President Obama announced yesterday his choices for the Medal of Freedom. CPL has numerous items about and by the recipients.

• Nancy Goodman Brinker
• Pedro José Greer, Jr. [Wikipedia]
• Stephen Hawking
• Jack Kemp [Wikipedia]
• Sen. Edward Kennedy
• Billie Jean King
• Rev. Joseph Lowery [Wikipedia]
• Joe Medicine Crow – High Bird
• Harvey Milk
• Sandra Day O’Connor
• Sidney Poitier
• Chita Rivera
• Mary Robinson
• Janet Davison Rowley [Wikipedia]
• Desmond Tutu
• Muhammad Yunus

Another way to green your life! The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority's A2Express will begin routes to Canton effective August 24, 2009. The Canton Express route will provide commuter service from Canton to Ann Arbor on weekdays. The buses serve two locations in Canton including Independence Park and Cherry Hill Village. Visit the AATA website for information regarding schedules, bus stops, commuter parking, fares, tickets and passes.

The 2009 Traverse City Film Festival opens today at the historic State Theatre. Originally opened in 1918 the theatre has been the main venue of the festival since it began in 2005. This year's offerings include The Answer Man starring  Michigan's own Jeff Daniels, and Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. The festival ends on August 2.

What better way to learn to download ebooks from CPL's vast digital collection! Hop on the 18-wheeler of a bookmobile to get acquainted with the latest process and gadgetry! Come today, July 29, Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll be in for a new experience, and also have a chance to win an iPod Nano!

The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), commonly referred to as Cash for Clunkers officially began on July 24th. Under this $1 billion government program consumers qualify for a cash credit towards the purchase of a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. This program is also designed to help energize the economy; boost auto sales and put safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation's roadways. Eligibility requirements and other details can be found at the official website for the program, CARS.gov.

The man once known as "the most trusted man in America" passed away Friday at the age of  92. Walter Cronkite, the legendary journalist and TV news anchor for CBS, retired in 1981 after a long and distinguished career. Recruited by Edward R. Murrow,  Cronkite joined the network in the early 1950s after proving himself with his excellent coverage from Moscow during World War II.

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.

Nominations for the 2009 Emmy Awards were announced earlier today. The winners will be announced on September 20 during a live broadcast on CBS to be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to actor Michael Douglas by the  American Film Institute on June 11.

The award-winning "Pure Michigan" tourism campaign has received another accolade, this one from Forbes, naming it among the 10 all-time best travel campaigns. This recognition is further proof Michigan is making its mark when it comes to travel and tourism. In the words of Governor Granholm "This campaign is helping travelers choose Michigan while diversifying and growing our economy".

This July 4 marks the reopening of the Statue of Liberty's crown, which has been closed since shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Lady Liberty was closed to visitors until 2004, when its base, pedestal, and outdoor observation deck reopened, but her crown has remained closed until now. Only three parties of 10 will be allowed inside at once - one climbing up, one climbing down and one in the crown - limiting the number of daily visitors to only about 250 people a day.

On June 11, the Today Show ran ran a segment on the important role libraries play during the recession.

We're looking for some special people to become part of the library catalog. Are you a religious leader in the Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Jewish faiths? Are you a vegetarian, a policeman, an atheist, a gay/lesbian person, a U.S. military veteran, a rock recording artist, a published author or any other interesting or unusual person? If so, we want you.

The Canton Public Library is starting a Living Books program where patrons can check out "living books" (that would be YOU) for 30 minutes of face-to-face, one-on-one conversation. These interviews are intended to answer questions for the curious, satisfy special interests and beliefs and learn from others' experiences. With dialogue comes understanding - with understanding comes tolerance.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films recently announced its nominations for the 35th annual Saturn Awards.  Awarded every year in the categories of film, television and DVD, the film The Dark Knight tops the list with 11 nominations.

A reseach team from the University of Colorado at Boulder announced on June 17, 2009 that "the first definitive evidence of shorelines on Mars" was found. Though no firm evidence suggested that life does or did ever exist on the red planet, the scientists concurred that life would have been possible.Is There Life on Mars, a 60-minute DVD, showcases the latest scientific revelations from a planet, once alien, now poised to reveal provocative new clues in the tantalizing quest to plumb its past for signs of water and, perhaps, even life.

Don't have a pint - donate it to the American Red Cross blood drive when they set up shop at the library on Friday, June 26. You can sign up now at the Reception Desk, or just walk in any time between 11 am-5 pm. There's a critical need for blood this summer, due to the automotive shutdown, so please stop in to donate a drop or two. And be sure to bring a friend.

This easy to use website lists all of the pick your own fruits and vegetable farms in the state of Michigan. Strawberry season is on now. It lasts only a few weeks, so don't miss out on some of the best locally grown produce you can find.
Give each of these farms a call before you go, because pick-your-own produce options depend on the time of the year, weather and crop yields.

The digital TV transition happens on June 12! If you still haven't purchased your converter box or are still confused as to what's happening, go to dtv.gov for the answers. If you think you're ready but not sure, all Michigan television stations are conducting a final test to let you know if your television is ready. It is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9 at 7:59 p.m. The test will be conducted simultaneously on every over-the-air station. If you see a green "PASS" screen you're all set. However, if you see a red "FAIL" screen, time is running out! Check Michigan DTV for Me for more information.

As part of our ongoing effort to make Canton Library an environmentally friendly building, our Housekeeping staff will be trained and certified in "green" cleaning procedures. It doesn't cost more to use safe effective cleaning products and procedures. In fact, in most cases, it costs less. The benefits are obvious. You get a clean , healthy building without using the products which are harmful to our environment. Using "green"  cleaning products is also much healthier for our Housekeeping staff. There is a wealth of information about "green buildings" available from the U.S. Green Building Council website.  We are also changing over our hand soap to a foaming cleanser and will be installing roll towel dispensers in our restrooms.

Wayne County parks are 90 years old this year and they are celebrating with a host of activities throughout the park system. From Movies at Dusk and Jazz on the River, to Pirate Palooza or Mud Day, there's something to appeal to all tastes. Pick up your copy of the 2009 Wayne County Parks Schedule of Events brochure in our lobby and find the event that's right for you.