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Michigan

Detroit History

This Special Collection was created as Detroit prepared to celebrate its 300th birthday, a year-long event that was marked by a host of festivities and events. The history of the city is broad enough and rich enough, though, to warrant a continual presence and periodic updating as one of the library's special online resource collections. As we celebrate the city's 312th birthday, check the books, websites and other materials listed here to discover more about the Motor City and its colorful past.

History of Detroit

Celebrating 300 Years of Detroit Cooking, 1701 to 2001 edited by Marguerite J. Humes: A "historical cookbook" presenting information about Detroit's social setting and cooking history from 1701 to 2001. Includes original recipes handed down by Native Americans and immigrants alike, as well as some developed by native Detroiters.

Detroit, 1860-1899 by David Lee Poremba: Venture back in time to Detroit in the mid to late 19th century with this fascinating book.

Detroit: A Motor City History by David Lee Poremba: A concise and highly readable history by the acting manager of the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library.

Detroit: Across Three Centuries by Richard Bak: Bak introduces readers to some of the epic names and events from the city's past.

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Jun 17, 2013

Say Nice Things About Detroit!

Detroit turns 312 this year! The city was founded on July 24, 1701 by the French explorer Antoine Laumet de Lamothe Cadillac. Originally named Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, its name was shortened by the British after they had gained control of the settlement during the French and Indian War. The city is known throughout the world as both an automotive center and the birthplace of some of the world's best known musical talent. Several nicknames have been attached to Detroit throughout its long history: Motown, Hockeytown, the Motor City, the City of Champions, and the Arsenal of Democracy all reflect the city's acheivements. Although the city has undergone some tough times in recent years, Detroit can be proud of its contributions to both the country - and the world. Several new books and films have been produced recently about the city's current problems, but there is much to celebrate as well. For a taste of the city's history, as well as a picture of its present, check out some of the titles below:
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Jun 17, 2013

If You Like William Kent Krueger...

If you like suspense with your mystery, a troubled hero/heroine, a strong sense of place try:

Starvation Lake: a mystery by Bryan Gruley

Open season by C.J. Box

The cold dish by Craig Johnson

A cold day for murder by Dana Stabenow

The blue edge of midnight by Jonathon King

In the bleak midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

Games to keep the dark away by Marcia Muller

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Jun 10, 2013

Michigan Week

michigan: michiganExplore 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.

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.
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May 18, 2013

Time is… Time was… January 2013

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

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Jan 06, 2013

College Bowl Madness Has Begun!

Three Michigan colleges made into the College Bowl line-up this year. Kicking the schedule off on December 26th, Central Michigan plays in the Little Ceasars Bowl against Western Kentucky. Next up, on December 29th, Michigan State takes on TCU in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Finally, on New Year's Day the University of Michigan will play in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina. Culminating on January 7, 2013 is the BCS, when Notre Dame and Alabama vie for the National Championship.
Dec 20, 2012

Helen Milliken Former Michigan First Lady Dies

Former First Lady of Michigan, Helen Wallbank Milliken died today. Wife of Michigan's longest-serving governor, William Milliken, Helen Milliken was a strong advocate of women's rights and environmental issues. In a 2006 interview by the Associated Press she said, "Nobody ever saw anybody burn a bra; they're too expensive, but the myth has survived. There have been excesses, but the goal has always remained the same: equal opportunity for women." Ms. Milliken is survived by her husband, William and son, William, Jr.
Nov 16, 2012

Michigan eLibrary Celebrates 20 Years

Michigan's 24/7 digital library, Michigan eLibrary, celebrates it's 20th Anniversary! MeL is one of the oldest online libraries on the internet. This valuable resource provides statewide access to over 40 commercial databases and contains librarian-recommended Web sites on a variety of subjects such as business, genealogy, health, etc. MeLCat, the statewide borrowing system allows patron initiated interlibrary loan requests is also hosted by MeL.
Oct 30, 2012

Mitch Ryder at Ypsilanti District Library

Devils & Blue Dresses by Mitch Ryder.    Detroit's own, Mitch Ryder will discuss and sign his autobiography on Thursday, June 21 at 7:00p.m. at Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI.  Ryder will be interviewed by Martin Bandyke of Ann Arbor 107.  A Question and Answer session will follow the interview. Copies of Devils and Blue Dresses will be available for purchase.  The event is free, seating is on a first come, first serve basis.  For more information contact the Ypsilanti District Library.

