Every year the Capital Area District Library helps fight this problem by offering a free Summer Reading program for kids and teens, encouraging them to read for fun and prizes. Nothing is assigned and there are no tests—they can read anything, anytime, anywhere. Books, blogs, magazines, graphic novels—if your child is reading, it counts, simple as that.

Even if long, lazy afternoons curled up with a book aren’t possible for your family, you can still squeeze in some time for reading. Take advantage of the hours spent shuttling the kids to and from their activities. Books and magazines can easily be stored in your car. Listening to audiobooks together is a great way for the whole family to share the experience. And it doesn’t leave out kids who aren’t reading independently yet.

There’s even more opportunity if your family is into downloadables. CADL’s ever-growing collection of eBooks can be used on eReaders, smartphones, tablets and other devices. Even when you’re out of town you can access these. Not only are they free to download, they never have late fees.

To encourage families to keep coming back to the library all summer long, our 13 branches are also offering special performers and events. Bring the kids in to enjoy magicians, live animal shows, storytellers, puppeteers, live theater, musicians and more. Teens and tweens can attend workshops on topics like henna tattooing and manga drawing.

Sign-up begins as soon as school is out. Visit your library for more information, or find details at cadl.org/summer.

From NBC’s Today Show and Chelsea Lately to Lansing’s own publication Between the Lines, Rouse’s work and humorous personality has people taking notice.

Though he didn’t grow up in Michigan, he found a home in Saugatuck where he encountered Michigan winters, wildlife and living in a tourist town for the first time. According to Rouse’s blog, “Some words just belong together. Like peanut butter and jelly or Captain and Tennille. Wade and winter, not so much. We do not go together, to quote that song from Grease…But I am learning.” All these tales are recounted in his memoir At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream: Misadventures in Search of the Simple Life (2009), described by Rouse as a Walden meets The Shining kind of story.

Four of his five books are critically-acclaimed memoirs, including America’s Boy (2006) and It’s All Relative: A Memoir of Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays and 50 Boxes of Wine (2011). Through writing these novels, Rouse found himself and what truly makes him happy. Now he travels the country sharing his message with those who can relate.

“I can’t tell you the number of e-mails I get from moms – even a lot of kids – who said the book has not only made them laugh, but really made them hold a mirror up to their own faces,” Rouse said.

Rouse is also a regular contributor to Michigan Public Radio, a humor columnist for LGBT-focused Metrosource magazine and a popular presenter at writing seminars.

Meet Author Wade Rouse
May 14, 2012 • 6:00 PM
Williamston Theatre
122 S. Putnam St.
Williamston, MI 48895

May 22, 2012 • 6:00 PM
Art Alley
1133 S. Washington Ave.
Lansing, MI 48910

Just don’t tell that to the 256,694 people who visited CADL Okemos in 2011. That’s about 70 people an hour, or one person a minute. They used computers, attended programs, picked up tax forms and, oh yes — checked out 464,032 library items.

That’s about 126 items an hour, two a minute or one every 30 seconds! I used to bake bagels for a living so it’s natural for me to count people and books the same way. To me it looks like the library is a giant conveyor belt delivery products to customers.

I also think if I wanted to start another business, I would locate it near a library. It’s clear from the numbers that libraries generate traffic, especially foot traffic from families whose children influence purchasing. Remember, McDonald’s didn’t start out with Happy Meals or Playscapes! Besides, people who visit libraries tend to seek out education, and people with education tend to make more money and then spend it. This is exactly the kind of demographic businesses like.

At a recent Lansing Regional Economic Club luncheon, one of my tablemates was associated with manufacturing. He told me that demand for educated staff was up in certain areas but he couldn’t hire because many applicants lacked the required skills. Libraries are one of the life-long links to education, whether it’s vocational or academic.

That’s why I’m not worried about the future of libraries. They will always be a cornerstone for personal development, and for successful communities.

- Betsy H., Head Librarian at CADL Okemos

The Fedora Film Series, with movies every Thursday night in February at 7 p.m., will include classic films from the 40s and 50s as well as newer films that take place during those times. Free popcorn and hot and cold beverages will be served.

The series kicks off with one of the most beloved comedies of the era – Adam’s Rib.  Considered one of the wittiest of the Spencer Tracy – Katharine Hepburn films, this movie mixes fast-paced comedy with the more serious theme of social justice for women.

The Feb. 9 selection is the 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck, starring David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney and Jeff Daniels.  It offers a probing look at McCarthyism, the newly developing art and business of television news, and the challenge faced by journalists trying to tell important stories through the new medium in a hostile political climate.

Next up, on Feb 16, is Mildred Pierce, a 1945 classic featuring Joan Crawford in a tale of love, betrayal and protective parenting gone too far.  Crawford won an Academy Award for her role.

The final film of the series will be a “people’s choice,” determined by the votes of those who attend the first two films.  The only constraints are that the film was released or takes place in the 1940s or 50s and that it’s covered by CADL’s public performance license.

- Paul C., CADL Stockbridge’s Head Librarian

Next weekend the library will host an exhibit called Necessary!, focusing on the legacy of revolutionary leader Malcolm X. It features over 150 historical artifacts from Malcolm X’s life and work, including rare photographs, magazine covers, and relics of racism from America’s past. The exhibit will be available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.

To complement the display, the library will host a program called Malcolm X and Hip Hop, presented by hip hop legend Professor Griff of Public Enemy. He will speak, on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. about the importance of the lost chapters of Malcolm X to the hip hop community. Other events that day include a performance by the Shabazz Academy African Dancers and Drum Group and a Black History Storytime for children of all ages.

Inspired in his work by great archivists of Black culture and history, el-Hakim looked to Dr. Margaret Burroughs and Dr. Charles Wright. “My mission is to raise the consciousness of the human family by sharing artifacts that celebrate the contributions, achievements, and experiences of African-Americans,” says el-Hakim. “I want people to walk away as inspired as I’ve been as a collector and student of this history.”

Earlier in the week, the library will show the 1992 Spike Lee film Malcolm X (PG-13) in two parts: Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. It stars Denzel Washington in an Academy Award-nominated performance.

All CADL branches will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19.

Aurelius Library Friends Secretary/Treasurer Donna Lawson (left) and President Eileen Dorscha welcomed guests at the annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 5

To raise funds for services and events like these, they host semi-annual euchre tournaments, maintain book sale shelves in the library and sponsor special book sales throughout the year. The money they raise goes directly to support library services and programming. Over the past year, our Friends donated Summer Reading entertainment events and prizes, a variety of craft supplies and refreshments for a number of programs. Without their generous help and support, we couldn’t offer all these wonderful extras.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in a worthy cause, please consider joining Friends of the Library.  They always need help setting up for events or passing out information about the library.  They’re signing up members for 2012 right now, so it’s a perfect time to join. Dues are $5 for an individual or $8 per family.  For more information, please stop in or contact the library at (517) 628-3743. We appreciate your support!

- Jennifer D., CADL Aurelius head librarian

CADL AURELIUS
Holiday Open House
Monday, Dec. 5 • 3-8 pm
Get into the holiday spirit! Come in to enjoy treats, make a craft, buy gifts at the used book sale, and visit our Library Friends table for information. From 6-8 pm, stop by our “technological petting zoo,” where our training specialist will demonstrate a variety of eBook readers for you to try. And don’t miss seeing live reindeer, also from 6-8 pm!

CADL DANSVILLE
Christmas Storytime and Sing-along
Friday, Dec. 9 • 5 pm
Mrs. Curtis returns for a special storytime, and our own page Jacob will lead the singing, accompanied by live guitar music.

CADL DOWNTOWN LANSING
Super Saturday: Make a Gingerbread House*
Saturday, Dec. 3 •10–11:30 am & repeated 1-2:30 pm
Create your own graham cracker gingerbread house. All materials will be provided. *Registration is required and starts Nov. 19; call (517) 367-6367.

Kwanzaa Craft (Ages 7 & up)
Wednesday, Dec. 28 • 2-3 pm
Learn the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and make a simple craft to take home.

CADL FOSTER
Rooftop Reindeer and Holiday Open House (All ages)
Thursday, Dec. 1 • 5-7 pm
Visit live reindeer in our parking lot, then come in to warm up with refreshments and activities.

CADL HASLETT
Holiday Open House
Thursday, Dec. 8 • 6-8 pm
Share holiday cheer at the library! From 6-7 pm, visit with Rooftop Reindeer. Wanda Degen (dulcimer) and Dan Giacobassi (flute) will play traditional Christmas music from 6:45-7:30. Then at 7:30 we’ll welcome a jolly surprise visitor! Refreshments provided by the Friends of Haslett Library.

CADL HOLT-DELHI
Holiday Open House
Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 7 pm
Come in to the library to warm up following the Delhi Township Annual Tree Lighting!  Enjoy live music, refreshments and a craft activity for children.

CADL LESLIE
Holiday Open House
Monday, Dec. 5 • 2:30-8 pm
Celebrate the holidays at the library! From 3-5:30 pm, meet live reindeer when they land on our lawn. Enjoy music from harpist Veanna Bordeaux from 6-8 pm. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends group.

CADL MASON
Holiday Open House with Santa
Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 4:30–6:30 pm
Join us for a special holiday-themed family storytime with our “special guest.”  Music, fun and refreshments for all!

CADL OKEMOS
Holiday Break Family Films
Tuesdays, Dec. 20 & 27 • 1 pm
Wednesdays, Dec. 21 & 28 • 1 pm
Join us for a G or PG-rated movie. Call or stop in for titles.

CADL SOUTH LANSING
Holiday Origami (Ages 7-13)
Wednesday, Dec. 7 • 6 pm
Enjoy crafty folding fun as expert Tim Novak demonstrates origami sleighs, snowflakes and trees.

CADL STOCKBRIDGE
Manchester Community Brass Band
Monday, Dec. 5 • 7:30-8:30pm
Enjoy some “Silver and Gold (and a bit of Brass) for Christmas.” The MCBB is a 7-piece band composed of trumpets, trombones, F Horn and Tuba. They’ll perform an eclectic mix of sacred and secular music dating from the 17^th century to contemporary times.

CADL WEBBERVILLE
Holiday Open House
Monday, Dec. 12 • 4-6 pm
Bring the whole family to meet live reindeer and enjoy treats provided by the Webberville Friends of the Library. We’ll also have crafts for kids, bow-making for adults, and music for all.

CADL WILLIAMSTON
Holiday Open House with Live Reindeer
Monday, Dec. 12 • 1-3:30 pm
Get up close and personal with live reindeer! Learn reindeer facts, hear stories, and enjoy crafts, refreshments and more. A great time for the whole family!

If you would like to attend one of our regular library programs, but are deaf or hard of hearing, did you know CADL will provide a sign language interpreter for the program you desire?   For more information and specific details, visit the Accessibility page on our website.

Some of our locations offer programs specifically geared towards children with special needs.  The Holt-Delhi branch has a monthly Special Needs Play Hour, where children with special needs are welcome to visit and play.  The program takes place in a separate area from the library proper, so noise made by children is not an issue.  Featuring adaptive toys, lower lighting and other accommodations, children of all ages and abilities are welcome.  Registration is required for this program; call 517-694-9351 ext. 3 to register or for more information.

Our collection contains a vast array of resources, as well.  Whether you are looking for picture books about differently-abled children, resources for parents, or books on living with a specific disability as an adult, search our collection to find just the right source of information to fit your needs.

CADL also has access to a number of adaptive technologies.  To find out more about using JAWS software at your local library, materials in large print or in audio format, our Books by Mail program for homebound individuals, or for any other general questions, please contact your CADL branch.

- Liz V., Youth Services Librarian

Silver Bells in the City is the annual holiday kickoff celebration held each year in Downtown Lansing on the Friday before Thanksgiving. It started in 1985 with a few dozen area residents singing carols and lighting luminaries along the Washington Square Mall. The event has grown bigger and brighter every year. Now thousands of spectators from around the state line the streets to watch the Electric Light Parade, Capitol Tree Lighting and Fireworks over the Capitol dome. It’s a truly magical night that lights up all of downtown Lansing!

This year Silver Bells falls on Friday, Nov. 18, from 5-9 p.m. The parade steps off at 6:10 pm, and the elves at CADL are already busy creating a special entry that features 5,000 lights and our lovable blue mascot. Be sure to wave at Linc when you spot him marching by in his bright red hat and mittens.

As always, many downtown venues are open free of charge during Silver Bells, offering special tours and events. CADL’s Downtown Lansing branch has a whole night of fun entertainment planned, including:

• 5:00-6:00 pm: Seasonal Sounds with Jamie-Sue Seal
• 5:00–8:30 pm: Around the Town Clowns Face Painting and Balloon Animals
• 5:00–8:30 pm: Face Painting with Sally May Britton
• 5:00–8:30 pm: Model Railroad Exhibit
• 7:30–8:00 pm & repeated 8:15-8:45: Joel Tacey’s Comedy & Magic Show

To get in the holiday spirit early, come in and check out our DVDs of previous Silver Bells events. They include not only the light parade and fireworks but bonus features as well.

Silver Bells in the City 2010
Silver Bells in the City 2009
Silver Bells in the City 2008

The 2011 version will be available in early December. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the official website at silverbellsinthecity.org.

In the spirit of the harvest season, and the autumn season that’s right around the corner, CADL’s Holt-Delhi Branch and the Holt Farmers’ Market are excited to announce a second screening of the documentary, FRESH! On Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m., the library will host a viewing and discussion of the film celebrating  the farmers, thinkers and business people reinventing the American food system.

FRESH! is only shown at special screenings around the country and features author and journalist Michael Pollan. Also appearing in the documentary  is urban farmer and activist, Will Allen and  MacArthur’s 2008 Genius Award recipient and sustainable farmer, Joel Salatin, made famous by Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma.

Allmovie.com describes the film as a “ray of hope” and that “…one walks away from it not only believing that food-industry desolations can be overcome, but more or less grasping how each consumer can contribute to making this happen.”

Coming on the heels of other movies documenting the “food movement” in America, FRESH! has received press for its positive perspective as it connects audiences not with facts and figures or apocalyptic policy analysis, but with personal stories of change.

We are limited to 50 attendees, with registration required by calling (517) 694-9351 ext. 3. Learn more at freshthemovie.com.

CADL’s Holt-Delhi branch is located at 2078 Aurelius Rd. in the Delhi Township
Community Services Building. For information about our hours, programs or
services, please call (517) 694-9351 or visit cadl.org. Find a complete list of
library events at cadl.org/events.