Government/Law

Autocracy & Totalitarianism

June 4, 2020 | SuzyQ

“It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.”
—Robert H. Jackson  (U.S. Supreme Court Justice 1941-1954)

"The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.”
—Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1949

Can it happen here? : authoritarianism in America
Also available in: e-book | audiobook
Fascism : a warning by Madeleine Korbel Albright
Also available in: e-book

Virtual Town Hall - May 14

May 5, 2020 | hathawaym
Virtual Town Hall flier

Residents of Canton, Plymouth, Northville and Livonia are invited to attend a Virtual Town Hall event on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00 - 8:00PM. This event will be co-hosted by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and Wayne County Commissioners Terry Marecki and Melissa Daub to address how the Prosecutor's Office is responding to COVID-19, increased instances of domestic violence during the Stay-at-Home Order, reducing the jail population, the Prosecutor's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, and more.

To join the Virtual Town Hall on May 14, go to https://zoom.us/j/5485243984, or call 1-646-876-9923 and enter the following code: 5485243984#

For questions about the event, or to submit a question to be asked during the event, please email district10@waynecounty.com.

The Female Fight for the Right to Vote

June 17, 2019 | strande

In 1918 Michigan passed a Constitutional Amendment to recognize women's right to vote. Nationally, the 19th Amendment wouldn't pass until the following year and wouldn't be official until the year after that.

The 19th Amendment clarified that the right to vote could not be denied based on sex, and was passed on June 5, 1919 and ratified by 36 states on August 18, 1920. The last state to ratify this amendment was Mississippi in 1984.

Celebrate this milestone by checking out one of the following titles and learning more about the global fight for women's suffrage. Titles geared for younger audiences are at the top, but may interest older readers.

Around America to win the vote : two suffragists, a kitten, and 10,000 miles by Mara Rockliff

Follow suffragettes Nell Richardson and Alice Burke's cross-country journey to campaign for women's right to vote.

Elizabeth started all the trouble by Doreen Rappaport

Explore the history of women's suffrage, highlighting the contributions of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and such other reformers as Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucy Stone.

Look What's in Large Print: Non-fiction titles

February 6, 2019 | kasarak

While fiction titles are often what is featured in the monthly "Look What's In Large Print..." blog posts, did you know that CPL also regularly purchases non-fiction titles in large print? Shelved at the beginning of the Large Print collection (with new titles displayed on top of the shelves), our non-fiction Large Print titles range from a large print thesaurus to "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow to various biographies on a wide range of popular individuals like Jimmy Carter, Michael Caine, and Sally Field. 

Below is a sampling of new non-fiction titles available in large print.

Becoming [large print] by 1964- Michelle Obama
Also available in: print | e-book | audiobook | e-audiobook

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America--the first African American to serve in that role--she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her--from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it--in her own words and on her own terms. 

Every day is extra [large print] by 1943- John Kerry
Also available in: print

John Kerry tells the story of his remarkable American life -- from son of a diplomat to decorated Vietnam veteran, five-term United States senator, 2004 Democratic presidential nominee and secretary of state. A Yale graduate, Kerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966 and served in Vietnam. He returned home highly decorated but disillusioned, and testified powerfully before Congress as a young veteran opposed to the war. Kerry served as a prosecutor in Massachusetts, then as lieutenant governor, and was elected to the Senate in 1984, eventually serving five terms. In 2004, he was the Democratic presidential nominee and came within one state -- Ohio -- of winning. Kerry returned to the Senate, chaired the important Foreign Relations Committee and succeeded Hillary Clinton as secretary of state in 2013. In that position he tried to find peace in the Middle East, dealt with the Syrian civil war while combating ISIS, and negotiated the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate agreement. Kerry tells stories about colleagues Ted Kennedy and John McCain, as well as President Obama and other major figures. He writes of recovering his faith while in the Senate, and deplores the hyper-partisanship that has infected Washington.

New Township Ordinance on Vaping

July 25, 2018 | visnawj
No vaping sign

Earlier this year, the Charter Township of Canton Board of Trustees approved an amendment to the Township ordinance prohibiting minors from possessing tobacco products to include e-cigarettes, vapor products, and nicotine products (Section 46-506 of the Code of Ordinances).  What this means is that if you are under 18 and vaping or in possession of vaping paraphernalia, you are committing a misdemeanor crime.

The consequences are a $50 fine, community service hours (that increase with every subsequent offense), and participation in a health promotion and risk reduction assessment program.  If you commit this misdemeanor in the Canton Public Library, you also risk being suspended from the library.  (Note that providing vapor products or alternative nicotine products to a person under age 18 is also illegal; see Section 46-505 of the Code of Ordinances.)

Learn more about vaping and e-cigarettes on the Centers For Disease Control and the Surgeon General web sites.

Vaping by Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0)

Elections and Voting

June 28, 2018 | strande

July 9, 2018 is the last day to register for this year's primary elections in August. As we head into mid-term election season, get yourself in the mood with the following assorted titles about elections or voting. The list includes fiction and nonfiction, elections near and far, as well as titles to appeal to a wide age range. For more reading suggestions on any topic, visit our May We Suggest page. To learn more about your elected representatives and voting, check the Michigan Secretary of State website.

How is a government elected? by Susan Bright-Moore

Addresses how government officials are elected, with an overview of the issues that influence elections, the country's political parties, the voting process, and the importance of debates, campaigns, primaries, and national conventions.

Schoolhouse rock! [videodisc] : election collection

Collection of "Schoolhouse rock" cartoons focusing on issues of American government and elections.

Thorndyke Thoughts: The United States of All of Us

June 18, 2018 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke in Uncle Sam Hat

 

Hey Kids,

Did you know that the United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th? It's such a fun holiday. Usually there are fireworks and picnics and parades, and all of these are great ways to come together as a country. To get yourself in the mood for truly unifying festivities, I have a few book suggestions for you. Don't forget to share your favorite patriotic reads below in the comments.

Bear Hugs and Happy 4th!

Thorndyke

America the beautiful : together we stand by Katharine Lee Bates

A celebration of "America the Beautiful" combines presidential quotes with artwork by ten artists.

Fascism: a Warning

June 5, 2018 | SuzyQ
Fascism : a warning by Madeleine Korbel Albright
How Fascism Works : The Politics of Us and Them by Jason Stanley
Can it happen here? : authoritarianism in America

Veterans Day 2017

November 11, 2017 | melissa c

Today we recognize our fellow citizens, current and past members of the military, for their service to the country.  In this book list you'll find a variety of non-fiction texts including books on WWI, WWII, and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. These books detail the experiences of soldiers across generations and wars, many using our servicemen's and servicewomen's own words, including their experiences upon returning home. Click the blog title and scroll down to view all materials. 

 

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits and services available to veterans, including where to donate funds or volunteer to assist veterans, check out the links below.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Detroit regional benefit office

Veteran Support Center – Michigan chapter

Vietnam Veterans of America – Plymouth-Canton chapter

Department of Veterans Affairs - Volunteer at the VA

Charity Navigator – highly-rated charities dedicated to helping veterans

 

Those who have borne the battle [electronic resource] : a history of America's wars and those who fought them by James Edward Wright
The Hello Girls : America's first women soldiers by Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman

In the News: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

October 25, 2017 | melissa c

Stories about the alleged abusive behavior of Harvey Weinstein have dominated the news lately, as more and more women come forward to share their experiences. In this book list you will find non-fiction resources related to sexual harassment and sexual assault including: books for parents, teens, and children, books for survivors, for  educators, books for family, friends, or anyone interested in learning how to be a good ally. Some of these books feature discussion and analysis aimed at identifying the individual and/or systemic causes of sexual harassment or assault, while memoirs and other survivor accounts shed light on the effects of such abuse.

 

If you have experienced sexual assault, help and support are available by following the links below or by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-565-HOPE(4673).

RAINN - the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

First Step - Wayne County, MI non-profit organization providing comprehensive services for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

HAVEN - Oakland County, MI program that provides shelter, counseling, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Teen Dating Violence - information from the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - resources on domestic and sexual violence.

On Education: bodily integrity, healthy relationships, sexual harassment, consent

My body belongs to me from my head to my toes

Provides children with confidence about accepting and rejecting physical contact from others, helping to give children a voice in uncomfortable situations.

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