Change Your Life — Get a Card!

After reading the headline, you may be thinking, “A library card…what’s the big deal? How is a library card really going to change my life?” Well, this tiny little card that’s small enough to fit in your wallet really is big enough to change your life. I know it sounds cliché, but your library card is the key to unlocking the doorway of knowledge.

Did you know…

• 87% of children in Michigan whose parents do not have a high school degree live in low-income families. Source: Reading Works Detroit
• In January 2011, the unemployment rate among individuals without a high school diploma was more than twice the rate of those with a diploma. Source: U.S. Dept of Labor
• Approximately 32,400 students did not graduate from Michigan’s high schools in 2010; the lost annual earnings in Michigan for that class alone are more than $380 million. Source: Alliance for Excellent Education

Having access to a library not only benefits the community in general but imagine what it could do for kids that find themselves thinking about dropping out of school. Strong, vibrant public libraries are the cornerstone of communities. They are the one place where knowledge and opportunity are available to all, regardless of means.

A 2009 poll conducted for the American Library Association found that 96% of respondents agreed that public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed because it provides free access to materials and resources. The library is a place for both parents and kids to access the Internet, re-discover reading, and become more engaged in their community.

Today’s library card does more than it used to!

You don’t have to be at the library to use your card. Several services and books are available from wherever you have access to the Internet – home, work, a coffee shop, etc…  Our collection of digital books is large and continues to grow. You can also sign-in to your account and do a number of other things: put stuff on hold, freeze a hold, keep a list of movies you’d like to watch, update your email address or phone number, or use one of our databases!

Your library card is for more than just books. I’m always surprised to discover this, but not everyone knows you can checkout movies, music, magazines, and audiobooks from the library. Some of my favorite magazines include Real Simple, Threads Magazine, and Knit Simple.  It would cost me nearly $80 every year if I subscribed to all three of these magazines, but I save that money by checking them out from the library.

Your library card expires. Not many folks know this, but library cards – just like your credit or debit cards  — come with expiration dates.  CADL cards are good for three years and then must be renewed.  If it’s been a while since you’ve used your card, and you’re not sure when it expires, call or visit your local CADL branch.  If you have an online account already set-up, you just need to sign-in to find out when your expiration date is. Renewing your card is easy too. Bring your photo ID and proof of current address to any branch and you’ll be issued a new card in a matter of minutes!

If it’s been a while since you’ve used your CADL card, I invite you to re-discover all the great things you can do with it. It truly is big enough to change your life!

- Liz B., CADL Marketing Director

Children’s Book Week, May 7-13

Children’s Book Week was established in 1919 as a celebration of children’s literature and the joy of reading.  In 2008, the Children’s Choice Book Awards were added to the celebration giving kids across the country a chance to select their favorite books. This year’s winners will be announced on May 7.

There are so many reasons to celebrate children’s books!  For many people, books they read as children have had a lasting impact on their lives and memories. Maybe there was a title you insisted your parents read to you over and over again, until they had the words memorized. Or how about the first book that you could read all by yourself — remember how proud you were in that moment?  In middle school you and your friends may have discovered a series you all liked, and you’d exchange books like gifts.  As an adult you may be rediscovering childhood favorites to share with your children and grandchildren.  People who love them know that you’re never too old to enjoy a great children’s book!

Here are some popular children’s books published during each decade of the 20^th century.  Is your favorite on the list?

1900s
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

1910s
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Real Mother Goose by Blanche F. Wright

1920s
The Tower Treasure (Hardy Boys) by Franklin Dixon
The Voyages of Dr. Doolittle by Hugh Lofting
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

1930s
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew) by Carolyn Keene
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

1940s
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

1950s
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

1960s
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

1970s
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Jude Blume
The Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

1980s
Moo Baa La La La by Sandra Boynton
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

1990s
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

-Lynn H., CADL Youth Services Specialist

Michigan Authors Visit CADL!

We’re hosting our 2012 Spring Author Series this May with three authors visiting various libraries and locations around the Greater Lansing area.

Kicking off the series are two Michigan Notable Book authors, Bill Vlasic and Bruce Kopytek, whose work represents the rich history and culture of Michigan. On May 7 at 7 p.m., CADL and its community partner the Library of Michigan, welcomes Bill Vlasic to speak at the Okemos branch. An award-winning journalist currently serving as Detroit bureau chief for the New York Times, Vlasic’s Once Upon a Car: The Fall and Resurrection of America’s Big Three Auto Makers–GM, Ford, and Chrysler, is a unique American tale of success, failure and redemption. Publishers Weekly calls it “a devastating account of auto industry arrogance, ignorance, and tragedy.”

Those who fondly remember the beloved department store Jacobson’s will enjoy a visit from Bruce Allen Kopytek on May 10 at 7 p.m., at CADL Downtown Lansing. His book, Jacobson’s—I Miss It So! The Story of a Michigan Fashion Institution, was honored by the Library of Michigan for his tribute to the department store chain that began in Michigan in 1838 and ended in bankruptcy in 2002.

Bestselling author Wade Rouse will speak at the Williamston Theater on May 14 at 6 p.m. and again at Art Alley in Reo Town on May 22 at 6 p.m. Four of his five books are critically-acclaimed memoirs, including America’s Boy and It’s All Relative: A Memoir of Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays and 50 Boxes of Wine. Rouse is a contributor to Michigan Public Radio, a humor columnist for LGBT-focused Metrosource magazine and a presenter at writing seminars.

Books will be available for sale and signing at every event, with seating on a first-come basis.

The Library of Michigan organizes the Michigan Notable Books program, a statewide program that began as part of the 1991 Michigan Week celebration. Its focus is to pay tribute and draw attention to the many people, places and things that make Michigan special.

Get Started Composting!

The unseasonably warm weather in Michigan last month had me itching to get my garden started. I knew it was too early for planting – even with 80-degree temperatures – but it’s never too early to add compost to improve your soil’s structure and nutrients. Good compost makes for healthy plants, but it takes some time, energy, and information about how to start it.

For an introduction in making garden compost from yard waste and kitchen scraps, attend our “Get Started Composting” programs, presented by Rebecca Titus of Titus Farms. She’ll be visiting the Haslett (April 21, 11:00 AM) , Mason (April 23, 6:00 PM) and Stockbridge (April 26, 7:00 PM) branches to teach patrons the basics of building compost.

If you can’t make it to the events, CADL has a number of books about composting for beginners, including:

•  Composting for Dummies
• Let it Rot!: the gardener’s guide to composting
• The Urban/Suburban Composter
• Worms & Wormeries : composting your kitchen waste

- Sara D., Public Services Librarian at CADL

CADL Launches Farm to Table Events

A hundred years ago, most of the food we ate came from within 50 miles of our homes. But when people moved from rural to urban settings, large producers flourished and local food sources began to disappear.

In the 21^st century, some people are trying to reverse that trend. The current farm to table movement promotes the idea of producing, purchasing and consuming food close to home, resulting in a boost to the local economy, a greener planet and a healthier population.

Starting in March and running to the end of May, the Capital Area District Library is hosting nearly 30 presentations on the theme of Farm to Table: Better Food for Better Health, designed to connect local residents to resources found nearby. Local experts will share their knowledge on topics such as raising backyard chickens, beekeeping, homesteading and composting.

“My family has always been interested in growing the food we eat,” says Corie Jason, an expert in raising backyard chickens who will make several presentations on the topic. “So much of our food comes from far away, both in distance and in our experience. I love that our community is concerned about educating people about that.”

Other local experts include Nina Santucci and Anthony Maiale, owner of the Purple Carrot Truck. They started their business in 2011 with the idea of buying fresh, high-quality ingredients directly from farmers and turning them into creative cuisine to sell from a mobile food stand. Only a year later they were named one of the top 20 Best Food Trucks in the United States by Smithsonian Magazine. “Our mission is summed up by our tagline,” Santucci says: “Eat fresh. Eat local.”

On Saturday, April 21, visitors to CADL Downtown Lansing will find the Purple Carrot Truck parked at the corner of Capitol and Kalamazoo, selling delicious lunches from 12-2 p.m. (cash only accepted). Then at 2 p.m., they’ll give a presentation about their unique business.

For a complete list of presenters and topics, pick up a Farm to Table brochure at any CADL branch, or visit cadl.org/farm.

To do some reading on the topic of producing and consuming local products, library staff recommends these titles, available at cadl.org/catalog:

The Farm to Table Cookbook: The Art of Eating Locally (2008) by Ivy Manning

Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods (2010) by Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian

Reclaiming Our Food: How the Grassroots Food Movement is Changing the Way We Eat (2011) by Tanya Denckla Cobb

Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (2011) by Michael Pollan

The Conscious Kitchen: The New Way to Buy and Cook Food to Protect The Earth, Improve Your Health, and Eat Deliciously (2010) by Alexandra Zissu

It’s ‘Love Your Library’ Month

We all know that February is the month to celebrate love, with Valentine’s Day coming up every Feb. 14. But did you know that this is also “Love Your Library” month? Each year this month-long observance provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the important role libraries play in communities.

As we have seen during the past few years, the significance of library service is more important than ever. Even as their funding is cut, libraries continue to provide invaluable support during tough economic times. There are many ways you can show your love for libraries. You can donate books, magazine subscriptions or funds. You can volunteer your time. You can also write to legislators letting them know how critical funding is to libraries.

Here in Williamston, getting involved with the Williamston Community Library Foundation is another way to learn firsthand about local services and the group’s long-time goal of getting a new library built in Williamston.

Another way to support the library is by becoming a member of the Friends of the Library. Through book sales and other fundraisers, the Friends group makes many of the programs at the library possible.

Even with all those great options, the best way to support your library is to sign up for a library card and use it regularly. Explore all the resources the library has to offer in addition to books. There are databases, downloadable audio and eBooks, children’s programs, adult book discussion groups, DVDs and audiobooks, computer classes and so much more – all free to residents in our service area.

For information about our hours, programs or services, visit cadl.org. Find a complete list of library events at cadl.org/events.

– Julie Chrisinske, Head librarian at CADL Williamston

The Path to Publication

Plenty of people dream of writing the Great American Novel one day, or maybe the next beloved children’s classic, destined for a place on the shelf next to Green Eggs & Ham and Goodnight Moon. Some may go so far as actually writing a manuscript, although many of these end up gathering dust in a desk drawer.

But some aspiring authors manage to get all the way from great idea to published book. How did they do it? There’s no one single answer to that question, which is why I’m delighted about an upcoming event at the Haslett Library called “Children’s Author Panel: The Path to Publication.” Held from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, it features four local children’s authors who have all been published by traditional publishing companies. Each of them has a different story to tell about how they did it.

The idea for the program came from our Public Services Librarian, Kate Nicholoff. “I had heard one of the authors give a presentation about getting published that was really interesting and informative,” she explains. “I was sure there would be an audience for this kind of program. People check out books about writing and publishing all the time—now they can hear first-hand how others did it. I’m excited that we were able to pull together such a star-studded panel!”

With credits ranging from picture books to middle grade novels to young adult fiction, that panel includes:

• Ruth McNally Barshaw (The Ellie McDoodle series for ages 8-12)
• Deborah Diesen (NY Times-Bestselling picture book The Pout-Pout Fish)
• Carol A. Grund (The Anna Mei series for ages 8-12)
• Amy Huntley (The Everafter, a 2009 ALA Morris Award Finalist for ages 12 & up)

After speaking about their experiences, the authors will take questions from the audience and share resources. Their books will be available for sale and signing after the program. They are also available at the Capital Area District Library; visit cadl.org/catalog to place holds and have them delivered to any branch.

If you’re an aspiring writer with a manuscript in a drawer, it’s time to take the next step! Start by coming to hear the success stories of these published authors. Then maybe next year, we’ll be featuring you in a library program!

-Ann C., CADL Haslett’s Head Librarian

The eBooks are coming! The eBooks are coming!

The eBooks are coming! The eBooks are coming!

What does this mean for readers like you and me? The answer involves Nooks and Kindles and Kobos. It includes 100,000 apps to download, which will apparently make life better than 50,000 free apps. And it means everything will be at your fingertips 24/7/365.

While this is an exciting development, my library colleagues are busy getting up to speed on all the new devices that now accept digital book downloads. Here’s something you should know: like you, we are just learning to use them. Personally, I have trouble with a TV remote, so chances are good that you will always be one step of head of me on the eBook learning curve.

Here are a few things I do know about eBooks and library lending that I’d like to share:

• A library’s eBook collection is finite, just like its print one. That means that we can only offer a certain number of copies and when those are all checked out, they are gone. But you can place holds on them and be notified as soon as they are available, just as with our printed books.
• Not all books are available in digital format. Four of the six major publishers, and even certain authors, have chosen to hang on to their titles until the dust settles and everyone agrees how eBooks will be paid for and published – very similar to the struggles over rights to music and movies.  So don’t bother looking for Harry Potter, because J.K. Rowling hasn’t made her work available on eBook.  The same with James Patterson.  We buy what we can, but there are big holes.
• Libraries don’t actually buy eBooks—we only license the rights to them.  Because publishers and authors are concerned about piracy, sometimes they withdraw books temporarily from our collection while they negotiate.  This happened recently with Penguin books.
• Finally, it turns out you can’t just point your device at your library card and instantly download a book. It all starts with an app you must first download to the device you want to use, and not all devices are compatible with all eBooks. Sometimes other steps are necessary, too—for example, Kindles have to be registered to an Amazon account before they allow you to download library books.

