Honey bee hobbyist : the care and keeping of bees by Norman Gary — Have you ever thought about keeping your own bees? If you'd like to, this book is a terrific overview of the basics of what a home beekeeper needs to know and might wonder about. The book even starts with a section that will help you decide whether beekeeping is right for you.

As part of our on-going Frugal Living Series, we are pleased to offer bloggers Nicole Barrett and Mary Kang. These shopping-savvy ladies will show you how to find the best deals, discounts and shopping events. Do you love shopping but hate paying full price? This is the program for you — on Thursday, June 16 at 7:00PM. No registration needed.

You are probably no stranger to the term "invasive species." If not familiar with the term, then you have at least heard the names of some of the species like the sea lamprey, Asian carp, and/or Emerald Ash Borer. Garry Hamilton examines the impacts of invasive species in Super Species: The Creatures That Will Dominate the Planet. While many experts view invasive species as a threat to biodiversity, others believe these creatures may be nature's way of restoring ecological vibrancy in the wake of human-mediated destruction.

Ever wonder what happens to all those books the library withdraws from the collection? Some of them find a very good home with the help of individuals in our community.

Tomorrow's garden : design and inspiration for a new age of sustainable gardening text and photographs by Stephen Orr — Many people are embracing the opportunity to DIY rather than hiring a landscaper, and lots of folks are increasing their awareness of the lasting impact that garden design choices make on the overall landscape. Maybe you choose to grow edibles to cut down on your grocery costs, or perhaps to plant an ornamental garden instead of maintaining a lawn that requires a lot of water. These and other sustainable choices are covered here by garden expert Orr.

The idea behind Buy Michigan Now is to challenge supporters of the state to factor Michigan into their buying decisions — when possible, buy locally. Buy Michigan Now makes it easy to do this by providing a directory where you can look up Michigan businesses that meet one of the following criteria:

1. They operate entirely in Michigan
2. They are headquartered in Michigan with additional operations outside the state
3. They are a Michigan-owned franchise or affiliate with some fees or revenue paid out of state

One great reason to buy locally is to reduce your carbon footprint, for more local green resources check out the CPL's Canton Green Resources.

Professional organizer, Susan Carmody, of the National Association of Professional Organizers and her local company, Perfectly Placed, along with Mary Vangieson, the Wayne County Resource Recovery Coordinator, will give us a head start on Spring cleaning. They will share easy tips on getting organized and recycling in our homes. Bring your old mercury thermometers and replace them with a new digital one. Clean up your act and join us on Thursday, May 12 at 7:00PM in the Community Room. No registration is needed.

The 2011 season debut of Canton's Farmers Market is Sunday, May 15, 10:00AM to 2:00PM (rain or shine) at Preservation Park, 500 N Ridge Rd (just 1/3 mile north of Cherry Hill Rd.). The open-air market runs every Sunday until Oct. 16 (except July 3) and features a variety of local Michigan-grown and made foods and crafts. You'll find seasonal produce, farm eggs, natural meats, sauces, pastas, artisan breads and cheeses, honey, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and crafts.

It doesn't feel warm enough, but Ozone Action season started May 1. Consider carpooling and using transit for cleaner air and the fuel savings.

The 100 thing challenge : how I got rid of almost everything, remade my life, and regained my soul by Dave Bruno — Do you ever feel like you have too much clutter in your life? Like maybe the stuff that surrounds you is threatening to take over? Dave Bruno had that feeling, and he decided to winnow his belongings down to only 100 items. This book talks about how he did it and the impact it had on his life, which was far greater than just having fewer possessions. His blog's motto is "Reduce - Refuse - Rejigger" and offers continued insights like those contained in this book.

Looking to buy local products including local veggies and grass-fed meats? Or simply looking to recycle, save energy and become a little greener? CPL's Canton Green Resources web page has a number of resources (most local) to help you in your quest to become green. The library can also help with your recycling efforts. We continue to collect paper with a collection bin in the parking lot and participate in the Cartridges for Kids program that recycles printer cartridges, small electronics and more. You can learn more about these programs and other great recycling resources through CPL's Canton Green Resources pages.

Hey Kids,
Being green is definitely the color to be these days, whether you're a kid or a frog. Kermit the frog from the Muppets is green and even sang a song about it. This fun program for 1st-3rd graders will be all about things that are green, as well as celebrating the coming of spring. Online Registration opens April 4.
Program Date: Monday, April 18, 11:00-11:45AM.

You've seen him at the Canton Farmer's Market with his delicious honey — now come meet Bob the Bee Guy on Wednesday, April 20, 7:00-8:30PM. You will learn about beekeeping and the environmental concerns about bee health in his presentation. There is no registration required for this adult program.

Libraries are the ultimate practitioners of the three Rs of the green lifestyle. Just think of the trees and money you'll save by checking out books from your local library instead of purchasing them, thereby reducing your consumption. And talk about reuse! You can read a book or watch a DVD over and over, then return it to the library for someone else to use. When it comes to recycling, you can donate your old materials to libraries for used book sales.

Dr. Craig Perdue will talk about behavioral ecology on Thursday, April 21, 3:00-4:30PM, in a presentation entitled "Bird Ancestors, Adaptations and Conversation." He will share his knowledge about working with birds of prey and other animals and explain how our actions impact their world. There is no registration required for this all ages program.

[Note: Dr. Perdue's program includes live birds.]

Learn about the benefits of vegetarian eating from Paul Krause, VP of VegMichigan on Monday, April 18, 7:00-8:30PM in his presentation Vegetarian Eating. Paul will talk about how to promote health, peace and the planet through a plant-based diet. Also (newly added to the program!) Susan Kline, author of "From the Earth with Love" will discuss transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle. There is no registration required for this adult program.

We're celebrating Earth Day all week (April 18-22) and want you to join us! There will be events for adults, teens, tweens and children, including:

• Everything Green — Monday, April 18, 11:00-11:45AM (children, 1st through 3rd grade)
• Vegetarian Eating — Monday, April 18, 7:00-8:30PM (adult)
• Scrapbox Fun! — Tuesday, April 19, 1:00-3:00PM (all ages)
• Green Gardening — Tuesday, April 19, 7:00-8:30PM (adult)
• Recycled Crafts — Wednesday, April 20, 2:00-3:00PM (all ages)
• Bob the Bee Guy — Wednesday, April 20, 7:00-8:30PM (adult)
• Craig Perdue, Naturalist — Thursday, April 21, 3:00-4:30PM (all ages)

Join us at the Library on Tuesday evening, April 19 for a presentation by Jodi Cook, a local horticulturalist and green living advocate. Jodi will be speaking on how your garden impacts our environment, and how you can become a responsible caretaker while still having a beautiful garden. The program will take place in the Community Room from 7:00-8:30PM, as part of the Library's Earth Week celebration.

A friend's introduction to the live Eagle Cam at Norfolk Botanical Gardens is fascinating and quite an educational experience for all ages. This eagle couple has three chicks, or are they fledglings? Find the answer to this and the myriad questions you will have after viewing these majestic eagles. Check out this book on our nation's symbol Eagles and for adults, Eagles: Masters of the Sky.

Have fun reusing and recycling everyday items you might find around the house. All ages welcome!
Program Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2:00-3:00PM