SuzyQ's Blog

Michigan Week

SuzyQ — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:23:07 +0000

Explore the following resources about Michigan all year-long, but especially during Michigan Week which is celebrated this year during the week of May 18 - 25. This celebration is intended to inspire people to embrace, explore and celebrate the history and resources of the great state of Michigan. The following is just a sampling of our rich Michigan collection here at the Canton Public Library. Be sure to come and browse through all of the titles regarding our great state!

Fun Facts About Michigan

Michigan Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff by Colleen Burcar with Gene Taylor: Includes fun and quirky stories of interesting Michigan residents and places.

Michigan Trivia compiled by Ernie & Jill Couch: Did you know that 60,000 automobiles were registered in Michigan in 1913? Or did you know that Michigan become part of the Indian Territory in 1800? Find out more facts about the Great Lakes State in this fun book.

Mich-Again's Day by Gary W. Barfnecht: Written in a monthly format, this book includes a Michigan fact, first or famous person's birthday for each day of the year.

Unexplained Michigan mysteries: strange but true tales from the Michigan unknown by Gary W. Barfnecht: The title says it all: a fascinating collectin of eerie and strange real-life tales.

Weird Michigan: your travel guide to Michigan's local legends and best kept secrets by Linda S. Godfrey: Local legends, bizarre beasts, fabled people, roadside oddities, unexplained phenomena - they're all here!

Michigan Reference Books

Need some information regarding Michigan for a school report? These Michigan references are the place to start your research.

The 50 states edited by Charles Bahmueller: All the basics are here (e.g., history, geography, economy), but it also includes governor profiles, population projections, and historical timelines.

State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide by Benjamin F. Shearer: This book includes information about all 50 states, with information about legal holidays, fairs and festivals, universities, professional sports teams and more.

Michigan Place Names by Walter Romig: Did you ever wonder how the cities of Colon and Hell got their peculiar names? Read this book and find out the story behind hundreds of Michigan cities and town names.

Michigan Flora and Fauna

Michigan Mammals by Rollin H. Baker: An excellent resource regarding mammals residing in Michigan. Features detailed information for each animal, including descriptions, measurements, habitat and behavior.

Michigan Wildflowers by Helen V. Smith: A comprehensive, illustrated volume of 483 species of Michigan wildflowers.

Michigan Trees: A Guide to the Trees of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region by Burton V. Barnes and Warren H. Wagner, Jr.: A detailed encyclopedia regarding the various trees of Michigan.

National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Michigan edited by Jonathan Alderfer: A guide to the identification of birds native to Michigan.

Public Gardens of Michigan by Miriam Easton Rutz: This book, complete with dozens of photographs, captures the beauty of many of the public gardens across the state, such as the Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and the Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor.

Michigan History

Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State by Willis F. Dunbar: This comprehensive book covers the history of the state including ethnic groups, recent political developments, labor and business, and many other topics.

Michigan Historic Cemeteries Preservation Guide by Gregg King: This award winning book was written by a Canton resident. It is the only guide written specifically for the conservation and preservation of Michigan cemeteries.

A Drive Down Memory Lane: The Named State and Federal Highways of Michigan by LeRoy Barnett: This book reacquaints the reader with the approximately 250 people and groups that were immortalized-recently or decades ago-on the travel maps of this state by having their names assigned to our most significant lanes of traffic.

Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers by Laura Rose Ashlee: A guidebook for Michigan historical markers arranged alphabetically within county chapters and indexed by personal names and subjects.

Michigan: A History by Bruce Catton: Written in 1976 as part of The States and The Nation series for the country's bicentennial, this book captures the spirit and attitude of Michigan--its residents and pioneers--as well as any and better than most titles. A Petoskey native and Pulitzer Prize winner, Catton also wrote Waiting for the Morning Train, a personal account of his early years growing up in Northern Michigan.

Fort Pontchartrain at Detroit: A Guide to the Daily Lives of Fur Trade and Military Personnel, Settlers and Missionaries at French Posts by Timothy J. Kent: Sent by King Louis XIV, Cadillac had been ordered to establish Fort Pontchartrain at Detroit as the new center of fur trade and military power in the interior regions. This detailed reference book, regarding every aspect of the fort, will appeal to enthusiasts of the fur trade era, early military life, and Native lifestyles.

Retrieving Michigan's Buried Past: The Archaeology of the Great Lakes State by John. R. Halsey: Comprised of 13 chapters contributed by distinguished archaeologists, the book not only covers the full range of prehistoric occupations in the state but also gives extensive coverage of the archaeology of Michigan from the time of the first European exploration to the dawn of the 20th century.

Atlas of Great Lakes Indian History by Helen Hornbeck Tanner: A historic view of the Native American tribes that inhabited the Great Lakes region from about 1640 to 1871.

