Schoolcraft Community Library 330 North Centre Schoolcraft, MI   49087	Volume 1 No. 3 March 2005	269-679-5959 http://schoolcraftlibrary.org
Previous Issues ... 2005: January * February * ... Current Issue

Reading Together - James McBride The Schoolcraft Community Library is participating in the county wide program "Reading Together" sponsored by the Kalamazoo Public Library. "Reading Together" invites people of all ages and from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. A community-wide selection committee chose The Color of Water, James McBride's poignant tribute to his courageous mother as this year's Reading Together book.   Every library in Kalamazoo County is participating in this year's program. You can join in too ... 1.  Check out The Color of Water from the Schoolcraft Community Library, and pick up the free reader's guide. 2.  Read the book, and use the free reader's guide to help you get the most out of it. 3.  Discuss the book with one of our local discussion groups at the Schoolcraft Library: *Monday, March 14, 2005 - 6:00 pm *Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 1:00 pm You can find out more about "Reading Together" at http://www.readingtogether.us/

March Book of the Month Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte A story of how one man went from being the head of the household to the bottom of the pecking order. When Bob Tarte bought a house in rural Michigan, he was counting on a tranquil haven.  Then Bob married Linda.  She wanted a rabbit, which seemed, at the time, innocuous enough.  But that was just the beginning.  Wouldn't a parrot be cute?  Linda said.  Bob suddenly found himself constructing pens, buying feed, clearing duck waste, spoonfeeding at mealtime.  One day he realized he'd become a servant to a relentlessly demanding family, and a motley crew it was.  Writing as someone who's been ambushed by the way in which animals, even cranky ones, can wend their way into the heart, Bob Tarte reveals the truth of animal ownership - and who really owns whom. See Bob's animals at http://www.enslavedbyducks.com/

March is ... "Parenting Awareness Month" A Michigan campaign to celebrate people raising children and promote resources to help with this important task. Resources and free materials are available at your local library.	Did You Know ... The Schoolcraft Community Library provides a service for homebound patrons? If you or someone you know can not get out of the house because of physical limitations, and you would like some reading material to help pass the time, contact the library to make arrangements for materials to be delivered to your home.
Computer Tip of the Month What precautions can you take to prevent Identity theft? Check out http://www.IDTheftCenter.org The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a nonprofit, nationally respected program dedicated exclusively to identity theft.  It provides consumer and victim support and advises governmental agencies, legislators and companies about this evolving and growing crime.

Friends of the Library
The "Friends of the Library" believe in the importance of the library and encourage the use of the facility.  The purpose of "Friends" is to enhance library services by providing invaluable voluntary assistance and supplemental income through charitable donations and fundraisers. 
From April 30th to May 7th, 2005 the Portage Barnes and Noble bookstore will donate to the "Schoolcraft Friends of the Library" a percentage of the total sales of all customers purchasing books and other items with the book fair voucher available at the library. 
If you plan on making any purchases at Barnes & Noble soon, please pick up a voucher and use it during the week of April 30 to May 7.  Get some for family and friends too! 
The "Friends" meet on a regular basis at the library.   If you believe in the importance of the library, consider joining us.  The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 18 at 10:00 am.

Kid's Book Corner The Right Dog for the Job, Ira's Path from Service Dog to Guide Dog by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, photos by William Munoz Ira was not born to be just any dog.  A few weeks after his birth, a foster puppy raiser with PawsAbilities, Canine Partners for People with Disabilities, took him home to begin his training as a service dog.  Service dogs help people who have a lot of difficulty moving around on their own.  To become one, Ira must learn how to retrieve dropped keys; press a wheelchair sign to open doors; turn on light switches with his nose; sit quietly in loud, distracting places; and do many other difficult tasks.  Not many dogs can do all that!!  Fortunately, Ira is smart and confident, and he is able to learn his lessons quickly.  Unfortunately, the new facility that Ira needs to attend for more detailed training isn't ready.  What will happen to Ira?  Will he be able to learn a new career as a guide dog for the blind? Find out more about Service Dogs: ... http://www.caninecompanions.org ... http://www.guidedogs.com

Newsletter issues of The Schoolcraft Scoop are available at the Schoolcraft Community Library at the front desk. Please stop by and pick up a copy - your interest is appreciated!