1998 Nobel Prize winning Portugese author José de Sousa Saramago has died at the age of 87. Though often a controversial figure, Saramago’s works transcended the language they were originally written in.

On Friday, June 11^th, the eyes of the world will turn toward South Africa. The 19^th edition of the World Cup will be staged, for the first time in its history, on the continent of Africa.

On April 20th an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded and then sank to the Gulf's floor. The oil slick is slowly making its way toward the Louisiana wetlands and the shore. The library has put together a collection of links, as well as a book display, about oil drilling, spills and water.

Longtime voice of the Detroit Tigers, Ernie Harwell, died May 4th. He was 92 and had been battling cancer for over a year.