The Mackinac Bridge (DVD): Modern Marvels tells the story of the bridge with the help of the people who built and maintain it. The Mackinac Bridge is one of the most extraordinary edifices ever built

Michigan Places

There are many more books regarding cities, towns and townships in Michigan in our Michigan History section. A great place to begin is the Images of America series which included brief histories of Canton, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Novi, Livonia, Holland and Ypsilanti among others. Other topics include the many landmarks of Detroit we all grew up with such as Hudsons, Belle Isle, the Masonic Temple, the Michigan State Fair, and Sanders Confectionery. Be sure to browse our shelves!

Michigan Shadow Towns by Gene Scott: Many of the original towns in Michigan were stops along the railroads that crisscrossed the state. Some of these towns still exist, but many of them are extremely small "shadows" of themselves. This book highlights the interesting histories of these bygone places.

Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan by Ronald J. Stephens: Once referred to as the Black Eden of Michigan, Idlewild was considered the premiere African-American resort community in the country. Find out more about its unique past in this book.

Mackinac Island: A 600-Year History (DVD): Chronicles the history of Mackinac Island from before European settlement until the year 2000.

Michigan People

Discovering the Peoples of Michigan series published by Michigan State University Press: This is an interesting series of books published in 2001 and 2002, covering nearly a dozen of the state's 75 ethnic groups.

Empire builders: how Michigan entrepreneurs helped make America great by Burton W. Folsom: The story of entrepreneurs and businessman such as John Jacob Astor, Herbert Dow, and Will Kellogg.

Soapy: A Biography of G. Mennen Williams by Thomas J. Noer: A complete biography of G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams (1911-1988), former governor of Michigan, who was reelected five times and served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

The Most Dangerous Man in Detroit: Walter Reuther and the Fate of American Labor by Nelson Lichtenstein: In addition to being a biography, this book is also a history of the United Auto Workers union, and of the labor movement during a period when great success laid seeds for later weakness and isolation.

Michigan Governors: Their Life Stories by Willah Weddon: Biographies of the governors of Michigan, from the first, Stephens T. Mason, to John Engler.

Michigan Cooking

Ships of the Great Lakes Cookbook by Paula K. McKenna: This book, complete with recipes from Great Lakes ships of every type, also includes interesting histories of the ships as well as biographical information regarding their chefs.

Celebrating 300 years of Detroit Cooking, 1701 to 2001 edited by Marguerite J. Humes: In commemoration of Detroit's 300th birthday, the Detroit Historical Society Guild compiled this cookbook. Included are recipes from Pre-European Native Americans, to ones written for modern kitchens. Interesting facts and photos of Detroit complement the text.

Magazines

Michigan History: Published by the Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries, this bi-annual publication features articles regarding Michigan's rich history. Also includes book reviews and travel tips.

AAA Living: Interested in traveling in Michigan? Be sure to check out this Automobile Club of Michigan magazine. Featuring articles on various Michigan destinations, it also includes information regarding restaurants and lodging.

Michigan Out-of-Doors: Michigan Out-of-Doors is the official monthly publication of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. It features articles regarding outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing.

Made in Michigan

SuzyQ — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:22:22 +0000

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

Gifted hands: the Ben Carson story by Ben Carson; with Cecil Murphey — Neurosurgeon

I'd hate myself in the morning: a memoir by Ring Larner, Jr — Author & screenwriter

James Earl Jones: voices and silences by James Earl Jones and Penelope Niven — Actor

The Kellogg brothers [videodisc]: corn flake kings by A & E Television Networks — Cereal pioneers

Marshall M. Fredericks, sculptor by edited by Suzanne P. Fredericks

My life by Earvin "Magic" Johnson with William Novak — Basketball player

Off to the side: a memoir by Jim Harrison — Author

Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg — Aviator

The people's tycoon: Henry Ford and the American century by Steven Watts — Automobile pioneer

Secrets of a sparrow: memoirs by Diana Ross — Singer & actress

Smokey: inside my life by Smokey Robinson with David Ritz — Singer

To be loved: the music, the magic, the memories of Motown: an autobiography by Berry Gordy — Record producer & founder of Motown

Waiting for the morning train: an American boyhood by Bruce Catton — Historian

It's always something by Gilda Radner — Actress & comedian

Low Winter Sun

SuzyQ — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:41:28 +0000

Detroit will be the setting for the new drama Low Winter Sun which will begin airing on AMC on August 11 at 10 p.m. The new drama is based on a 2006 British miniseries of the same name and stars Mark Strong and Lennie James. The story begins with the murder of a cop by a fellow Detroit detective that will eventually pull him into the heart of the local underworld. Not only will the drama be set in the Motor City, but it will also be filmed there throughout the summer with much of the casting coming from the Detroit area. The pilot episode was shot last September and nine more will be filmed for the first season. AMC is also home to such groundbreaking programming as Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. View the trailer here.

