Today we honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader who would have turned 84 this year. A federal holiday to honor King, who was assassinated in April 1968, was first observed in 1986. Congress also designated it a national day of service in 1994.

Books

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s death and transformation of America by Michael Eric Dyson

At Canaan's edge: America in the King years 1965-68 by Taylor Branch

On loan from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the Martin Luther King, Jr. exhibit entitled "Walk to Freedom." You can visit this exhibit, highlighting Dr. King's march down Woodward Avenue to Cobo Hall on Sunday, June 23, 1963, at Canton Public Library through the end of February. It was a nonviolent march supported by the Detroit Council of Human Rights, the NAACP, the UAW and many more. This famous "Walk to Freedom" was a 'dress rehearsal' for the famous March on Washington and Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech. Also be sure to check out the lovely, informative showcases in the library as we celebrate Dr. King and Black History Month.

In honor of Black History Month, and in partnership with the Plymouth Canton Citizens for Diversity and Inclusion, we are proud to show Akeelah and the Bee starring Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne and Keke Palmer.  It's the story of a young girl from south Los Angeles who tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee.  The movie will be followed by a discussion on preventing bullying and promoting inclusion led by PCCDI. Join us February 12 at 6:00 PM.

Join us for informal open play as well as a tournament by the "Library Chess Clubs" on the fourth Sunday of each month in the Community Room. For tournament information and registration, please email clubchess@wowway.com.

On Wednesday, February 13 at 4:00-4:45 PM, Thirupu Siva will teach young people from 6-16 years of age the basic asanas, building up to various intermediate poses. Please wear loose fitting clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat to work on. Registration for this program begins on January 25.

[Halasana - Postura del Arado/Amineko Yoga by ((carola)) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

Join us Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 PM as we celebrate Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Rosa Parks' birth with speaker Gregory J. Reed, Esq.  Mr. Reed, an attorney, author and advocate, has helped preserve and tell the Rosa Parks story, as well as garner proper recognition for Ms. Parks' acts as a true hero of the equality movement.  He has a special tale to tell of advocating on her behalf to get her proper recognition via the Medal of Freedom and the new postage stamp being issued in her honor this month.  Mr. Reed will sign copies of his book, Quiet Strength: the Faith, the Hope and the Heart of a Woman Who Changed a Nation. 

The North American International Automobile Show, known as the Detroit Auto Show around here, opens to the public on Monday, January 19. The first Detroit Auto Show was held in 1907. What began as a local show is now international in scope.

The car: the evolution of the beautiful machine by Rod Green

Merrily we roll along [videodisc]: The early days of the automobile by NBC News Productions

Motorcars of the classic era by Michael Furman

Into board games like Settlers, Carcassonne, or Puerto Rico? Drop bySaturday, February 2 between Noon and 5:45 PM for our monthly Board Gaming League of Canton meeting. Play some of the hottest games and meet some new folks!

Wednesday, February 27, 6:30-8:45 PM join us for our monthly meeting of the Animanga Club! We've got all sorts of zaniness in store from a raffle to trivia to our always popular "mystery anime." What is it this month? Sorry, no hints. Drop by and let your inner otaku run free.

Did you have fun creating a beautiful work of art for our mural? If so, be sure to come and show us where your picture is on the mural and we can make sure you get a limited edition poster of your very own! Just stop in at the Children's Reference Desk to pick up your poster. See you soon!

President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. It declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." Every advance of Union troops into the Confederacy expanded former slaves' freedom. Additionally, the Proclamation allowed black men into the military, and by the end of the Civil War almost 200,000 black soldiers and sailors had joined and fought for the Union cause.

Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: the end of slavery in America by Allen C. Guelzo

On Wednesday, January 9 from 7:00-7:45 PM, Thirupu Siva will teach young people from 6-16 years of age the basic asanas, building up to various intermediate poses. Please wear loose fitting clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat to work on. Registration for this program begins on December 26.
[Halasana - Postura del Arado/Amineko Yoga by ((carola)) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

Do you need a place to study for finals? Come to the library to study or work with a group. We will have tables set up in a quiet room for all your studying needs.

• January 21 — 12:00-8:45 PM in the Purple Room
• January 22 — 12:00- 8:45 PM in the Purple Room (NHS tutors available 6:00-8:00 PM) 
• January 23 — 12:00- 8:45 PM in the Community Room

[Studying by scui3asteveo is used under a CC BY-ND 2.0 license]

Grab a friend and sign up for the "Exam Jam" Saturday, January 19 from 1:00-3:00 PM. Sylvan teachers will be on hand to offer tips and ideas for improving study strategies and habits. Attendess will develop a study plan to prepare for school tests and learn specific techniques that will be based on the student's personal learning style. Exams are coming soon. Attend this program and be ready to rock.

Wednesday, January 9, 6:30-8:45 PM join us for our monthly meeting of the Animanga Club! We've got all sorts of zaniness in store from a raffle to trivia to our always popular "mystery anime." What is it this month? Sorry, no hints. Drop by and let your inner otaku run free.

Into board games like Settlers, Carcassonne, or Puerto Rico? Drop by Saturday, January 5 between Noon and 5:45 PM for our monthly Board Gaming League of Canton meeting. Play some of the hottest games and meet some new folks!

NHS students are here to provide 3rd-12th graders free homework help. If you're interested in getting tutored:

• You must be in 3rd through 12th grade
• If you're under 12, your parent must remain in the library
• You must bring the assignment and any other needed materials

Days and Times

• Monday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk
• Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk
• Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Plymouth District Library
• Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Plymouth District Library
• Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk

Just in time for the holiday break, the Detroit Science Center reopens Wednesday, December 26th, as the Michigan Science Center .  Families with older children may find the grand opening special exhibit, Human Bodies: Anatomy in Motion, interesting. For the younger crowd, try Kids Town, the Chrysler IMAX dome, or take in a show at the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium.