This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of U.S. Civil War. The first shots were fired on April 12, 1861 at Fort Sumter in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor. It raged on for four more years until Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. You can learn about Michigan's involvement — by both the military and the civilians — through the eyes of Michigan's Senator Jacob M. Howard who represented Michigan in Congress from 1862 to 1871. The senator will be portrayed by David Tennies, a local Civil War historian and reenactor. Join us on Tuesday evening, June 14 from 7-8:30PM for what should be a fascinating encounter. No registration is required.

Celebrate Memorial Day by checking out some of these books. Each year, the Society for Military History gives awards to outstanding literature in this genre. Here are some of the titles that we own:

Society for Military History — Distinguished Book Awards

Vietnam's forgotten army: heroism and betrayal in the ARVN by Andrew Wiest

Caesar: life of a colossus by Adrian Goldsworthy

The regulars: the American Army, 1898-1941 by Edward M. Coffman

An army at dawn: the war in North Africa, 1942-1943 by Rick Atkinson

Discover the fascinating world of Mexico. There are several hidden treasures just waiting to be explored. Ancient Aztec pyramids, authentic foods and fantastic shopping. Whether you're looking to visit past civilizations or simply lay on the beach and work on your golf game… Mexico can accommodate. Also while you are at the library check out the colorful Mexican display in the East display cabinet in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

If Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming wedding has piqued your interest in all things royal, then check out the following films and television series from the Library's collection. And don't forget to set your alarm clock for 6:00AM Friday morning to catch all of the festivities!

TV Series

Elizabeth I by HBO Films

Elizabeth R. Discs 1 & 2 by British Broadcasting Corporation

Monarchy. The complete series. Disc 1

The six wives of Henry VIII. Disc 1 by British Broadcasting Corp.

The Tudors. The complete first season, Discs 1 & 2 by Showtime Entertainment

Moonwalking with Einstein: the art and science of remembering everything by Joshua Foer

Jeannie out of the bottle by Barbara Eden with Wendy Leigh

All your base are belong to us: how 50 years of videogames conquered pop culture by Harold Goldberg

Stuntman!: my car-crashing, plane-jumping, bone-breaking, death-defying Hollywood life by Hal Needham

Beyond boundaries: the new neuroscience of connecting brains with machines--and how it will change our lives by Miguel Nicolelis

Since 1963, May has been declared Older Americans Month by the Agency on Aging. The theme of this year's celebration — Older Americans: Connecting the Community — pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. It also highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier and more engaged lives. Canton Public Library offers a variety of programs this month which should interest older adults:

• May 7, 9:30-11:30AM — Computer Maintenance
• May 11, 7:00-8:00PM — Conquering Your Pain the Holistic Way (Canceled)
• May 20, 2:00-3:00PM — Transitioning
• May 25, 2:00-3:00PM — Canton Seniors Book Discussion Group
• May 26, 7:00-8:00PM — From Tiger Stadium to Comerica Park

On April 15th, 1912, RMS Titanic sank after striking an iceberg during its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Curious about the history of Titanic? Check out some nonfiction titles like the following:

882 1/2 amazing answers to your questions about the Titanic by Hugh Brewster and Laurie Coulter

Story of the Titanic by Steve Noon; illustrated by Eric Kentley

The Titanic: an interactive history adventure by Bob Temple

If it's fiction about Titanic that you seek, you'll find picture books, readers, and chapter books. Here are a few fiction choices to peruse.

Pig on the Titanic: a true story! by Gary Crew; pictures by Bruce Whatley

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. The first shots were fired on April 12, 1861 at Fort Sumter in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor. Confederate forces let by Brig. General P.G.T. Beauregard demanded the surrender of the fort and opened fire when the Union commander, Maj. Robert Anderson, refused. He was forced to evacuate the next day, however, and this battle became the first engagement of the war. It raged on for four more years until Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulyssses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. Since then there have been thousands of books written about the war, its causes and its aftermath — including many published this year to commemorate the anniversary. Some of the Library's new titles include:

Shelton Johnson, author of Gloryland will discuss his book on Thursday, April 14 at Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, Gallery-Room 100 (use Diag entrance) at 913 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI. Public parking is available in the structure at 650 S. Forest, just south of S. University.

Gloryland is the fictional memoir of a buffalo soldier — a black U.S. cavalryman and the son of slaves — who finds true freedom when he is posted to patrol the newly created Yosemite National Park in 1903.

Apple Computer was founded on April 1, 1976. Can you believe it's been 35 years since Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer?

Read about these genius geeks and visit the Apple museum. Check out Apple's history and find out more about these inventors.