Strange But True!

SuzyQ — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

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 land that never was: Sir Gregor MacGregor and the most audacious fraud in history by David Sinclair — The story of Sir Gregor MacGregor and the most audacious fraud in history, who In 1822 and 1823, convinced some 250 emigrants to set sail from England for the shores of Poyais, in South America - a country that did not exist.

The man in the Rockefeller suit: the astonishing rise and spectacular fall of a serial imposter by Mark Seal — The story of a career con man who convincingly passed himself off as a Rockefeller, as well as Christopher Mountbatten Chichester, descendant of Lord Mountbatten, and Christopher Crowe, a television producer.

Monsieur D'Eon is a woman: a tale of political intrigue and sexual masquerade by Gary Kates — The remarkable life of the Chevalier d'Eon, the notorious 18th-century French cross- dresser, diplomat, writer, and spy.

The emperor of scent: a story of perfume, obsession, and the last mystery of the senses by Chandler Burr — The strange tale of Luca Turin, scientist, connoisseur, and maverick who happened to possess an unusually sensitive nose and proposed a new theory of smell that promised to unravel its mystery once and for all.

Charlatan: America's most dangerous huckster, the man who pursued him, and the age of flimflam by Pope Brock — The biography of snake-oil salesman and gifted entrepreneur John R. Brinkley, who in his day was America's most famous fake doctor. Brinkley built his own radio station in 1923, selling his pseudoscience over the airwaves and giving an outlet to both astrologers and country music!

The Black Count: glory, revolution, betrayal, and the real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss — According to the author, the inspiration for the great novel of intrigue, betrayal, and revenge - The Count of Monte Cristo - was actually the author Alexandre Dumas' own father, General Alexandre Alex Dumas, born to a slave mother and a French aristocrat.

La Grande Thérèse: the greatest scandal of the century by Hilary Spurling — The story of Therese Humbert, one of the most powerful women in France until her exposure for fraud in 1902. Born in France to a poor family, she began weaving a web of lies that gave her imaginary wealth and status and for two decades presidents, prime ministers, archbishops, bankers, and diplomats vied for her attention.

The perfect prince by Ann Wroe — The story of one of the most intriguing pretenders in history, who was celebrated throughout 15th century Europe as the prince he claimed to be: Richard, Duke of York, one of the “Princes in the Tower” who were presumed to have been murdered almost a decade earlier.

Unlikely allies: how a merchant, a playwright, and a spy saved the American Revolution by Joel Richard Paul — The true story of how three men used espionage, betrayal, and sexual deception to help win the American Revolution.

A bright and guilty place: murder, corruption, and L.A.'s scandalous coming of age by Richard Rayner — The story of the entwined lives of two men - prosecutor Dave Clark, and photographer Leslie White - who were caught up in the crimes, murders, and swindles of late 1920s Los Angeles.

Dragon hunter: Roy Chapman Andrews and the Central Asiatic expeditions by Charles Gallenkamp— Possibly the model for Indiana Jones, Roy Chapman Andrews explored the uncharted Gobi Desert of Outer and Inner Mongolia for extinct mammals, uncovering such unimagined scientific wonders as the Flaming Cliffs, dinosaur eggs, and the first skeleton of a Velociraptor.

Agent Garbo: the brilliant, eccentric secret agent who tricked Hitler and saved D-Day by Stephan Talty — Juan Pujol was a Barcelona poultry farmer determined to oppose the Nazis. Acting as a double agent for the British, and using his gift for outrageous lies, he created a vast network of fictional subagents. Unbelievably, his unwitting German handlers believed every word he fed them.

The men who stare at goats by Jon Ronson — In 1979, a crack commando unit was established by the most gifted minds within the U.S. Army, defying all known laws of physics and accepted military practice. An unsettling exploration of the U.S. military's flirtation with the supernatural.

The orchid thief by Susan Orlean — One deeply eccentric man’s pursuit of an endangered flower.

Movies for Earth Day

SuzyQ — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Although Earth Day is officially celebrated once a year on April 22, the Library has a great collection of environmentally-themed documentaries that are available all year round. From wildlife to climate change, from recycling to alternate energy, we have it covered! Check out just some of the titles below:

Beyond pollution [videodisc] by directed by Barker White — Examines the economic impact and health effects that the disastrous BP oil spill will have on local communities both immediately and long term.

Climate of doubt [videodisc]: the politics of global warming by written by John Hockenberry, Catherine Upin ; directed by Catherine Upin — An examination of the shift in political attitudes towards global warming in the United States.

Collapse [videodisc] — The economic predictions of investigative journalist Michael Ruppert regarding the possible global financial meltdown and major social change that could result if oil dependence continues unabated.

