Michigan Week (May 18-25) is a good time to remember the state's celebrated natives from all walks of life. Communities across Michigan can lay claim to renowned authors, artists, musicians, actors, athletes, politicians, inventors and more. Film makers Francis Ford Coppola, Sam Raimi, Michael Moore, and Paul Schrader were all born in Michigan. Just some of the world famous musicians born here include Stevie Wonder, Kenny Burrell, Betty Carter, Earl Klugh, Bog Seger, Glen Frey, Madonna, and Iggy Pop. Actors born in the state include Bruce Campbell, Tom Selleck, Lily Tomlin, Ellen Burstyn, Kristen Bell, Julie Harris, George Peppard, George C. Scott, Danny Thomas, and Marlo Thomas — the list goes on. Noteworthy authors such as Edna Ferber, Terry McMillan, Judith Guest and Marguerite De Angeli are also Michigan natives. Famous Michigan born athletes include baseball players Charlie Gehringer, Jim Abbott and Hal Newhouser. Find out more about our state's notable heritage by checking out some of the following items from the Library's collection.

Alden B. Dow: midwestern modern by Diane Maddex — Architect

The Dodge brothers: the men, the motor cars, and the legacy by Charles K. Hyde — Automobile engineers

To quote Mark Twain "Truth is stranger than fiction..." and the following titles are certainly proof of that!

Lord Minimus: the extraordinary life of Britain's smallest man by Nick Page — Th true story of Jeffrey Hudson, the 18-inch "official dwarf" of the 17th century Stuart court.

The last alchemist: Count Cagliostro, master of magic in the age of reason by Iain McCalman — A fascinating account of the career of one of the most famous charlatans of the 18th century, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, who traveled all over Europe - usually one step ahead of the authorities - passing himself off as an alchemist and a healer.

Agent Zigzag: a true story of Nazi espionage, love, and betrayal by Ben MacIntyre — Eddie Chapman was a charming criminal, a con man, and a philanderer. He was also one of the most remarkable double agents Britain has ever produced.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct its new members for 2013 on April 18. The inductees are Rush, Heart, Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Donna Summer, and Albert King. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Lou Adler and Quincy Jones. The ceremony will take place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Ordinary girl: the journey by Donna Summer ; with Marc Eliot

The Canton Public Library is celebrating Earth Day from April 14-27 with a series of entertaining and educational programs. Topics include bat conservancy, organic eating, buying local food, and rain gardens. The week will wrap up with a fantastic performance by authentic Native American Dancers. The Library's collection if full of excellent books, dvds, and cds to help you celebrate with us:

America's neighborhood bats by Merlin D. Tuttle

The bat house builder's handbook by Merlin D. Tuttle, Mark Kiser, Selena Kiser

Bats by M. Brock Fenton

Wildlife heroes: 40 leading conservationists and the animals they are committed to saving by Julie Scardina and Jeff Flocken ; with photo editor Sterling Zumbrunn

Margaret Thatcher, Britain's only female prime minister has passed away at the age of 87. Thatcher served as the leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990 and was known as the Iron Lady.

Reagan and Thatcher: the difficult relationship by Richard Aldous

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: a political marriage by Nicholas Wapshott

The Iron Lady: a biography of Margaret Thatcher by Hugo Young

The Downing Street years by Margaret Thatcher

The rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher [videodisc]

The Canton Public Library will soon provide unlimited, simultaneous, digital access to almost 200 of your favorite magazines through a new database called Zinio for Libraries. After setting up a free account, CPL card holders will be able to read current issues cover-to-cover of any these selected titles, as well as be informed via email of future issues. Patrons can read online at any time via a web browser, either inside the library, or remotely on your PC, Mac, iPad, Kindle Fire, iPhone, or Android device. Offline access is also available after downloading an app. The issues are then permanently stored in your "viewer collection." No checkout periods or late fees! A wide variety of popular titles will be available including Consumer Reports, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, Martha Stewart Living, Rolling Stone, Motor Trend, Popular Science, and Newsweek.

Erin go Bragh! The celebration of St. Patrick's Day outside of Ireland is a clear indication of the Irish influence throughout the world. In the United States many cities and towns recognize March 17th with parades and parties to mark the holiday of Ireland's patron saint. Ireland has made a significant contribution to literature and the arts both in the United States and throughout the world. Celebrate the day by sampling a wee bit of Irish culture and history from some of the many titles available in the Library's collection: