Reading to a friendly dog has become a popular program here at CPL. But you don't have to save your dog reading for that program alone. I bet your own dog would love for you to read to them, especially a book about dogs. The kids department has lots of fiction and non-fiction books on dogs. To keep it short and simple, check out some fun poems in It's About Dogs, Little Dogs Poems, or I Didn't Do it, which offers a irresistible glimpse into your puppy's mind.

Well, we may have gotten buckets of snow dumped on us but that doesn't mean our creative juices have to be frozen up too. Instead, let your creativity thaw out and have fun creating snow poems, cut out and decorate snowflakes, or build a snowman (or a snowcat) in your front yard. The possiblities are endless. Have fun!

Lord of misrule: a novel by Jaimy Gordon

Just kids: from Brooklyn to the Chelsea Hotel : a life of art and friendship by Patti Smith

Lighthead by Terrance Hayes

Mockingbird: (mok'ing-bûrd) by Kathryn Erskine

You can watch the 2010 National Book Awards ceremony on the National Book Foundation's website.