As I was watching my bird feeder and all the bright and wild birds, I was wondering...when was the last time you painted with your children?  Hang with me here.  Birds, Painting w/kids?  I have a point...  One of the best crafts I have ever done  with my children, as well as yours, was when I got several of those wooden bird houses from the craft store, spread some newspaper outside, and grabbed the acrylic paints and brushes.  The more colors, the better.  Resist the urge to micro manage this one.  Let the paint flow.  Those bird houses sat on my garden fence all summer and most of the winter.  If you display them inside, they last a lot longer. We had a grand time together that day.  Next time you stroll by that big bin of bird houses on the sidewalk in Frandor, pick up a few and celebrate the season with some paint.  Happy crafting, Lezlee.

A couple of weeks ago, I did something I rarely do.  I took a precious day off and spent it at an all day seminar.  It was at MSU and called AUTISM SPRECTRUM DISORDERS SOLVING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER.  It was fantastic!  Being the parent of, not one, but two ASD children, I finally heard some information that I was ready to hear.  Thanks to Dr. Jodene Fine, I learned about autistic brain development and the difference between a normal brain structure and that of an autistic one.  Thanks to Dr. Brooke Ingersoll, I learned about Imitation Skills Therapy and how early intervention is the most successful kind of therapy.  It inspired me to beef up our ASD related DVD collection here at the library.  Some good web sites:  www.sfari.org  and www.AutismSpeaks.org.  In honor of Autism Awareness Month, you might want to check them out.  So, my day at the seminar was an answer to my 2 in the morning question to the dark, "where are all the people who need to work on this autism thing?"  Turns out, they right across the street, at MSU.  Thanks.  Till later, Lezlee.

Librarian's Recommended Pages

This page contains a long A - Z list of useful websites for everything from Automotive appraisal, to English as a second language, and even information about health and medicine. The page can also be accessed from our site under Research => Librarian's Recommended Pages, or by searching the site for "Librarian's links." To get started click here or on the globe to the left.

War Dances by Sherman Alexie is this year's winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. The PEN/Faulkner Award is America's largest peer-juried prize for fiction in the United States.

This year's finalists include--

This morning, Google announced ...

"Art Among Friends 2010"

Presented by The Community Art Group of MSU

Times are tough, but now you can enjoy food and drink at Dublin Square Irish Pub and Restaurant AND help the library at the same time.  This Sunday, March 14, from 4:00-9:00 p.m., 10% of what you spend will be donated to the East Lansing Public Library!

We hope to see you at the Square!

Join us this Sunday, March 14 from 1:30-3 pm for another of our popular Fun with LEGOS® programs. FREE! For ages 4 and up.

Use some of the library's LEGOS to create a masterpiece. Then we'll display your creation in the children's room.

The demonstration of the learning language program LiveMocha, scheduled for this Friday, March 5 at 3:30, has been CANCELED!   The Teen Advisory Board members who were going to demonstrate this are participating in a state music festival that has been scheduled for the same time!

If you have questions or would like any further information, contact Mary at mhennes@cityofeastlansing.com

"An Eye for Style and Detail"

Showcased by well-known photographer: W. Spencer Parshall
 
Splendid architecture, sweeping landscapes, quiet places from Vatican City, Rome, the Isle of Capri and medieval villages are explored through the eye of the camera.
 
Exhibit:    March 1 -  March 31, 2010
North Foyer Gallery at the East Lansing Public Library
 
Reception:    March 7, 2010, 1:30 -  4:00 p.m.
 

The Ring of Steel Action Theatre, a theatrical combat and stunt troupe from Ann Arbor, will dazzle you with live-action stunts, special effects and tournament play. Afterwards, you may talk with members of the troupe and see their equipment up close. Stay to enjoy refreshments and make crafts to take home.
All ages are welcome. No registration is required. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library.

 "Shapes and Shadows"

Presented by paper sculpture artist:  Jane Clouthier

Pictures with depth and texture, as well as color, depicting deep shadowed forests, bright gardens and streams that shine are all made possible through the art of paper sculpture.

Did you know that the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library have used books for sale every day? It's the best deal in town! Stop in the library and check out the Friendshop, where you'll find tons of used books at great prices. There's something for everyone - adult fiction, mysteries, history, gardening, music CDs, magazines, children's books, and much more. You'll pay a fraction of the price of brand new, and when you're done, you can donate them back to the library! And remember, all proceeds benefit the library.

Check out the Friends' web site for more information.