Critter quest! [videodisc] by a Tiger/Tigress production ; for Smithsonian Networks ; created by Peter Schriemer ; produced by Krys Kornmeier — Explores a variety of bugs and other invertebrates living just outside the doorstep.

Dirt! [videodisc]: the movie — Through live action and animation, this film examines the history and current state of the living organic matter that feeds and shelters humanity, and helps regulate the Earth's climate.

Dirty energy [videodisc]: the Deepwater Horizon disaster: first-hand stories from the Louisiana bayou by produced by Bryan D. Hopkins, Edward Stencel ; written and directed by Bryan D. Hopkins — Investigates the ongoing impact of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster interviewing Louisiana residents and business owners as their lives reveal long-term economic and health crises.

Earth days [videodisc] by [presented by] American Experience ; WGBH Boston — Director Robert Stone traces the origins of the modern environmental movement through the eyes of nine Americans who propelled the movement from its beginnings in the 1950s to its moment of triumph in 1970 with the original Earth Day.

Farmageddon [videodisc]: the unseen war on American family farms by Kristin Marie Productions presents ; produced and directed by Kristin Canty — Tells the story of small, family farms that were providing safe, healthy foods to their communities and were forced to stop, sometimes through violent action, by agents of misguided government bureaucracies.

Forks over knives [videodisc] — Examines the possibility of eliminating diseases like heart disease and diabetes through a plant-based diet.

Inside the megastorm [videodisc] by produced by Dragonfly Film and Television Productions Ltd — Takes viewers moment by moment through Hurricane Sandy, its impacts, and the future of storm protection.

The island president [videodisc] by produced by Richard Berge, Bonni Cohen ; directed by Jon Shenk — The story of President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives' campaign to stop global warming before a three feet rise in sea level submerges his country.

Last call at the oasis [videodisc] by produced by Elise Pearlstein, Jessica Yu ; written and directed by Jessica Yu — Explores water quality and shortages around the world and how activists are seeking solutions to the growing problems that humans face with water.

Magic of the snowy owl [videodisc] by a Terra Mater Factual Studios GmbH & Nature Conservation Channel Ltd. production in co-production with Thirteen ; written and directed by Matt Hamilton and Fergus Beeley — The story of the daily struggles of a family of helpless owlets on the North slope of Alaska.

One lucky elephant [videodisc] by Sandbar Pictures ; and Crossover Productions ; written by Cristina Colissimo, Lisa Leeman ; produced by Christina Colissimo, Jordana Glick-Franzheim ; directed by Lisa Leeman — The story of the nine year odyssey to find a home for Flora, an orphaned African elephant.

An original duckumentary [videodisc] by produced by Ann Johnson Prum ; written by Janet Hess — A fascinating look at duck behavior.

Plastic planet [videodisc] — Viewers are taken on a journey around the globe, from the Moroccan Sahara to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, from a factory in China to the Alps to reveal the far-flung reaches of the plastic problem.

Undersea edens [videodisc] by director, David Hannan — A journey to New Guinea, Australia, South Georgia Island, and beyond to explore the breathtaking but fragile underwater empires of the southern oceans.

Waste land [videodisc] by Arthouse Films, Curiously Bright Entertainment and Almega Projects present — An emotional journey to the world's largest landfill of the day, Jardim Gramacho, where the garbage pickers, who number in the thousands, work under the hot sun collecting recyclable materials such as bottles, plastic, and metal to be sold to wholesalers.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2013

SuzyQ — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:15:00 +0000

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

Zinio is Here!

SuzyQ — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:39:36 +0000

Digital access to almost 200 of your favorite magazines is now available! Just click on the Zinio icon on the front page of our website, or click on the link from our Databases or eBooks page to get started. Newsweek, Consumer Reports, Elle Decor, Organic Gardening, Martha Stewart Living, Hockey News, Rolling Stone, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance are just some of the titles to pick from. It is recommended that you use Google Chrome from the CPL website to view issues on the library's computers. For a short but helpful video click here. Both the video and a user's guide are available on the Zinio site once you are signed up. Happy reading!

