During the month of January, the Downtown Lansing Library will display a traveling exhibit on the theme of generational poverty and homelessness. It features art, stories, poetry and photography created by formerly and currently homeless adults. Read more about the exhibit, see a sampling of the artwork, and find a complete tour schedule here.

Plan to join us at a special event on Sunday, January 10, from 2 to 3, when some of the contributors will be here with a presentation about their struggles and triumphs on the journey to stability.

During these long winter evenings, there’s nothing better than curling up with a great book. Not sure what to read? Consult Off the Shelf, a collection of book recommendations by our Adult Selection Specialist, Sarah Redman. You can also subscribe to the Off the Shelf e-mail newsletter to receive reviews in your inbox. Check out the latest Off the Shelf review below.

Water, Stone, Heart by Will North

A love story from the male perspective

North offers a love story from the male perspective with the same light but deeply romantic touch readers found so captivating in The Bridges of Madison County and Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook.
Although he teaches architectural theory at a Philadelphia university, Andrew Stratton has never actually built a structure. Divorce from his caustic wife leaves him feeling unmoored and he enrolls in a course on building stone walls in Cornwall, England. The colorful, strongly-connected community he finds there includes American expatriate and artist Nicola Rhys-Jones. Her history makes her equally wary of a relationship, but Nicola and Andrew cannot deny their strong attraction. Equal parts love story and tribute to the beautiful countryside of Cornwall, this is an intelligent, sensitive novel about second chances.

Check this item out in our catalog.

Did you know that the Capital Area District Library offers over 1,800 eBooks available for free downloading? eBook Readers are a hot gift item this holiday season, and if you’re wondering which one to buy, CADL has some advice. The following eBook Readers are compatible with our free collection.

• Sony Reader Touch Edition (PRS600SC)
• Sony Reader Daily Edition (PRS900BC)
• Sony Reader Pocket Edition (PRS300RC)

To view and/or download our eBook titles, click here.  Other devices that can be used to view our eBooks include compatible PDA’s and smart phones. Find a list of devices that are compatible with all of our free, downloadable content here.

For more information on free downloads offered by CADL, visit our eMedia Downloads page.

This December, CADL has all kinds of events to help our patrons celebrate the season. Our website provides lists of holiday events at all thirteen of our branches. Click here for a list of events geared toward our younger friends, “Jolly Holidays for Kids.” Here, you’ll find a list of our holiday events for all ages.

Our new online calendar features a complete list of the events at our 13 locations and Bookmobile. The calendar allows you to search by features such as age, event type and location. Check it out by visiting cadl.org/events and let us know what you think.

Park & Read, a new program sponsored by the Library of Michigan, Macy’s and The Hammock Company lets you enjoy a free day of reading in one of Michigan’s many beautiful state parks.

Patrons with a valid library card may ask staff for a “Park & Read” pass. The pass includes a list of the 98 participating parks and one free entry into any of these parks on one day (overnight parking not included).

The pass must be used within 7 days of it being checked out. After that it does not need to be returned to the library but it will expire.

Only a limited number of passes are available at each library. At any given time they may all be checked out. The program runs from now until Sept. 25, 2009.

For additional details, check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Web site.

L & L Zoo Days is one of the coolest events in Lansing. Not only can you visit the Potter Park Zoo for free, but visitors are also treated to frozen goodies, face painting,  bounce houses and more. And you can’t forget the amazing the animals!

This year was no exception. Both days drew huge crowds and outstanding entertainment. Several mascots were on hand to mingle with the children including the Capital Area District Library’s mascot Linc. And families got a real treat when a 10-foot tall juggler greeted them at the entrance. This year’s L & L Zoo Days was a first-class event.

Check out some photos of Linc, the stiltwalker and some of the zoo’s permanent residents at Flickr. For more information about events at the Capital Area District Library, visit cadl.org

Posted by ErinS

Last night, our Literature and Lyrics contest winners Thom Jayne and the Nomads opened for Sheryl Crow at the Common Ground Music Festival. As a part of a prize package that included tickets to the festival, a gift certificate to Marshall music and food and drink tickets, the band also was awarded a 45-minute opening spot at Common Ground.

Thom Jayne and the Nomads are a Global Fusion group from Lansing. Their line-up featured digeridoos, trumpets, guitars, fiddles and African percussion. The foot-stomping inspirational music was fantastic, and the crowd loved the high energy performance! Check out more photos from the show at Flickr.

Watch Thom Jayne and the Nomads’ winning video:

Posted by ErinS

Having trouble formatting your resume? How about researching your next big purchase? Need help finding your favorite author? If you have questions, Book-a-Librarian has answers!

This new service is being offered at the Downtown Lansing Library. Get a personalized session (up to 30 minutes) with a reference librarian on a variety of topics. Sessions are available every third Wednesday of the month from 9-10 am and 6-7 pm at the Computer Center on the 2nd Floor. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you prefer to make an appointment, call (517) 367-6346.

Third Wednesday of each month
Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 & Dec. 16
9-10 am & 6-7 pm

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