Kids, Tweens, ages 7-11, bring your creativity, clever fingers and sense of fun to this program. Explore the many marvels and makings of marshmallows, play a game and enjoy a mallowy snack.

When: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2:00-2:45PM
Where: Purple room
Registration begins July 20th

Hey Kids!
We're on a roll now! Thanks to the neat Three Cities Art Show here at the library this weekend, I earned another badge! The Artist Badge! First, I went and looked at all the art work and voted for my favorites. Then, I was feeling inspired, so I asked Miss Michelle to help me find some fun art books. And, Boy! Did she find me some! She even stopped to read a book with me! I like to read books by myself, but I really like to read books with people too. Three Badges down, seven to go. What Badge are you working on?
Bear Hugs!
Thorndyke

Kids around the world like to have fun just like you. They just do it a little differently. Come learn some new games at our International Games Day on July 26th at 1:00PM. If it is nice and sunny, we'll meet out behind the library. The rain location is the Community Room inside the library. If you haven't earned your Multicultural Badge yet, this is a fun, easy way to claim it!

Wicket, gully, bowler, batsman… learn all about the game of cricket from the Michigan Cricket Association on Thursday July 21st from 7:00-8:30PM. A major sport in England and India, cricket is becoming more popular here in the United States. In fact, Canton recently unveiled the Township's first cricket field in Heritage Park. Find out more about this game of fierce competition and skill while earning a Connect Your Summer Sports Fan Badge! No registration necessary.
Photo courtesy of eLibrary.

Pssst… over here! Are you a Big Nate fan? If so you are in for a treat! Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Pierce is on order at Canton Public Library! Be sure to get on the hold list; it's filling up fast. Don't be the last kid on your block to have read the new Big Nate book. Enjoy!

Drop-in play including sensory activities, puzzles and games for children, ages 5 and under, with caregiver.

• Thursday, July 7, 10:30-11:00AM
• Friday, July 22, 10:30-11:00AM
• Wednesday, July 27, 10:30-11:00AM
• Monday, August 1, 10:30-11:00AM

Storytimes are half-hour programs of activities, songs and stories for children, ages 5 and under, with caregiver.

• Thursday, July 7, 10:00-10:30AM
• Tuesday, July 12, 7:00-7:30PM
• Friday, July 22, 10:00-10:30AM
• Monday, August 1, 10:00-10:30AM

Hey Kids!
So LB and I have earned our next Connect Your Summer badge. LB had an adventure in Seattle, and we earned the Adventurer Badge! Before he left, I started reading all sorts of books about Washington State, so I knew where LB was going. It's quite a cool state! There are lots of mountains, and ocean. LB even saw a seal!

But the real adventure happened at Pike Place Fish Market. The Market is a lot like Canton's Farmers Market, except that it's open every day and is a lot bigger than ours. And they sell fish! They don't just sell fish, however, they also THROW them! When LB went to the market, they were throwing more than just fish. Here's a video to prove it!

Man. LB gets to have all the fun. Over on Flickr you can see all the other fun things LB did in Seattle, including his visit to Seattle Public Library. LB's just itching to get to go on another adventure soon. I can't wait to see where he goes next!

Goodness! The summer is almost half over! I'm going to have to start working double time on my badges to have them all earned by the end of the summer! Hope you are having fun earning all of yours! Until next time!
Bear Hugs!
Thorndyke.

Teens going into grades 7-12 can sign up to be a judge in our International Cook-off. Contestants will bring samples of their homemade cultural dishes for you to taste. If you signed up as a cook, you may not sign up as a judge. The International Cook-off will take place Monday, July 18th at 2:00PM. Registration opens July 4th.
[Photo courtesy of sxc.hu]

Do you want to show off your culinary skills? Monday, July 18, at 2:00PM teens going into grades 7-12 can bring 25 samples of your best homemade cultural dish for our judges to sample and rate on creativity and taste. Dishes must be homemade and you must include the recipe. If you sign up as a cook, you may not sign up as a judge. Registration begins July 4th.
[photo courtesy of sxc.hu]

Tweens and teens going into grades 5-12 can make awesome creations out of duct tape. Register online today!
Program Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2:00-2:45PM

Kids, have you always wanted a pet but didn't know how to take care of it? Do you have a pet but want to learn more about bonding with your four-legged friend? Come to our Fun with Pets Program on July 25, 2011 from 4:00 to 4:45PM. We'll have fun hanging out with a local vet, learning about pets, making a fun craft, and having a yummy snack. Registration starts July 11, 2011 and is open to Children ages 3-5 years old and their caregiver. Can't wait to see you!

Here are some folks who earned their Entertainment Badge by playing Giant Scrabble! Whether stopping by to play one word or many, these folks dazzled us with their mastery of vocabulary. We'll be doing this program again on August 11, 11:00AM-1:00PM, so keep an eye out.

Summer is the perfect time for entertaining. Local produce is plentiful and the sunny skies let us enjoy outside entertaining. Have a party in your backyard and use these books to impress your guests with your amazing culinary skills. And you can earn your Connect Your Summer Foodie Badge while you enjoy!

Icebox cakes: simply irresistible no-bake desserts by Lauren Chattman; photography by Duane Winfield

BBQ 25 by Adam Perry Lang

Do our dogs think about us? They are called our best friend for good reason. In the USAWeekend magazine, the article and science suggest, their neurochemistry is similar to ours. Still not convinced? Check this out, Dog Sense. Don't forget to stop by on August 6 for our Best in Show Dog Show.

Have you joined Connect Your Summer yet? Have you earned your Foodie badge yet? Patrons who attended Potato Play or Fruit Fun earned their badge while hanging out at the library. If you'd like to attend a library program to earn your Foodie badge, we have some great programs that can satisfy this badge.

• Attend a storytime at the Farmer's Market
• Sign up to be a chef or a judge at the Teen International Cook Off
• Bring your creativity and clever hands to Marshmallow Madness
• Cook up your cultural specialities and register for our International Cook Off and Demo

Have you joined our new Summer program, Connect Your Summer? It encourages you to connect to the community through reading and other activities. You can read books, come to library programs, attend community events or create your own activities to earn virual online badges. Through this program you can make friends, learn more about the library and the explore the community. Have a great summer!

The Palace of Auburn Hills donated 4 tickets for The Wiggles Big Birthday! show on July 29, 2011. A special raffle was held during our Family Storytime today, and one lucky family will be attending the show for free. The Canton Public Library and our community are very fortunate to have generous organizations supporting our library.

Canton Library will host our own Best in Show Dog Show on August 6th from 10:00AM-Noon. Pets must register ahead of time — but all humans are welcome!

A signed registration form and other information about your pet is required if you wish to be in the show. You must present your homeowners insurance and dog's shot records to participate.

Dogs will be judged on various criteria including appearance, behavior, best trick, and best costume. Many prizes will be awarded with an overall Best in Show grand prize for the winner.

Download the registration form

Wednesday, July 20, at 2:00PM tweens and teens going into grades 5-12 can make awesome creations out of duct tape. Registration opens July 6th.