Earth Day Reading, Viewing & Listening

SuzyQ — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:05:00 +0000

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

Nature wars: the incredible story of how wildlife comebacks turned backyards into battlegrounds by Jim Sterba

Last chance to see [videodisc]: animals on the verge of extinction by West Park Pictures Production ; BBC Wales

Simply organic: a cookbook for sustainable, seasonal, and local ingredients by Jesse Ziff Cool ; photographs by France Ruffenach

Organically raised: conscious cooking for babies and toddlers by Anni Daulter with Shanté Lanay ; photography by Gina Sabatella

Fresh & fast vegetarian: recipes that make a meal by Marie Simmons ; photographs by Luca Trovato

Start fresh: your child's jump start to lifelong healthy eating by Tyler Florence ; photographs by John Lee

Clean start: inspiring you to eat clean and live well with 100 new clean food recipes by Terry Walters ; photography by Gentl & Hyers

The conscious kitchen: the new way to buy and cook food- -to protect the earth, improve your health, and eat deliciously by Alexandra Zissu

Eat naked: unprocessed, unpolluted, and undressed eating for a healthier, sexier you by Margaret Floyd

Clean food: a seasonal guide to eating close to the source by Terry Walters ; photography by Gentl & Hyers

Foraged flavor: finding fabulous ingredients in your backyard or farmer's market by Tama Matsuoka Wong with Eddy Leroux ; foreword by Daniel Boulud

The locavore way: discover and enjoy the pleasures of locally grown food by Amy Cotler

Locavore [videodisc]: local diet— healthy planet by The Living Farm presents in association with Terravision

Rain gardens: sustainable landscaping for a beautiful yard and a healthy world by Lynn M. Steiner and Robert W. Domm

Rain gardens: sustainable rainwater management for the garden and designed landscape by Nigel Dunnett & Andy Clayden

Indian nations of North America by Anton Treuer ... [et al.] ; foreword by Herman J. Viola

Native universe: voices of Indian America by Gerald McMaster and Clifford E. Trafzer, editors

Music for the Native Americans [sound recording] by Robbie Robertson & the Red Road Ensemble

Rough guide to Native America [sound recording]

500 nations: an illustrated history of North American Indians by Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. ; based on a documentary filmscript by Jack Leustig, Roberta Grossman, Lee Miller, and William Morgan with contributions by John M.D. Pohl

Encyclopedia of native tribes of North America by Michael Johnson, author ; Richard Hook, illustrator

American Indian dances [sound recording]: Apache, Sioux, Navaho

Arts & crafts of the Native American tribe by Michael Johnson & Bill Yenne

500 nations [videodisc] by a Tig Productions presents in association with RCS Films & TV and Majestic Films and Television International ; a Jack Leustig film

National Poetry Month Biographies

SuzyQ — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:35:55 +0000

Celebrate National Poetry Month by getting to know more about the lives of some of our greatest poets:

Longfellow: a rediscovered life by Charles C. Calhoun

Yeats's ghosts: the secret life of W.B. Yeats by Brenda Maddox

Dylan Thomas: a new life by Andrew Lycett

From noon to starry night: a life of Walt Whitman by Philip Callow

Rough magic: a biography of Sylvia Plath by Paul Alexander

Dante by R.W.B. Lewis

Wordsworth: a life by Juliet Barker

And bid him sing: a biography of Countée Cullen by Charles Molesworth

William Carlos Williams: a new world naked by Paul Mariani

Keats by Andrew Motion

Phillis Wheatley: biography of a genius in bondage by Vincent Carretta

Being Shelley by Ann Wroe

Byron—child of passion, fool of fame by Benita Eisler

The life of Langston Hughes. Vol. 1. 1902-1941, I too, sing America by Arnold Rampersad

Always the young strangers by Carl Sandburg

Chaucer 1340-1400: the life and times of the first English poet by Richard West

My wars are laid away in books: the life of Emily Dickinson by Alfred Habegger

Robert Frost: a life by Jay Parini

Savage beauty: the life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford

E.E. Cummings: a biography by Christopher Sawyer- Lauçanno

T.S. Eliot: an imperfect life by Lyndall Gordon

The broken tower: a life of Hart Crane by Paul Mariani

Margaret Thatcher 1925-2013

SuzyQ — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:33:00 +0000

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]

Mad Men returns on April 7!

SuzyQ — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:11:53 +0000

Mad Men returns to the airwaves on Sunday, April 7 at 9:00 PM on AMC. The two-hour premiere of the series' 6th season continues the story of Don Draper and his colleagues at the New York City advertising agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. When we last saw Don and the gang it was the spring of 1967 and they were all at crossroads in both their personal and professional lives. Providing additional backdrop to the series is the political and social upheaval of the 1960s. If you're a new viewer - or just want to watch again - you can catch up now with Mad Men seasons 1-5 from the Library's collection. Welcome back Don Draper!

Digital Magazines are on the Way!

SuzyQ — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:39:04 +0000

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. More specialized titles include The Economist, New York Review of Books, Quilting Arts Magazine, Hello!, Guitar Player, Transworld Skateboarding and Hockey News. Stay tuned for more information on this great new resource!

