Long-time Detroit automotive writer Bill Vlasic will visit the Library Wednesday, June 6 at 7:00 PM to talk about his book Once Upon a Car: The Fall and Resurrection of America’s Big Three Automakers – GM, Ford and Chrysler.

Vlasic visited corporate offices, factory floors and union halls to tell the tale of the decline of the Big Three and how they ultimately came back from the brink – with the help of a government bailout in the case of GM and Chrysler. Vlasic, Detroit bureau chief for The New York Times and formerly with the Detroit News, examines what led auto executives to appear before Congress in 2008 asking for financial help and how all three automakers pulled out of the decline that threatened to kill the U.S. auto industry.

The program will resume April 1, 2013.

Royal Oak Library cardholders will be able to check out a day pass to any of the 98 state parks from April 1 through October 1, 2012. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment and The Library of Michigan are offering Park and Read for a fourth year.

Park & Read allows library card-holders the ability to "check-out" a one-day pass into any Michigan state park or recreation area in lieu of the resident daily motor vehicle permit. This $6 savings also provides free access to the more than 500 events taking place in state parks throughout the summer.

April is National Autism Awareness Month and the fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd. This is an excellent time to learn about the impact of autism on citizens and to promote treatment methods and research developments. According to the CDC, 1 in every 110 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In 2003, Governor Granholm declared April as Autism Awareness Month. Corner Pieces, has launched Light It Blue Michigan in recognition of autism awareness. The Mackinac Bridge will be lit blue at sundown on April 2 to kick off the month-long campaign.

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year's National Nutrition Month theme is "Get Your Plate in Shape." The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages consumers to remember to include a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on their plates every day.