ABC Activity Time begins the week of April 30. This is an informal session where parents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment. This drop-in playtime includes sensory activities, puzzles, and matching games for children ages birth to 5, with caregiver. No registration required. Program takes place in the Community Room, unless otherwise noted. (April 30-June 9):

• Mondays 10:30-11:00 AM and 1:30-2:00 PM
• Tuesdays 7:30-8:00 PM
• Wednesdays 10:30-11:00 AM and 7:30-8:00 PM
• Thursdays 10:30-11:00 AM
• Fridays 10:30-11:00 AM
• Saturdays 10:30-11:00 AM in the Purple Room

Notes

• On June 7^th the Family Storytime/ABC Activity Time session will be in collaboration with Starfish Family Services Program for parents and caregivers titled Word Play: Rhymes and Other Pre-Reading Activities. The workshop is for adults and Starfish brings along licensed day care providers to watch your children if you choose
• There will be no Activty time on June 8 (for a blood drive)

To wrap up our Earth Week celebrations, CPL will present a screening of the original, 1972, animated version of Dr Seuss's The Lorax. Join us on Friday, April 27 at 4:00 PM to watch the story of the greedy, truffula tree-chopping Once-lers and the brave little Lorax who speaks up for the vanishing forest. When the film is over patrons are invited to create their own truffula tree vista to brighten up their home. This program is open to families and kids of all ages.

This post is part of our Earth Day 2012 celebration.

Knit your own royal wedding by Fiona Goble — We're coming up on the one-year anniversary of the royal wedding, and what better time than now to knit your own in celebration! This book includes instructions for all the major players, and even comes with a fold-out backdrop you can use for taking photos of your creations. Who is your favorite? I think I like the Corgis best.

Join other handcrafters for an evening of sharing and learning. All ages and stages are welcome at this informal gathering on Monday, April 9 at 7:00 PM.

Handmade garden projects: step-by-step instructions for creative garden features, containers, lighting & more by Lorene Edwards Forkner — Would you like to give your garden a little something extra? By reusing materials and with a little DIY effort, you can add depth and interest to your garden. This book has it all, from pathways to structures to furniture to containers to storage and more. Check out the author's blog for lots more info and inspiration.

One + one: scarves, shawls & shrugs: 25 projects from just two skeins by Iris Schreier — So often as a knitter you end up with a single skein of a lovely yarn and it can be difficult to decide what to do with it. This book shows how to pair up those gorgeous single skeins to make scarves, wraps, and more. Combining two yarns which complement or contrast with one another can really bring a simple project to another level.

What happens when you combine great stories with an easy-to-make treat? You get "Snack Tales!" This program is for kids in grades K-4 with a caregiver. Join us Wednesday, March 28, from 7:00-7:45 PM to enjoy a story and make an edible treat based on that story. Registration begins March 14, 2012.

Socktopus: 17 pairs of socks to knit and show off by Alice Yu

Sock knitters, you won't want to miss this book, as it's got over a dozen attractive sock patterns. Knitters who haven't knit socks yet, this book might just bring you over to the dark side (protip: it's not really dark). These socks are both beautiful and functional, as Yu has clearly worn many knitted socks and knows what makes them comfortable and useful. You may also enjoy Yu's blog, which has great photos of her knitting, travels, and life in general.

Children, ages 4-9 with a caregiver, join us Tuesday, March 13 from 7:00-8:00 PM to celebrate all things green. We will sing some festive songs, share some lucky tales, create some golden crafts and enjoy some green treats. This St. Patrick's Day themed program is supported by Target and the Friends of the Canton Public Library and each family will receive a special St. Patrick's Day book to add to your home collection. Registration begins Tuesday, February 28, 2012.

Bouquet of blooms: 15 quilts, wall hangings, and pillows

What better reminder that spring is on the way than a book filled with images of floral designs? This book offers instructions for quilts and quilted accessories with new designs that have a classic feel.

The knitter's book of socks: the yarn lover's ultimate guide to creating socks that fit well, feel great, and last a lifetime by Clara Parkes

Socks! Now that I've got your attention, take a look at this book. It contains everything you've ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about handknit socks. From the qualities you need in the yarn you choose to the different types of fibers available to the types of ply you can select, this book's got it all. It also includes patterns for twenty different pairs of socks as well as tips and tricks that may come in handy during sock knitting.

Hi there Kids! Do you love whales? They are so graceful and lovely, aren't they? Come to our Whales All Around program on Monday, March 5th from 7:00-7:45 PM. We'll have lots of fun reading about whales, making a craft, and having a sea worthy snack. This program is open to kids ages 3 years to 5 years old with a caregiver. Registration begins Monday, Feb. 20th. See you there!

Simplicity simply the best sewing book: the essential reference for all home sewers by [illustrations by Kuo Kang Chen]

This book is a terrific place to start for those wishing to begin sewing with commercial patterns. It also includes a lot of general sewing information that will be useful whether you're using patterns or not. If you're wondering how to achieve a particular technique or need to know how to decipher some sewing instructions, this book will likely have the information you're looking for.

Closet monsters: stitch creatures you'll love from clothing you don't by written & illustrated by John Murphy

We all know that closets are havens for scary monsters that come out after dark, but did you know that your closet can also be the source for making your own terrifying creatures? These critters are all made from clothing, so you can re-use your old stuff, or maybe drop by our local Goodwill to find some monster fodder. This book gives step by step instructions for 13 unique creatures, and from there you can customize them to make them as scary or cute as you'd like.

Zombie felties: how to raise 16 gruesome felt creatures from the undead by Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate

Who doesn't love a cute zombie? This book has a whole cast of the adorable undead, from the Thrilla, Classic, and Bunny Zombies seen on the cover to zombie kitties, babies, brides, and many more. These crafts are easy to make and a lot of fun besides. Find more about zombie felties on Facebook.

The bust DIY guide to life: making your way through every day by Laurie Henzel & Debbie Stoller — This book covers the gamut: all the things you love about BUST magazine and more. Crafting, cooking, and beauty tips are just the start. There is also info on being a landlady, polishing your resume, traveling, and much more. This is way more than a contemporary home economics book!

Have you ever made a terrarium? They're all the rage lately and they're so easy to make. Check out this tutorial for terrarium ornaments, and take a look at some of the resources we have here at the library:

Terrarium craft: create 50 magical, miniature worlds by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant; photography by Kate Baldwin

The new terrarium: creating beautiful displays for plants and nature by Tovah Martin and Kindra Clineff

Furoshiki: the art of wrapping with fabric by Kumiko Nakayama-Geraerts — A furoshiki is a piece of cloth about one meter square. It is used to carry objects, and the art of wrapping furoshiki was established sometime in the 12th-14th century. The art of furoshiki is also heavily associated with gift giving, and the wrapping itself becomes part of the gift. This book contains specific instructions for wrapping objects of varying shapes, and the different knots that are required to secure the fabric. There are even techniques especially for carrying one or two books! Also included are patterns for embroidering your furoshiki.

Circles, squares, diamonds or rectangles, we have books that show all the angles. Triangles, ovals, octagons too, these books will teach them all to you!

All sorts of shapes by written by Hannah Reidy; illustrated by Emma Dodd; reading consultant, Susan Kesselring

Bear in a square by written by Stella Blackstone; illustrated by Debbie Harter

Circle dogs by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

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.