August 17 marks the 225th birthday of American legend Davy Crockett. Although much lore surrounds the life of the coonskin-capped frontiersman, the truth is actually a different story–and just as interesting. History buffs will find Michael Wallis' new biography, David Crockett: The Lion of the West, a compelling portrait of the man.

Campy: The Two Lives of Roy Campanella by Neil Lanctot

Bootleggers, Lobstermen & Lumberjacks: Fifty of the Grittiest Moments in the History of Hardscrabble New England by Matthew P.

Growing tasty tropical plants in any home, anywhere by Laurelynn G. Martin and Byron E. Martin — Have you ever wanted to grow oranges, olives, or avocados, but thought that because we live in Michigan, it wasn't feasible? Think again - it can be done! This book outlines which tropical plants are best for beginners, where to grow which tropicals, how to prepare them for eating or drinking, and much more.

Note: This event has been canceled.

Do you make Grandma's pierogi recipe or Aunt Maria's spaghetti sauce? Cook up your cultural specialties and enter our international cooking contest. Bring your dish and 10 copies of the recipe to share. Here is a cool way to sample other dishes and win prizes too. Prizes will be awarded based on audience voting. Also watch an Indian cooking demonstration and sampling. Join us on August 9th at 7:00 PM in the Community Room.

The Shrimp Farm Market hopes to start a sustainable Michigan shrimp farm industry. Russ Allen, the owner, has created several industries around the world and believes that the time is right to start an indoor, biologically secure and sustainable model for growing shrimp in Michigan.

Looking for tasty, fresh ingredients? A smaller grocery bill? A smaller carbon footprint? A smaller waistline?

Salad as a meal : healthy main-dish salads for every season by Patricia Wells ; photography by Jeff Kauck — If, like me, you planted too much lettuce in your garden this year, you'll find this book useful. It includes a wide variety of salad meals to suit a variety of tastes. I think the first one I'll try is Provence on a Plate: Eggplant, tomatoes, goat cheese, and tapenade.

Children, ages 5 and under, and caregivers, join us Monday, June 27 at 10:00AM for a family storytime all about gardens. We will share stories of vegetables and flowers outside by the library garden (weather permitting). We will also make a beautiful craft and enjoy a special treat. Registration begins Monday, June 13.

The Ultimate Candy Book: More than 700 Quick and Easy, Soft and Chewy, Hard and Crunchy Sweets and Treats by Bruce Weinstein — Celebrate National Fudge Day on June 16 and try one of the 700 recipes in Bruce Weinstein's cookbook. The story is in 1866 a female student at Vassar College adapted the English recipe, added chocolate, and began selling fudge for 40 cents a pound at Baltimore, MD confectioneries.

Zombie cupcakes by Zilly Rosen — Cupcakes are all the rage these days, and zombies never go out of style, so why not combine the two? The sixteen cupcake designs included here are mostly zombie-focused but extend to other horror themes, including vampires and one that might have been inspired by the classic film The Birds. All of these cupcakes are fun and spooky, and hopefully also delicious.

How to grow food : a step-by-step guide to growing all kinds of fruit, vegetables, salads and more by Richard Gianfrancesco — It's not too late to start growing your own food this season! Though some gardeners started earlier, you can plant seeds directly in your garden right now and be enjoying fruit and veg in a matter of weeks. This book is a terrific guide to the many edibles you can grow at home. With color photographs and detailed information, this is truly a one-stop-shop of edible gardening information.

The omnivore's dilemma: a natural history of four meals by Michael Pollan. The bestselling author of The Botany of Desire explores the ecology of eating to unveil why we consume what. This title should provoke a lively discussion for your book group.