Blogs

A Fatal Grace: A Three Pines Mystery by Louise Penny

Posted by: Jean Hansen on April 14, 2010

Check our catalog for: A Fatal Grace

A Fatal Grace coverThis is the second book in the mystery series set in the small town of Three Pines, Quebec, and featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete du Quebec. (Smart, experienced, and patient - he's just what you want in a chief inspector).  A woman nobody likes is electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake while watching a game of curling, and Gamache and his team have to figure out who the murderer is.  The characters of the townspeople are interesting and appealing and well developed - you really get to know them and their individual personalities.  Three Pines just seems so pleasant and cozy. The first book in the series is Still Life.  These are great books, especially if you like your cozy mysteries with a little French mixed in.

Last Minute Tax Resources - April 2010

Posted by: Andrew Mutch on April 12, 2010

Image of tax formsThursday, April 15th is the deadline to file your state and federal tax returns. We've compiled a list of resources that can help you if you're still working on completing your forms.

For those who are unable to file by April 15th, view this resource about filing for an extension of time to file from the IRS.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Posted by: Jean Hansen on April 5, 2010

Check our catalog for: The Glass Castle

 

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls takes the reader on an incredible journey through the lives of the Walls family told by the middle child Jeanette who by her own strength of character and persistance leaves an abusive family environment to thrive in New York as a successful journalist. Wall's memoir exposes startling neglect within a context of humor and irony as the family consisting of four children and two clueless parents falls deeper and deeper into debt, neglect and abject poverty. You will find yourself rooting for Jeannette throughout this well told story. I loved this book.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Posted by: Jean Hansen on April 1, 2010

Check our catalog for: The Beekeeper's Apprentice

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King is a well drawn historical novel that makes the assumption that Sherlock Holmes is real and that he takes on an apprentice by the name of Mary Russell. The relationship between Holmes and Russell developes slowly throughout the book and by the end, the characters, including Dr. Watson and Mrs. Hudson provide enthralling escape for the reader into the world at the turn of the century. King is up to her 10th installment in this well written series. Fans of Conan Doyle will be pleased.

National Census Day - Every Person Counts

Posted by: Andrew Mutch on April 1, 2010

Census LogoApril 1 is National Census Day. The US census takes place every ten years and is mandated by the US Constitution. The first census was conducted in 1790 under the direction of then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.

The population count of everyone living in the United States is used to apportion seats in the US House of Representatives. Because many state and federal programs are funded based on the Census's population totals, it's important that every resident in Waterford is counted. Returning Census forms in a timely fashion also helps to save tax dollars. Each completed form returned is one less household that Census workers will have to visit later this year. 

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Filing Your Taxes Online for Free

Posted by: Andrew Mutch on March 30, 2010

Free File LogoApril 17th is fast approaching and with it comes the deadline to file your state and federal income tax returns. If you still need to complete your tax returns, there are some free options for filing your tax returns online that may make the process go a little bit easier. You can also check out the online offerings from commercial tax preparation companies. These companies will assist you to complete and file your state and federal tax returns for a fee. 

Both the IRS and the State of Michigan encourage online filing. They have indicated that filing tax returns online results in fewer mistakes and for those getting a refund, a faster turnaround on issuing your refund. Which free options you qualify for is determined by your adjusted gross income. Review each of the options below to determine which ones you are qualified to use.

Just looking for tax forms and instructions? See these resources

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New Moon on DVD

Posted by: Lindsay Chittle on March 30, 2010

It's here! Place your hold now for New Moon on DVD.

Free Melissa Marr Story

Posted by: Lindsay Chittle on March 30, 2010

While you're waiting for the next installment of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series, check out Harper Teen's website for a FREE short story set in the world of Wicked Lovely.

New DVDs!

Posted by: Sarah Weinstein on March 10, 2010

Warning: New titles go in and out quickly! Click on the call number of the title you're interested in to go directly to the catalog. From there, you can place a hold and we will let you know when it becomes available for you. You can also ask in the Adult Services Department or call 248-618-7693 if you need help in placing a request.

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New at the library: a Rental Collection

Posted by: Jean Hansen on March 2, 2010

Our new Rental Collection provides library users with another option for obtaining popular fiction and non-fiction titles currently on national best-seller lists.  The rental collection consists of copies of best sellers.  Rental books are available on a walk-in basis only.  They are not holdable electronically nor will staff pull copies to hold for callers.  (Some libraries call it a "Lucky Day" Collection).  The collection is located in the Circulation lobby to the left of the entrance to the Periodicals Room.

 How do you check out a rental title? 
1.  Rental books check out with a non-refundable rental fee of $1 for the first 4 days collected at the time of checkout.
2.  Rental books out for more than 4 days will accrue an additional 25 cents/day beginning on day 5.
3.  Additional rental fees that accrue on copies out more than 4 days will be assessed to your library account.
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