Has a book changed your life? Are you passionate about the environment? You might be interested in two upcoming contests sponsored by the Library of Congress. Letters About Literature is a letter writing contest. To enter, children and teens write a letter to an author of a book that has changed their lives. There are three levels for grades 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12, with a state and national winner at each level. There are cash prizes for the winners and their community or school library at each level, provided by Target. The deadline for this competition is December 12, 2009. River of Words is an environmental poetry and art contest on the theme of WATERSHEDS.

Reading Rainbow has been a staple on many PBS stations for decades, but as of today, that contract expires and it will no longer be aired.
But don't fret! You can still check out DVDs of past Reading Rainbow episodes here at CPL.

The Michigan Promise Program's future might be in jeopardy if the lawmakers and Governor Granholm can't agree on the state's budget deal. As college students arrive in dorms to begin their new semesters, some are being asked to meet the shortfall if the program isn't funded. Other schools are encouraging their students to search for financial aid. This book, Scholarships, is one place to start your search.

Listen to some fun school stories, make some cool crafts to hang in your room and enjoy a delicious snack. Register online today.
Ages: Children 5-8, with a caregiver
Program Date and Time: Wednesday, September 9     7-7:45pm

Parents looking for resources to help their children get ready for their first-ever school experience can look to the library for help. We have books available for parents to read on their own, as well as books you can share with your child. Make the transition to school a smooth one with some informative and fun reads!

Wondering what to do with your little one as the rain falls and the sky turns gray? Why not share play time with Mister Rogers? There are games, activities and craft projects in Mister Rogers' Play Time: Encourage Your Child to Create, Explore and Pretend with Dozens of Easy-to-do Activities. If you miss Mister Rogers like I do, guess what? You can still find DVDs of his television shows in our library. There is even one on going back to school. Enjoy!

As the month of August dwindles and fall approaches the Sept/09 edition of U.S. News & World Report arrives at the CPL. Exclusive rankings plus "Smart Ways To Pay For Your Education" are included for you reading. U.S. News is available for patron use at the Adult magazine shelf and Adult Reference desk. Additional copies are also available for immediate check out at the "magazine express" spinners.

U.S.News and World Report has named the best schools in the nation in their latest issue. You can also check out the newest college directory, Complete Book of Colleges.

Everyone knows that reading aloud is good for children, but did you know that it also has significant benefits for grown-ups and families as well? The connection that is created when people read together can't be overstated. Take some time to read with your family today.

LibraryThing is a great way to keep track of what you're reading as well as find out what others have enjoyed. LibraryThing helps you catalog your books, get connected to to others who share similar tastes and receive suggestions and book reviews for future reading pleasure. Especially of interest are "I See Dead Peoples Books" which are legacy libraries of famous dead people and the "Zeitgiest" page which lists top reviewed books, most popular authors, largest libraries, most translated texts and more. Sign up for library thing to catalog your reading interests or explore those of others. It's really fun!

This is the month for all your great ideas for a "better mousetrap" to be considered once again! Started in 1998 by the United Inventors Association of the USA, the Academy Of Applied Science and Inventors' Digest Magazine, August has been designated as National Inventors Month, celebrating invention and creativity.

Not only is it a busy time for families to get ready for the start of school, but for teachers as well. The Master Teacher shares the wisdom and advice for new teachers who are about to step into the classroom for the first time.

There's still time for your child to win $1500 towards his/her college education. You have until August 21 to enter the Get Creative @ Saving for College prize drawing (sponsored by the Michigan Education Trust, Michigan Education Savings Program, and the Library of Michigan Foundation.) Entry forms and instructions are available in the library lobby. (And remember, the home libraries of the sweepstakes winners also get a cash prize for the 2010 Summer Reading program!)

It's not to early to start thinking about going back to school in September. A new link on the PCCS page will connect parents and students to information about the upcoming school year. Find class list, bus routes, school supply suggestions, and open house schedules. So get your pencils out. Let the learning begin!

The world's largest street fair for art is going on right now. And it's right here in the metro Detroit area. Crowds of more than half a million flock to Ann Arbor's fair each year to see all types of unique creations. The 50th annual fair is in progress now from July 15th-18th, 2009.

President Obama will be in Warren today to give a speech at Macomb Community College. He plans to discuss the educational stimulus package of $12 billion to community colleges throughout the nation over the next 10 years. This goal focuses on worker retraining, modernizing facilities and improving online courses.

Be sure to check out our special section of ABC and 123 books in aisle 1 in the children’s department next to the picture books. Here are some fun titles to check out:

Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell

Count on Clifford by Norman Bridwell

Carlo likes counting by Jessica Spanyol

Success stories are inspiring. In Outliers Malcolm Gladwell explains how several factors are important for a person to become really successful in any field. It is a fascinating read.

In today's Detroit News/Free Press, it's that time of year when colleges in the state are considering how much to raise their tuition for the upcoming fall semester. There's less government aid for schools so families are faced with paying more and doing less. The Library has the latest financial aid books to help students find funding sources such as Get Free Cash for College.

College students and parents of elementary, middle and high school students can pick up copies of the Eduguide: Your roadmap to student success in the library's lobby brochure rack. Separate editions, geared to each educational level, offer tips on both helping students succeed in their current scholastic careers and preparing them for the next step on their academic ladder.