Historic Recordings

SuzyQ — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:20:26 +0000

The Library of Congress has recently announced the selection of 25 new titles to be added to the National Recording Registry. Included in this year's selections are two historic broadcasts - George Hicks' 1944 radio reports during the D-Day invasion of Europe, and Dwight Eisenhower's prerecorded presidential message relayed from an Atlas satellite in 1958. This was the first audio "broadcast" from space. The registry was created with the passage of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 which charged the Library of Congress with preserving recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important." Several of the most recent selections can be found in the Library's collection:

Begin the beguine - Artie Shaw & His Orchestra (1938)
Just because - Frank Yankovic and his Yanks (1947)
South Pacific (Original cast recording 1949)
The shape of jazz to come - Ornette Coleman (1959)
The Twist - Chubby Checker (1960)
Sounds of silence (album) - Simon and Garfunkel (1966)
The dark side of the moon - Pink Floyd (1973)
Ramones - The Ramones (1976)
Einstein on the beach - Phillip Glass (1979)
Saturday night fever (movie soundtrack 1977)

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

SuzyQ — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:08:57 +0000

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:

Books

Atlas of the Celtic world by John Haywood ; foreword by Barry Cunliffe — A historical, cultural and linguistic survey of the Celtic peoples from prehistoric times to the modern era, presented in a series of 54 full-color maps with accompanying text and 160 illustrations.

Black potatoes: the story of the great Irish famine, 1845-1850 by Susan Campbell Bartoletti — The story of the Great Irish Famine of the late 1840s through the voices of the Irish people.

Daughters of Ireland: the rebellious Kingsborough sisters and the making of a modern nation by Janet Todd — The story of how one powerful Irish family and its involvement in the ill-fated Irish Rising of 1798.

Erin's blood royal: the Gaelic noble dynasties of Ireland by Peter Berresford Ellis — This journey into the ancient world of the Celts traces the lives of Ireland's noble families who impacted Irish culture and documents the trials and tribulations of one of the most ancient aristocracies in Europe.

The famine ships: the Irish exodus to America by Edward Laxton — The story of the brave Irish immigrants who between the years 1846 and 1851, crossed the Atlantic in leaky, overcrowded ships to make new lives for themselves in America.

How the Irish saved civilization: the untold story of Ireland's heroic role from the fall of Rome to the rise of medieval Europe by Thomas Cahill — The fascinating story of the pivotal role that the Irish played in preserving and transmitting the classical literature of both Greece and Rome.

Ireland's treasures: 5000 years of artistic expression by Peter Harbison — Showcases the vast cultural, artistic, and architectural treasures of Ireland and highlights the stonework, metalwork, handwork, architecture, and painting of Ireland's artists.

The Irish: a photohistory, 1840-1940 by Sean Sexton and Christine Kinealy — The history of Ireland in more than 200 photographs — beginning with the dawn of Irish photography in the 1840s.

Irish heroes & heroines of America: 150 true stories of Irish American heroism by Bartimole, John E., 1954- — Fascinating stories of 150 men and women who have indelibly changed the face of the country.

The man who made Ireland: the life and death of Michael Collins by Tim Pat Coogan — Biography of the controversial leader who played a key role in the founding of the Irish Republican Army, and helped to create the Republic of Ireland

Modern journeys: the Irish in Detroit by general editor, Ed Marman — Presents the stories of Irish Detroiters and profiles several of the area's most notable Irish organizations.

1001 things everyone should know about Irish-American history by Edward T. O'Donnell — A comprehensive and vividly illustrated celebration of Irish enterprise, talent and courage, organized around such broad subjects as culture, politics, business, religion and sports.

St. Patrick of Ireland: a biography by Philip Freeman — This modern biography of the patron saint of Ireland is an engaging account of a fascinating historical figure and the tumultuous times in which he lived.

The wearing of the green: a history of St. Patrick's Day by Mike Cronin and Daryl Adair — Chronicles the full history of St. Patrick's Day — from its medieval origins, to plastic leprechauns and green beer — exploring the shared heritage of the Irish through the evolution of this holiday.

Wherever green is worn: the story of the Irish diaspora by Tim Pat Coogan — A sweeping account of the Irish Diaspora, and the millions worldwide who call themselves Irish — from American presidents, to bestselling authors, to Riverdancers.

DVDs: Folklore and History

The Book of Kells [videodisc]: the work of angels? by produced by Louis Lentin ; written and directed by Murray Grigor ; produced in association with ... DLT Entertainment Ltd. ; a Crescendo concept with Muse Film and Television and Viz Ltd — The Book of Kells' illuminated decoration and calligraphy adorning the Four Gospels have earned it the reputation as the most beautiful book in the world. This fascinating program tells the story of this magnificent masterpiece of Irish art.

The Celts [videodisc]: rich traditions and ancient myths by a BBC-TV production in association with FR3 Bretagne-Pays de Loire and Österreichischer Rundfunk — Follows the story of the Celts from their earliest roots through the flowering of their culture and their enduring heritage today.

In search of ancient Ireland [videodisc] — A look at the history and legends of ancient Ireland beginning in 2000 B.C., when Stone Age farmers built some of the largest and most spectacular Neolithic monuments in Europe, to 1167 A.D., when the Norman invasion placed Ireland under English control.

The Irish country house [videodisc] by [a Wildgoose Films production for the Irish Georgian Society] — Filmed in over forty locations across Ireland, this program examines the heritage of the Irish country house and charts its development from the earliest cliff-top castles and fortified houses to the great Palladian mansions.

The Irish Empire [videodisc] by Winstar T.V. & Video, Inc — An exploration of the ups and downs of the Irish experience abroad — as seen by themselves and as they are perceived by others. Through diaries, letters, photographs, and compelling interviews, relive an exciting journey from the Great Famine to unprecedented worldwide influence.

Irish legends [videodisc] by Cromwell Productions in association with Kultur — A presentation of many of the stories of the Celtic gods of Britain whose origins are shrouded in mystery.

Out of Ireland [videodisc]: the story of Irish emigration to America — Examines the history of the seven million Irish who emigrated in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries including the causes of the exodus and the immigrant experience in the United States. Uses photographs, archival footage, manuscript material and interviews.

Patrick [videodisc] — Narrated by Liam Neeson, this documents the life of St. Patrick with commentaries by the author Frank McCourt.

St. Patrick [videodisc]: the man, the myth by produced by Great North Productions, Inc. ... [et al.] in association with A&E Network — Profiles the story of this saint who was kidnapped from Wales at 15, enslaved by a ruthless king for six years, and who returned to Ireland determined to convert the Irish to Christianity.

St. Patrick [videodisc]: the Apostle of Ireland by Insight Film & Video production ; a film by dt [Dave Tennant] ; produced in association with History Television ; produced in part with the association of CFCF I2 ; produced in association with ACCESS — An emotionally moving and visually dramatic rendition of the life of Ireland's patron saint.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin [videodisc] — The story of 800-year-old St. Patrick's Cathedral, which has been witness to all the turbulence of Irish history down the centuries.

DVDs: Feature Films

Angela's ashes [videodisc] by Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures International present a David Brown/ Scott Rudin/Dirty Hands Production ; an Alan Parker film — Born to Irish parents, McCourt endured a childhood of extreme poverty. He rose from humble beginnings to become a Pulitzer Prize winner. In Angela's Ashes, he recounts the heartbreaking stories and the soul-saving humor of his childhood. Based on the award-winning memoir by Frank McCourt.

The boxer [videodisc] by Universal Pictures presents a Hell's Kitchen production ; a Jim Sheridan film — Former IRA member, Danny Flynn, is released from prison after 14 years determined to leave his violent past behind him in order to build a new life in his old home town.

Circle of friends [videodisc] by Savoy Pictures presents in association with Rank Film Distributors ; directed by Pat O'Connor ; screenplay by Andrew Davies ; produced by Arlene Sellers, Alex Winitsky and Frank Price — Set in Ireland, this is the story of three girls who were friends when growing up. They are reunited in college, and renew their bonds. Based on the novel by Maeve Binchy.

The Commitments [videodisc] by Beacon presents a First Film Company/Dirty Hands production ; an Alan Parker film — An irresistible, comic drama overflowing and alive with passion, humor and music.

Dancing at Lughnasa [videodisc] by a Sony Pictures Classics release ; Capitol Films, Channel Four Films, Ferndale Films in association with Bord Scannan na hEireann/The Irish Film Board, Radio Telefis Eireann presents a Noel Pearson production ; a Pat O'Connor film — Examines the emotional lives of the five unmarried Mundy sisters in 1936 rural Ireland.

Evelyn [videodisc] by United Artists presents in association with First Look Media and Cinerenta, an Irish Dreamtime production — In 1950's Dublin, this is the true story of unemployed Desmond Doyle. He battles the courts to win back custody of his three children after they are sent to a Dublin orphanage when his wife leaves him and abandons their children.

The field [videodisc] by Granada Television — The "field" is a plot of land in rural Ireland, rented and tended by an old man. When the owner sells the land to an American developer, the old man decides to fight the change, regardless of the cost.

Gangs of New York [videodisc] by Miramax Films presents a Martin Scorsese picture an Alberto Grimaldi production, a Miramax Films presentation — Nominated for ten Academy Awards, Martin Scorsese's impassioned epic is set on the meanest streets of New York, circa 1863, where a young man seeks revenge for his father's death amid the Civil War draft riots.

In America [videodisc] by Fox Searchlight presents a Hell's Kitchen production, a Jim Sheridan film — A moving story about an Irish illegal immigrant family trying to adjust to life in New York City.

Michael Collins [videodisc] by Geffen Pictures — Politically charged story of Irish rebel leader Collins who with charm, guts and idealistic fervor leads the fight against British rule in the teens and 20s.

