If you are looking for a great book about Michigan's Treasures, the Great Lakes, then you must read Jerry Dennis' The Living Great Lakes. The book reads like a narrative and is extremely well researched. Dennis intertwines the natural history of the Great Lakes, their maritime history, with the likes and differences of the oceans and the Great Lakes. He covers the problems the Great Lakes faces, such as pollution, zebra mussles, and in addition, he discusses his personal experiences with the lakes. Dennis grew up in Michigan, always near the lakes, but eventually decided he wanted to know more about them. With hopes of learning more, he took a six-week voyage as a crew member on a tallmasted schooner from Grand Traverse Bay to Maine. He weaves his experiences on the ship, dealing with the captain and crew, and living through a terrifying storm while on board throughout The Living Great Lakes.

Adult Summer Reading 2011 will debut June 11, the same kick-off date for the Library’s youth and teen summer reading programs. Adults will be able to win prizes as they read or listen to novels or non-fiction titles. This year’s theme will focus on all journeys great and small, with an emphasis on stories that enable us to learn about new cultures and ourselves. Plenty of reading lists will be available in the Library and at ropl.org to help you find some great titles, but you can choose any titles you wish.

Two free programs are planned. On Wednesday, June 29, Nancy Yuktonis Solak will talk at 7:00 PM about her travel memoir A Footpath in Umbria: Learning, Loving and Laughing in Italy. Learn what the self-proclaimed reluctant traveler and her husband learned during their year abroad. The author will sell and sign copies of her book.

A collection of links on the Civil War, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary. These links including general information about the war, government and media websites, as well as collections of photographs, correspondence and diaries. We've also collected numerous links about Michigan's involvement in the civil -- including grave site locations, lists of events over the coming years and service records.

Over the next few years, be sure to visit the library for books and media, as well as displays, on the Civil War. If you have any suggestions for sites to add to this list, please leave us a comment on this post or on our Facebook.

Wednesday and Thursday evening activities: Food, Fun, Prizes, Crafts – all for FREE! Tuesday evening volunteer opportunities. The teen summer reading program runs from June 11 - August 7. Program dates forthcoming.