The Independent Mystery Booksellers Association has announced the nominees for the 2012 Dilys Award. This award is given to the mystery titles booksellers most enjoyed selling throughout the year. The winning novel will be announced at the Left Coast Crime Convention in Sacremento on March 31. This year's nominees are:

Faithful Place: a novel by Tana French

Wicked autumn: a Max Tudor novel by G.M. Malliet

The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid — Fans of Val McDermid's Dr. Tony Hill should be interested in her recent article Methods and Madness in Mystery Readers Journal Winter 2011-2012 issue. Apparently Tony Hill, Clinical Psychologist and profiler came to Ms. McDermid as a fully developed character with his own agenda.

To foster a sense of community and provide an opportunity for calm conversation, the Canton Public Library will host a book discussion for two book titles whose inclusion in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools AP English curriculum was recently challenged.

Beloved, by Toni Morrison, will be the featured title of a February 27, 7:00 PM discussion and Waterland, by Graham Swift, will be discussed on March 27 at 7:00 PM.

"By hosting a discussion of these books, we can give our community a shared experience and promote a dialogue around the perspectives each individual brings from reading the book," says Rebecca Havenstein-Coughlin, department head of adult services. "The public library is an excellent forum for connecting our community in this manner."

The discussion will be led by library staff and is open to anyone in the Plymouth-Canton community ages 16 and older. Those interested in participating may register and pick up a copy of the book at the Canton Public Library beginning January 30.

Beloved: a novel by Toni Morrison — for which Morrison won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize, is described by its publisher, Random House, Inc., as "Staring unflinchingly into the abyss of slavery, this spellbinding novel transforms history into a story as powerful as Exodus and as intimate as a lullaby. Sethe, its protagonist, was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. And Sethe's new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved. Filled with bitter poetry and suspense as taut as a rope, Beloved is a towering achievement."

Waterland by Graham Swift

AUSTENtatious crochet: 36 contemporary designs from the world of Jane Austen by Melissa Horozewski; photography by Chris Hynes — Are you a fan of Jane Austen? This book provides patterns for a wealth of crochet designs inspired by all six of Austen's classic novels. Also included is background information on the roles of fashion and needlework in Austen's time. Included are romantic sweaters, delicate necklaces, cozy afghans, and many more projects to keep your hands busy while you listen to Jane's works or watch on DVD.

Hi Kids!
One of my New Year's Resolutions was to meet some new friends. It looks like I am getting a good start! Scaredy Squirrel visited the library the other day. If you haven't read the adventures of this little fellow, you really should! As his name suggests, Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of lots of things… like germs and unicorns, and crowds, and Godzilla. However, he always seems to manage to overcome his fears with a little bit of pluck, and by playing dead. Scaredy certainly enjoyed his visit to the library! You can check out pictures from his adventure over on Flickr! Hmmmm… now who should I meet next?
Bear Hugs!
Thorndyke

Getting your baby to sleep at night can be a challenge. For parents who need tips and advice for successful sleeping, we have several sleep guides available in the Parenting section in the Children's Department. Check out some of the titles listed below to help your baby (and yourself!) get some much-needed rest.

The complete guide to helping your baby sleep through the night so you can too: 101 tips and tricks every parent needs to know by Jessica Linnell

The baby sleeps tonight: your infant sleeping through the night by 9 weeks (yes, really!) by Shari Mezrah

I'm talking about the book and also the horses…

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is about killer horses. Magical, man-eating, maiming-people-within-the-first-few-chapters horses from the sea. And people who ride them. Don't roll your eyes at me. I'm serious. And, it's brilliant. Stiefvater somehow pulls off this strange mix of horror and horses and romance. Yes, it's also a love story. It's also a broken people finding each other story. A turning to animals when others let you down story. The animals just happen to be man-eating horses from the sea. The result is nothing short of beautiful. Check it out.

2011 North American Hammett Prize nominees have been announced by the International Crime Writers Association — North American Branch. The organization will name the Hammett Prize winner, during the Bloody Words Conference, in Toronto, June 1-3, 2012. The winner will receive a bronze trophy, designed by sculptor Peter Boiger.

