You may have noticed our book display over the Children's CDs. Who knew there were so many great pig characters in Children's Literature?! Some of these characters have even made it to film, like Wilbur from Charlotte's Web, Babe the Gallant Pig, and, coming soon, Olivia! Don't forget those other "hams" on film, like Miss Piggy from the Muppet Show and Piggley from Jakers.

There's still time for your child to win $1500 towards his/her college education. You have until August 21 to enter the Get Creative @ Saving for College prize drawing (sponsored by the Michigan Education Trust, Michigan Education Savings Program, and the Library of Michigan Foundation.) Entry forms and instructions are available in the library lobby. (And remember, the home libraries of the sweepstakes winners also get a cash prize for the 2010 Summer Reading program!)

Your little one is staying dry at night. Maybe she's taking off her diaper, or even asking if she can use the potty. Sounds like the time has come for your child to take that BIG step and start....potty-training! Sound a little daunting? Never fear, the library has plenty of resources to help you and your child out. We've got books (and DVDs) for both of you to read together, and we've also got some helpful books for mom and dad to read on their own. With the library's help, your toddler will be on the road to becoming a "big kid!"

Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made With Repurposed & Organic Materials Plus Tips & Resources for Earth-Friendly Stitching by Betz White, photographs by John Gruen

This slim paperback is packed with projects to wear and use, for grown-ups, children, and your home. The instructions for each project include information on how to reuse and upcycle materials you may already have on hand, and the results are simple and elegant.

Summer is still in the air, so fans, that means the Tigers are not done yet! So far their away record hasn't been so slick, but there is hope. In our series against the Texas Rangers, we did take one of the three games that we played. Not stellar, but one is better than none. Hopefully in the next series we have coming up against Cleveland we will add more wins to our belt. While you wait in a hot dog fueled anticipation, be sure to check out these titles we have on the Detroit Tigers to help pass the time until first pitch!

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.]

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!

Hey Kids! It's hard to believe it's almost August already. This summer is really flying by! I'm having so much fun seeing all my friends at the library. I'll be really sad when you all go back to school. I wanted to tell you about my new friend. He's in the fish tank and really small. He's a baby snail! Right now he is mostly wiggly, squiggily and shell-less, but if you keep watching, he will grow his own new shell! He's pretty cool. Even though it doesn't look like they do much, snails are very interesting animals. If you're curious to find out more, there are lots of books about Snails here at the library! While you're at the fish tank, don't forget to wave to Nemo also. I don't want him to get jealous of Baby Snail's attention! Until next time,
Bear Hugs!
Thorndyke

Want to teach your kids about living green? Not sure where to start? The Green Parent is a handy guide with helpful tips that show parents and kids how to live environmentally-friendly lives. With this book, you'll learn how to make a waste-free lunch, buy organic foods, give green gifts and much more. There are even hints for buying eco-friendly clothes and helping your pets be earth-friendly, too! Your family will be on the path to living a greener life in no time...you just might become the greenest family on the block!

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.)

While their parents may cringe at the sight of the orange and white striped construction barrels, little tykes get excited knowing this is their chance to see their favorite big trucks up close.  For a chance to see the big rigs up close without the hassle of stop and go traffic, head to bookshelf 13 in the Children's Library.  There in the J620's you'll find trucks of all kinds, a