Go for a Hike

May 17, 2021 | durbinm

Calming and exhilarating. Both words that can be associated with hiking. Hiking is a fabulous hobby that can be done year round, all over the world, or close to home. Trails and paths can be anywhere from straight, narrow and rocky to wet, curvy, or steep. They can be on all sorts of terrain like sand, snow, dirt, hills, mountains or forests. Michigan is a beautiful state that offers all sorts of hiking trails for any season.  Local metroparks also have hiking opportunities as does the Michigan Trails Magazine. Hiking also offers access to activities for all ages, from senior citizens to kids.  No matter what kind of path you decide to take, hiking is great for your mind and body. So lace up your boots and dont forget to pack your water and some snacks! Head back to 62 days of summer for more ways to participate in the summer program.

Follow the trail to these library hiking books:

Nonfiction

Fiction

Kids Fiction

Kids Non-Fiction

Travel Adventure

May 17, 2021 | Patton

As the world slowly reopens, more and more travel opportunities are available. Before you plan your trip, review domestic and international travel restrictions and safety precautions.

If you're looking for exciting adventures locally. please take advantage of the Michigan Activity Pass. Find countless destinations throughout the state and discounts on admission.

 

Travel eResources

Taste of Canton

May 17, 2021 | Patton

It's time again to take a meal on the patio or sidle up to the bar and enjoy a cool beverage. Luckily, Canton has an amazing range of culinary triumphs. Here's a detailed list of Canton cuisines courtesy of Shop Canton.

Culinary Library Programs

Summer Movie Madness

May 17, 2021 | Patton

In the Summer of 2021 you can finally drop your tablet and go back to the movie theater. But that doesn't mean you can't still stream videos or rent DVDs from the library too. Here is a bevy of options for your movie enjoyment for this Summer.

At the Drive-in

Backyard Fun

May 17, 2021 | durbinm

As we have increased our time at home over the past year, taking full advantage of summer fun in our own CPL backyard is a must! There are so many fun things to do without having to go out and spend a lot of money. Even if you invest in some new games, you can use them all summer and for years to come. Some days just sand, shovels and buckets keep the kids busy, while cooling off with some water action when it gets hot. We also have books at the library to help get some of those backyard ideas coming. Head back to 62 days of summer for more ways to participate in the summer program.

Backyard idea book by Lee Anne White

Poetry Explore

May 17, 2021 | durbinm

Did you know that reading and writing poetry is actually good for your health? Reading poetry can help sharpen your brain with insight and critical thinking, while writing poetry can be therapeutic and help you be more self-aware. Appreciation for poetry is beneficial for all ages, whether you're a senior citizen, or a kid.  Some poems may make you ponder, while others will make you laugh together. Some may take you awhile to read, while others can be a "quick fix" to your reading time. No matter your reason for reading poetry, it can be extremely fulfilling and gratifying. The variety of topics that poems cover is vast. Take some time to explore the endless variety out there. The library offers some awesome poetry books as well. There is something for everyone, kids and adults alike. Head back to 62 days of summer for more ways to participate in the summer program.

Make Up Your Own Theme Song

May 17, 2021 | Brad B.
Music

Have you ever wanted to make up your own theme song? Think of what matters most to you.

  • What's your motto, your philosophy about life?
  • What defines you as a person or as a family?
  • What are you passionate about?
  • What has made you the most happy or the most sad?

Write at least 5 things down. These are the themes that are important to you! Now, follow these instructions:

Write Lyrics

Start by writing a simple, rhyming poem with one of your themes. It doesn't have to be perfect. The most important thing is to be honest. If you've never written a poem before, or if you need help to make it sound good, try these:

Understanding Song Structure

That poem you made is basically a verse (or verses)! Write a bit more to get your chorus and bridge. There are many ways to make a song, but for your first one try this structure: Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. No idea what those words mean? Watch these videos:

Write Melodies

Now that you've got the lyrics, it's time to make the melody. You can sing your lyrics to what ever tune comes to your head. Or, try making music for it with one of these free programs.

Make Music With An Instrument

Have you already got an instrument like a guitar or a piano? Here's some tips to get you started writing great melodies in no time:

Share Your Song

Practice singing your song while playing your music. It might take you several times to get it right. Then, share your song with a close friend or family member to brighten their day, or record your song for yourself to playback sometime in the future.

Music Courses

Want to learn about music in general?

Books

Make music! : a kid's guide to creating rhythm, playing with sound, and conducting and composing music by Norma Jean Haynes

Learn About Your Library

May 17, 2021 | strande

 

Complete this 62 Days activity by learning something you didn’t know about the Canton Public Library or by asking us questions. 

 

Exercise Your Curiosity about the Library

  • Use the “Ask a Librarian” option on our Contact Us form to ask a reference question remotely.

  • Use Social Media to ask us a question, tell us how we are doing, or learn more. Find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Explore a limited staff directory and meet a few of the people who keep CPL up and running.

Thorndyke the Bear and Little Buddy

 

Meet Thorndyke and LB

Thorndyke T. Bear is our resident library bear. Thorndyke and his friend LB (Little Buddy) keep an eye over the Children's Library and have adventures. You can follow their exploits at Thorndyke Thoughts.

          Thorndyke the Bear  
          1200 S. Canton Center Road
          Canton, MI  48188
 

Explore Hidden Gems of the Library

  • Have you noticed the art located in and around the library? Discover our sculptures, quilts, paper mache works, bronze statues, vintage posters and more in a video, see most of the art with a 'walk' through via Google, or stop by the Information Desk to get a map and see the art in person.
  • Get a quick look at our sorting system when it was first set up. The sorter room is our hub for all returning materials and is visible through the glass doors on the way to the Children's section. 

 

Learn about the Library's History

Take a Deeper Dive into Libraries

Explore these resources to learn even more about libraries beyond the Canton Public Library. We are just a small part of a larger tradition of community service.

Libraries and Books: A Celebration for Children

Teen Fiction About Books 

Celebrate Libraries and Books: Reading for Adults

Send a Postcard

May 17, 2021 | marianne

The world's oldest known postcard was first sent in 1840. Since then, postcards have been flying around the world. Possessing brief messages and requiring cheaper postage than a standard letter, postcards are ideal for sharing a quick note of something funny, delightful, and heartfelt. 

Creating and sending postcards can also be wonderful opportunities for creativity and expression. The links and ideas below can help you perfect your postcard message, look, and learn more about where to send it.

Activities

Awesome Animals!

May 17, 2021 | agudenburr

Big and small. Furry and smooth. Fierce and calm. Animals are incredibly diverse and represent so much that is amazing about our vast planet. 

Grab your favorite one, two, three, or four-legged friend and get ready to investigate and discover more about what makes animals such a gift to our lives. 

Awesome Animals Book Lists

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