Feast day of fools: a novel by James Lee Burke

Claire DeWitt and the city of the dead [sound recording]: [a mystery] by Sara Gran

Breakdown by Sara Paretsky — A first time Skype Event at Nicola's Books. Sara Paretsky will join Nicola's Books patrons via an Internet video conference on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 PM. A screen and projector hooked to a laptop will bring Ms. Paretsky to you to discuss her new V.I. Warshawski.

The Orphan Master's Son: a novel by Adam Johnson — Author Adam Johnson will speak at Nicola's Books on Tuesday, January 24 at 7:00 PM in Ann Arbor.

The year 2012 is The Year of the Dragon in China and the Chinese New Year begins on January 23rd. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules, and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. So, if you were born in any years designated as "Year of the Dragon," you may exhibit these characteristics. To check and see which sign dominates the year you were born, see the China Today website. For more on Chinese horoscopes that you can check out in our library, see:

The handbook of Chinese horoscopes by Theodora Lau

Sewing in a straight line: quick & crafty projects you can make by simply sewing straight by Brett Bara — What could be easier than sewing in a straight line? This book is a great choice for a beginner, since each project teaches you how to do a handful of techniques, but none are so complicated as to be overwhelming. There are garments, blankets, accessories, household items, and more, so there's bound to be at least one project that appeals to you. Check out the author's website for more info and videos about some of the projects.

Share both wine and a good mystery for an evening of fun and mayhem at Vintner's Canton Winery located at 8515 N. Lilley Road in Canton. The book being discussed will be Wine and War: The French, The Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure by Don and Petie Kladstrup. When France fell to the Nazis in 1940, the German army began a campaign to pillage one of the assets the French hold most dear: their wine. Please register to join us on February 21st from 7:00-8:00 PM. Books will be available by January 21st, so ask for your copy at the adult reference desk.

These new romances are on order and will be coming in soon. Get your name on the hold list now.

Run from Fear by Alden, Jami

Darkness Bound by Cameron, Stella

I Want Candy by Donovan, Susan

The Mystery Writers of America have announced its nominees for the 2012 Edgar Awards for the best mystery writing in fiction, non-fiction, television, and production.

An Evening with Nicholas Delbanco at Nicola's Book Store (Ann Arbor) on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 PM. Enjoy an evening with Nicholas Delbanco for a discussion regarding his latest non-fiction book:

Lastingness: the art of old age by Nicholas Delbanco — one of America's most celebrated men of letters profiles great geniuses in the fields of visual art, literature, and music-Monet, Verdi, O'Keeffe, Yeats, among others — searching for the answers to why some artists' work diminishes with age, while others' reaches its peak.

Wendy knits lace: essential techniques and patterns for irresistible everyday lace by Wendy D. Johnson — Knitting lace doesn't have to be complicated. Even the most simple-to-learn lace knitting techniques can look extremely impressive, and a knitted lace accessory can bring a real flair to your wardrobe. There are projects for all skill levels here, and items ranging from scarves to shawls to sweaters to socks and more.

The past year saw several popular books made into movies. The Help, Moneyball, War Horse, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Extemely Loud & Incredibly Close were just a few of the titles that were made into successful films. And 2012 is shaping up to be just as full of books-into-film productions as 2011. Listed below are only a few of the titles to be released in theaters this year. Get a head start on your reading and stay tuned for more in the coming months!

Abraham Lincoln: vampire hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith — Starring Rufus Sewell and Dominic Cooper. Release date: June 2012

Breaking dawn by Stephenie Meyer — Part 2. Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. Release date: November 2012

Do you love the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems? Always looking to get your hands on another one of their adventures? Now we've made it a lot easier to find them on the shelf! The library recently purchased several additional copies of this funny, award-winning series. You can find them all in the Readers section in the Children's Department. Happy reading!

The knitting book by Frederica Patmore, Vikki Haffenden — This large book includes a wealth of information of value to beginning or experienced knitters. From tools, materials, and equipment to stitch patterns and techniques to actual projects for knitters of all skill levels, this book has it all. Bright, crisp photographs make it a treat to look at as well as being a useful resource.