Jun 18, 2012

Great Michigan Read 2012

To wrap up this year’s Great Michigan Read, the Michigan Humanities Council will host a grand finale event on Monday, June 25 in Traverse City. This finale will be held at the Dennos Museum Center and feature Arc of Justice author Kevin Boyle. This will be an amazing event, providing an opportunity to reflect on the conversations and discussions generated by the Great Michigan Read throughout Michigan.

Tickets are available for $35 and $100. More information is available at the Michigan Humanities Council. For immediate event updates, keep an eye out on the Council's Facebook page.
May 08, 2012

Michigan Picture Books

If you're looking for a picture book about Michigan, or one that takes place in Michigan, we have you covered. Here's a list of fun picture books from the "mitten state."

M is for mitten: the Michigan alphabet book by Annie Appleford; illustrated by Michael Monroe

Gitchi Gumee by written by Anne Margaret Lewis; illustrated by Kathleen Chaney Fritz

Rascal makes mischief on Mackinac Island by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds; illustrated by Darrin Brege

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Apr 26, 2012

Michigan Notable Books

Michigan Notable Bookmark: bookmarkThe Michigan Notable Books Program has selected 20 books for 2012 celebrating Michigan people, places and events. The majority of these titles are available at Canton Library and libraries across the state. For a free bookmark listing these titles, stop by the Adult Help Desk. For more information on the Michigan Notable Books Program, see michigan.gov/notable books 

Apr 19, 2012

Shift Gears to Find a New Career

Are you out of work or thinking about a new career? Stop thinking and start doing! Michigan Shifting Gears is a career-transition program for seasoned corporate professionals who want to pursue opportunities in business growth sectors where they can leverage their business knowledge and experience in new ways.
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Apr 14, 2012

The Great Michigan Read 2011-2012

The Great Michigan Read 2011-2012 is drawing to a close. This year's selection has inspired displays and discussions across the states in public libraries and schools. The author, Kevin Boyle, received his undergraduate degree from University of Detroit-Mercy and his doctorate from University of Michigan. He is presently teaching at Ohio State University. Arc of Justice won the National Book Award in 2004 and was named Michigan Notable Book in 2005.

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Mar 14, 2012

Year 2011 Top Fiction Picks

The boy in the suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis; translated from the Danish by Lene Kaaberbol

Dreams of joy: a novel by Lisa See

Faith: a novel by Jennifer Haigh

The fatal touch: a Commissario Alec Blume novel by Conor Fitzgerald

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Jan 01, 2012

Michigan Scanner Law

As part of the 2011 Shopper Reform and Modernization Act, the new Scanner Law goes into effect September 1st. The actual document for this act is very lengthy, but the most important fact is that consumers should know is the following: If the consumer is charged more than the displayed cost, they are entitled to request the difference between the displayed price and what they were charged, plus additional compensation ("bonus") of ten times the difference. The bonus must be at least $1.00, but may not be more than $5.00.
[Photo courtesy of eLibrary]
Sep 01, 2011

Accel­er­ate Michi­gan Inno­va­tion Competition

The Accelate Michigan Innovation Competition is an international business plan competition designed to highlight Michigan as a robust and vibrant venue for innovation and business opportunity.

Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled for at least 2 classes in a Michigan public or private university or college for the fall 2011 semester are eligible. The deadline date for students' entries is September 30, 2011.

(Photo Credit: Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. 08 Jul. 2004. eLibrary. Web. 10 Aug. 2011.)
Aug 10, 2011

What We're Reading: August, 2011

A covert affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS by Jennet Conant

Once upon a river: a novel by Bonnie Jo Campbell

The fires of the gods: a Sugawara Akitada mystery by I.J.

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Jul 31, 2011

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show

The Blue Angels have been flying over Canton! They are preparing to perform in this weekend's Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport. World War II Battle Re-enactments, a Vietnam Dogfight and a Stealth Bomber flyby are also scheduled.

[Photo courtesy of AP Images]
Jul 22, 2011

Author Talk: Harry Dolan

Local author Harry Dolan will be at Nicola's Books with his second mystery which features his main character David Loogan from his first novel. Dolan will talk about his latest Loogan story Very Bad Men on Monday, July 18th at 7:00PM.
Jul 06, 2011