Obviously there’s a lot to learn about eBooks. We’ve put a lot of information on our website at cadl.org/downloads, and are offering workshops for people who want hands-on assistance. And library staff will be happy to answer questions—just promise me you won’t bring in a remote control.

For information about our hours, programs or services, please call (517) 347-2021 or visit cadl.org. Find a complete list of library events at cadl.org/events.

- Betsy H., Head Librarian at CADL Okemos

DIY Holidays with CADL

If you’re like many other Michiganders this holiday season, your festive spirit may be dampened by economic woes.  Never fear, that’s why your library is here.  One excellent method of saving money and having festive fun at the same time is having a do-it-yourself holiday this year.  CADL has the resources to help you create a unique and memorable holiday experience, without having to part with nearly as much of your hard-earned cash.

Start by making your own gifts.  CADL has countless books in our collection for crafts of all varieties and skill levels.  From novice to expert and origami to quilting, you can find instructional books filled with ideas and inspiration.  To get started, here are a few fantastic titles:

Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Inspired Projects For Year-Round Celebrations by Potter Craft

The Big Book of Holiday Paper Crafts by Leisure Arts

Holiday Knits: 25 Great Gifts From Stockings to Sweaters by Sara Lucas

Have Yourself A Very Vintage Christmas: Crafts, Decorating Tips and Recipes, 1920-1960 by Susan Waggoner

If you have kids, get them in on the fun as well.  There are many different books available in our juvenile collection to help children craft their way to a happy holiday.  Browse our catalog to see what we have available, place a hold, and have the book sent to your local library branch.

For those of you who like to host the holidays in style at your own home, check out these great books about how to make your own decorations and feasts.  Again, make sure to browse our catalog for many more titles to help you prepare for your festivities.

Jewish Holiday Style by Rita Brownstein

Holiday With Matthew Mead: Create, Decorate, Celebrate by Matthew Mead

Mario Batali Holiday Food by Mario Batali

Christmas Entertaining by Georgeanne Brennan

Finally, another great way to save money this holiday season is to take advantage of the many free and fun events taking place at all of our 13 CADL locations.  We offer everything including Kwanzaa crafts for kids, visits with live reindeer and holiday concerts. Check out the following events or visit CADL’s events calendar for more details and events near you.

- Liz V., Youth Services Librarian 

Muppet Mania!

It’s time to play the music…it’s time to light the lights…it’s time to get things started at the library this month!

That’s our attempt to pay homage to the original Muppet Show, which ran from 1976-1981 and spawned a number of TV specials and movies. Fans everywhere are excited by the news that the first Muppet movie in more than 12 years will hit theaters on Nov. 23!

CADL Downtown Lansing is getting in on the fun by hosting Muppet Mania. Bring the kids in on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 2-3:30 pm to watch some classic Muppets on TV, make their own puppet creature (using our supply of paper bags, socks, felt and other craft items), and get their picture taken if front of our special backdrop, featuring a scene from the new movie and many classic Muppet characters!

Evelina and Joe, two of our staff, have Muppet Mania at CADL Downtown Lansing

Need a little Muppet refresher first? The term was coined by creator Jim Henson back in 1956. Although some people thought it was a combination of the words “marionette” and “puppet,” Henson claimed he made it up because he just liked the sound.

Throughout the 1960s, characters like Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog regularly appeared on TV shows and commercials, mostly aimed at adult audiences. But in 1969, Henson was recruited to work on a new children’s show called Sesame Street.  He introduced young audiences and their parents to a wide range of colorful and loveable characters including Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Grover, giving the Muppets wide exposure.

In 1976, The Muppet Show premiered on TV with Kermit as host. Celebrity guests interacted with the Muppets as though they were putting on a variety show in an old vaudeville theater.

In 1979, The Muppet Movie brought Kermit and friends to the big screen for the first time. In the years that followed, other films included The Great Muppet
Caper, The Muppets Take Manhattan and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Unleash your inner Muppet by visiting the Downtown Lansing Library on Nov. 12. And be sure to check out our Muppet books, movies, music and more at cadl.org/catalog—it’s the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational—this is what we call CADL Muppet Mania!