Who has time for family dinners anymore? We all do, according to author Miriam Weinstein in The Surprising Power of Family Meals. The benefits of eating a meal together are astounding, considering you don't have to sign-up, register, or pay for them outside of your grocery budget. Family meals are available, modest and valuable to your family. At a meal children can learn manners, family values, and good conversation. It's a great time for families to slow down and re-group.

Testing can be tough! Come to the library on Saturday April 14, from 1:00-2:30 PM and let the experts from Sylvan Learning Center give you some strategies and tips on math and reading to help boost your confidence on your next test. Appropriate for older middle school and high school students.

Iceberg, right ahead!: the tragedy of the Titanic by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson is a wonderful resource for the latest information regarding the Titanic. On April 14, 2012 one century will have passed since this tragic maritime disaster occurred and many books have been published and events are planned to commemorate it. Seventy-three years separate the sinking of the vessel and the dramatic 1985 discovery of the wreck by Robert Ballard. McPherson fills in this time frame with actual stories about the victims, survivors, rescuers, reporters, investigators, and many others showing  the far-reaching effects this tragedy has had on society as a whole.

Meet and learn about some of Michigan's animals that wake up when you go to bed! The Organization for Bat Conservation will present their program: Animal Adaptations: Bats! Owls! Flying Foxes!. Discover the fascinating features and adaptations of a variety of Michigan's native nocturnal creatures. In this program, learn what adaptations are, how they are formed and why animals develop these amazing tools for survival. Live animals will be present! Join us on Sunday, April 22nd from 2:00-3:00 PM to kick off our Earth Week celebrations.

This post is part of our Earth Day 2012 celebration.

The Harry Potter books are now available in eBook format! You can check them out using your library card. Click the links below and then log in with your library card to see what's available or to place a hold.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Kids and Tweens in grades K-6, improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a dog. Sign up begins at 6:25 PM and is on a first come, first serve basis. Sessions are 10 minutes long.

Program Date: Tuesday, May 29, 6:25-8:25 PM

The Hardy Boys series will be temporarily unavailable while changes are made to indicate its new location: J Fiction Dixon

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this process.

Summer is around the corner. Babysitting is an excellent way to spend your time and possibly make a few extra bucks in the process. On Saturday, April 14th from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM the staff from Starfish Family Services will teach young men and women from 6th-8th grade the basics of babysitting, including safety in the home and caring for infants. Participants will receive certification in first aid. This is an all day event, so don't forget to bring a sack lunch. Registration begins on March 31st at 9:00 AM.

Is vocabulary your downfall? Taking the ACT/SAT soon? Working on the TOEFL? Struggling with your 3^rd grade homework? For all ages, Word Dynamo has great vocabulary games for standardized tests. Even science vocab (get taught, say, the bones in the body). Play along and learn something new!

Cold cereal by Adam Rex — If you are a cereal lover as I am, you may never be able to eat it again with impunity after reading this book. However, this zany, fast-paced, hilarious fantasy adventure by Rex is totally worth it. Scott Doe has the ability to see magical creatures that no one else can, but doesn't really realize it. Emily and Erno are super smart twins involved in an nefarious experiment, but do not know it. Goodco Cereal Company is capturing magical beings and draining the "glamour" from them to use as an addictive additive to their products, but consumers haven't a clue. A bigfoot butler, a snarky leprechaun, and a rabbit-headed man are some of the lucky few creatures who have managed to escape Goodco's ever-expanding power.

Our art collection has many different topics in it and one that I just know you will enjoy is our array of books by Charles Schultz. The Peanuts characters have been beloved by millions for many, many years. Be sure to check out our selections located in both the Children's and Adult departments. I can almost hear Schroeder playing the famous theme song now. Enjoy!

Tim Heller, avid chess player, hosts informal open play on Sunday, April 29 at 1:00 PM in the Community Room while providing instruction and pointers on improving your game. Beginners welcome. Note: no chess on April 8 due to the Easter holiday.

While the world is watching The Hunger Games, you may be waiting to read a title in the series or wanting to read something similiar. Try these read-alikes, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

The running man by Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman ; with an introduction by the author

Among the hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Daylight runner by Oisin McGann

The following series books will be temporarily unvailable while the spine labels are being changed:

• Candy Apple — new location will be J Fiction Candy Apple
• Farley's Stallion — new location will be J Fiction Farley
• Flower Fairies — new location will be J Fiction Flower Fairies

Thank you, again, for your patience and understanding.

You’re invited to join CPL, Huntington Learning Center and Shooter from the Plymouth Whalers for a free workshop Saturday, March 24th from 2:00-3:30 PM. The workshop will offer you and your child valuable practical advice on how to tackle everyday homework problems and ensure that your children have the right environment and skills for completing assignments to the very best of their abilities. Welcome time, including snacks and a photo op with Shooter, will take place from 2:00-2:30 PM with the workshop to follow from 2:30-3:30 PM.

If you enjoyed Among The Hidden and you're looking for a new series, give one of these a try:

The city of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The giver by Lois Lowry

Virus on Orbis 1 by PJ Haarsma

The book of wonders by Jasmine Richards is an exciting fantasy based loosely on the Arabian nights. When thirteen-year-old Zardi's sister and father are captured by the evil, saddistic sultan, Zardi knows the time has come for her to flee the realm and seek help in overthrowing this tyrant.  Otherwise her sister will suffer the same horrific fate as countless other teenage girls.  Along with Rhidan, who is her best friend, and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the notorious Captain Sinbad, Zardi embarks on a perilous quest in search of the lost magic of Arribitha. Only with the power of this force is there any hope of restoring peace and harmony to her homeland.

This Saturday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. This day is held in honor of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to the Irish people in the 400's A.D. Over 34 million Americans have some Irish in their blood. But don't worry if you don't. Everyone is at least a little Irish on this day. So wear some green, try some corned beef and cabbage, and "may the wind be always at your back."

Kids and Tweens in grades K-6, improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a dog. Sign up begins at 6:25 PM and is on a first come, first serve basis. Sessions are 10 minutes long.

Program Date: Monday, April 23rd, 6:30-8:30 PM

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

• You must be in 3^rd through 12^th grade
• If you are 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
• Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Plymouth District Library
• Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk
• Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Plymouth District Library

*Tutors will not be here during snow days or the holiday breaks, they need a break too!