton Public Library, we celebrate during Black History Month with a performance by the Canton Christian Fellowship Praise Choir on Thursday, February 2 and a visit from local author Carol Mull on Thursday, February 9 when she will discuss her new book, The Underground Railroad in Michigan.

Please note that the day of our Tamil storytime for the month of January has changed. All ages may enjoy a storytime program in Tamil presented by Sivakami Rajendran.

Program Date: Thursday, January 12, 7:00 PM in the Purple Room

The first winner of the Printz Award in 2000 and author of amazing novels before and since, Walter Dean Myers, has been named the next national ambassador for young children's literature.

Making artisan chocolates: flavor-infused chocolates, truffles, and confections by Andrew Garrison Shotts ; photography by Madeline Polss — Since December 29th is National Chocolate Day, do not let the chance to explore the art and world of chocolate escape you. In this book, you will get the chance to immerse yourself in the creation of chocolate that is to die for. Don't forget the artistic flair to make your new delights a one of a kind treat!

On January 4, 2012 at 7:00 PM, members of the Kiwanis Club of Canton will read stories and offer other fun activities. Don't forget to bring your listening ears! All ages welcome.

The University of Michigan's Museum of Natural History presents a series of three fun family workshops about science. This year, to tie in with their temporary exhibition at the Museum called Evolution and Health (February 2012-January 2013), they are focusing on showing families what doctors mean when they talk about health, and how factors in our daily lives may affect our health.

We invite you to register for the first workshop in the series titled How YOU work: What are you made of and what do your vital signs mean?. The event takes place in the Community Room on Saturday, January 14, 2012, from 1:00-2:00 PM. You will explore what makes you who you are. You'll look at the building blocks that make our bodies (cells and DNA), figure out what the numbers doctors talk about really tell you, and see how it all works together. Workshops are designed for children ages 6-11, accompanied by an adult. Online registration begins December 31 at 9:00am.

Ms. Nicole, from As the Page Turns bookstore, will have a Kwaanza Celebration on December 29 from 1:00-2:00 PM. There will be stories and activities and she will discuss the Nguzo Saba, known as the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Come join the fun in the Purple Room!

Have you ever looked at your kids and wondered "What are we going to do today?" Starfish Family Services will present a workshop for parents, caregivers and daycare providers titled Making Playroom Materials from Everyday Items on January 5, 2012, 9:30-11:00 AM. Attendees will identify natural, real, recycled and scrap materials for your playroom. During the program you will also make playroom materials to take back to your setting. Childcare will be provided by licensed Starfish Family Services staff. Online registration begins on December 22, 2011.

Simms Taback, award-winning author and illustrator of the picture books Joseph Had A Little Overcoat and There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, passed away December 25, 2011. Check out Simms Taback's official website for a complete listing of his works. Also find a list of Taback's titles owned by the library.

Looking for a film to ring in the New Year for your kids? One that you can show early? Like around 8? Look no further than CPL! Here are some options:

Winnie the Pooh [videodisc]: a very merry Pooh year by Walt Disney Home Entertainment — Winnie the Pooh and friends make New Year resolutions not to bother Rabbit

Year without a Santa Claus [videodisc]: Nestor the long-eared Christmas donkey, Rudolph's shiny new year — Rudolph helps Father Time locate a missing New Year baby

Birds of a feather by Jane Yolen — Striking photographs are what caught my eye right away on Jane Yolen's new book. This book has 14 spirited poems about familiar, as well as less common birds in the Eastern U.S. Each poem is matched with a photograph of the bird with realistic colors and sharp details. Yolen has written over 300 books for children and won many medals for her work.

Into the unknown: how great explorers found their way by land, sea, and air by Stewart Ross — Brave explorers have vivid stories to tell and they range from sailing on the oceans to landing on the moon. This book takes a fascinating look at the adventures of many great explorers. Fresh storytelling and unfolding cutaways and cross sections keep the reader engaged.

The Obama administration proposed regulations on Thursday, December 15 to give the nation’s nearly two million home care workers minimum wage and overtime protections. Those workers have long been exempted from coverage. According to the federal government, six million of the 40 million Americans older than 65 now need some form of daily assistance to live outside a nursing home. That number, government officials say, is expected to double to 12 million by 2030.

Can you believe it? The holidays are nearly upon us! Hanukkah starts this Wednesday, Dec. 21st and Christmas is right behind it on the 25th. Are you still looking for that perfect gift? Get crafty this holiday season with our selection of holiday craft books.

Frosty the Snowman is a classic winter song. But did you know there were so many different versions? Check out some of these great songs, and learn a new snowman song too!

Sing along! [sound recording] by Caspar Babypants

Kidz Bop Christmas [sound recording]

Christmas with the Chipmunks [sound recording] by Alvin, Simon & Theodore with David Seville

Phineas & Ferb holiday favorites [sound recording]

No two alike by Keith Baker — Snowflakes come in all shapes and sizes, with no two alike. This beautiful and simple picture book follows a pair of birds on a snowflake-filled journey through a winter landscape, where everything everywhere, from branches and leaves to forests full of trees, is unique, just like you and me!

Enjoy the snow and more winter tales!

The Star Wars craft book by Bonnie Burton — Star Wars fans, get ready! This book contains a Millennium Falcon-full of awesome crafty projects. Star Wars maven Bonnie Burton is back with instructions to make your own Wookiee sock puppet, AT-AT herb garden, R2-D2 crochet beanie, Jabba the Hutt body pillow, and a ton of other way cool projects. Many of the projects are easier than bulls-eying womp rats, while others may require you to use the force (or perhaps have a helping hand from a parent or Jedi).

Yes, Please! If you have ever accessed TumbleBooks through Canton Public Library, you know that they have fun interactive stories for kids. They've recently begun adding stories in iPad format. From the front page, select the red "Storybooks" button. On the next page, choose the green "iPad Books" button. There are currently only 50 books listed, but the plan is to add more soon. Happy Reading!

Bread and jam for Frances by Russell Hoban — Russell Conwell Hogan (February 4, 1925-December 13, 2011), author of a series of children's books featuring Frances, a badger and her family and friends which Mr. Hoban wrote and his wife, Lillian Hoban illustrated died on Tuesday, December 13 at his home in England. In addition to his children's books, Mr. Hogan was a well-known author of science fiction, poetry, fantasy, and fiction.