My left foot [videodisc] by Miramax Films ; a Granada Film ; produced by Noel Pearson ; written by Shane Connaughton ; directed by Jim Sheridan — Exhilarating film with Day-Lewis in a tour de force as Christy Brown, feisty Irish artist-writer who was born with cerebral palsy.

Once [videodisc] by Bórd Scannán na hÉireann ; Samson Films ; Summit Entertainment — A Dublin busker and vacuum-cleaner repairman enters into a personal and musical relationship with a piano playing florist from Czechoslovakia. Together they work through their past loves, and reveal their budding love for one another, through their songs.

The quiet man [videodisc] by Republic Pictures ; an Argosy Production — Blarney and bliss, mixed in equal proportions. John Wayne plays an American boxer who returns to the Emerald Isle, his native land.

Random passage [videodisc] by a Canada/ Ireland Co- production in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — The story of a courageous woman's journey from servitude in Ireland to the harsh life of Outport Newfoundland.

Ryan's daughter [videodisc] by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents a film by David Lean — Simple love story in western coastal Ireland, where young girl marries simple, plodding schoolteacher and has affair with British soldier stationed in town.

The secret of Roan Inish [videodisc] by First Look Pictures releasing ; Jones Entertainment Group Ltd. in association with Peter Newman Productions present a Skerry Movies production — The magical tale of a girl whose search for her missing brother brings an Irish legend to life.

Waking Ned Devine [videodisc] by Fox Searchlight Pictures and Tomboy Films present in association with The Gruber Brothers Mainstream SA Bonaparte Films, Ltd. the Isle of Man Film Commission and Overseas Filmgroup with the participation of Canal+ — When local wag Jackie O'Shea discovers that one of his neighbors in the village of Tulaigh Mohr is a lottery winner, he sees a chance to share in the wealth.

Music CDs

Music holds a special attraction for the Irish and the music of the Irish has traveled well throughout the world having a major influence on musical development in many areas of the world. Some of the artists found on compact discs in the Canton Public Library's collection include:

Women in Science & Technology

SuzyQ — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 +0000

The 2013 theme for National Women's History Month is "Women Inspiring Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics." In that spirt, check out some of the following titles acknowledging the tremendous contributions of women to science and technology throughout history:

Jocelyn Elders, M.D.: from sharecropper's daughter to surgeon general of the United States of America by Joycelyn Elders and David Chanoff — Jocelyn Elders, pediatrician, public health administrator & the first woman Surgeon General of the United States

Beautiful: the life of Hedy Lamarr by Stephen Michael Shearer — Hedy Lamarr, actress, scientist, inventor & mathematician

Miss Leavitt's stars: the untold story of the woman who discovered how to measure the universe by George Johnson — Henrietta Swan Leavitt, groundbreaking American astronomer

Obsessive genius: the inner world of Marie Curie by Barbara Goldsmith — Marie Curie, Polish phsicist & chemist, and winner of the Nobel Prize in both fields

Amelia Earhart: the turbulent life of an American icon by Kathleen C. Winters — Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer & the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean

Margaret Mead, a life by Jane Howard — Margaret Mead, anthropologist

Managing Martians by Donna Shirley, with Danelle Morton — Donna Shirley, aerospace engineer

Gertrude Bell: queen of the desert, shaper of nations by Georgina Howell — Gertrude Bell, archeologist

Woman in the mists: the story of Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas of Africa by Farley Mowat — Dian Fossey, American zoologist

Among stone giants: the life of Katherine Routledge and her remarkable expedition to Easter Island by Jo Anne Van Tilburg ; foreword by Andrew Tatham — Katherine Routledge, archeologist & Easter Island specialist

Rosalind Franklin: the dark lady of DNA by Brenda Maddox — Rosalind Franklin, molecular biologist & biophysicist

Jane Goodall: the woman who redefined man by Dale Peterson — Jane Goodall, anthropologist & primatologist

Grace Hopper and the invention of the information age by Kurt Beyer — Grace Hopper, pioneering computer scientist

Love, life, and elephants: an African love story by Dame Daphne Sheldrick — Daphne Sheldrick, wildlife conservationist

West with the night by Beryl Markham — Beryl Markham, aviator & the first woman to fly solo east-to-west across the Atlantic Ocean

Patently female: from AZT to TV dinners: stories of women inventors and their breakthrough ideas by Ethlie Ann Vare and Greg Ptacek

Amelia Earhart's daughters: the wild and glorious story of American women aviators from World War II to the dawn of the space age by Leslie Haynsworth and David Toomey

Almost heaven: the story of women in space by Bettyann Holtzmann Kevles

Notable women in mathematics: a biographical dictionary by edited by Charlene Morrow and Teri Perl