Find out what's new in our youth collections by visiting Birth to Six (click on Book Lists), KidLinks (click on Books & Reading) and TeenLinks (click on Read On). Look for the New Books links, or bookmark these pages: Birth to Six. KidLinks. TeenLinks.

This award-winning fiction writer and essayist's work has appeared in anthologies, graphic novels and readings on National Public Radio. Hear the author of "The Wilding" and the new thriller, "Red Moon," speak on May 29 at the Southdale Library. More info.

Learn about Native American history and culture. Library resources in Special Collections include rare illustrations of Dakota Indians in the Seth Eastman Sketchbook, and 19th and early 20th century photos in the Minneapolis Historic Photo Collection. Also see databases and selected websites, and the catalog.

Wondering if your child should spend some or any time with an iPad? How does using technology affect their development? See the librarians' blog in the Parenting & Child Care subject guide for links to articles and reviews. More info.

Visit the library and use ALLDATA to get your car ready for a summer road trip. ALLDATA offers manufacturer service and repair information for over 30,000 vehicles 1982 and newer. Includes labor time, parts information and more. This database is available only on library workstations. More info.

Discover English, Spanish, French, Icelandic and many other languages using this database. Learn conversational skills, cultural awareness, vocabulary and pronunciation. Explore social networking language pages and blogs, too. More info.

The Library's Ask Us service can help you find the information you need to use the library, find a good book, research a topic, or do your homework. Connect with staff in person, by phone, or online by email, IM chat or text.

Teens who like anime (Japanese animated films) gather regularly at library clubs and other programs. Don't miss Anime Prom for a night of costumes, games, anime and music on May 11 at Brookdale Library. More info.

The Roosevelt Library renovation project is almost complete! The library will reopen on Saturday, June 1. Ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. Watch for more details about the grand opening. More info.

Birth to Six's Star Books page (formerly ELSIE) features shining examples of children's literature. Read the books aloud and talk about them with kids in your care. Our librarians highlight a book each week, with tips for sharing.

Maupin's "Tales of the City" series began as a column in the San Francisco Chronicle and grew into eight international bestselling novels, a television miniseries, a film and a musical. Hear him speak on May 16. Ticket info.

Our updated Birth to Six web pages make it easier to discover how to talk, sing, read, write and play together with your children to help them get ready to read. Also new: a Tech Together page and an updated Stories & Games page.

Prints of spectacular 19th-century blue cyanotype photos by Henry Bosse are displayed alongside modern-day photos of the same sites by St. Paul photographer Chris Faust. Exhibit in Cargill Hall Gallery at Minneapolis Central Library, lecture in Pohlad Hall. More info.

Meet Joe and John Gindele ("The Yorkville Twins"), historian Stephen Chicoine, historian John Anfinson with photographer Chris Faust ("Revisiting Twain's Mississippi" exhibit), Civil War historian Wayne Jorgenson, author Finn Enke ("Storytelling From a Transgender Perspective"), fiction writer Kelly Barnhill and award-winning novelist Benjamin Percy.

Patrons who are unable to visit the library due to illness or disability can receive library materials by mail or delivered by a volunteer. To learn more, see this video. For additional information or to apply, click here.

Our updated Birth to Six web pages make it easier to discover how to talk, sing, read, write and play together with your children to help them get ready to read. Also new: a Tech Together page and an updated Stories & Games page.

Thinking about starting your own business? Attend free events to find out what's needed, learn about the patent process, and get a free consultation with experts from LegalCORPS. Visit our Jobs and Small Business Centers. Find more helpful info in our Small Business subject guide.

You can measure your appliances' energy use and determine energy costs with easy-to-use Power Check energy meters from Xcel Energy, available for check out from the Library. The meters also identify "energy vampires" -- appliances that use energy although switched off.

What does it mean to be Asian American? Do generational differences exist? Don't miss exciting taiko drumming and theatrical performances by Mu Performing Arts that explore stereotypes plus offer insight into personal issues and the experience of being Asian American. More info.

Some 25,000 volunteers across the country will give away a half million free books on April 23, World Book Night US. This year, for the first time, the Friends of the Plymouth Library will help distribute the books. More info.

Always quick to lend a hand and offer a smile, over 2,000 adult and teen volunteers contributed 100,000 hours of service in 2012 -- as computer tutors, assisting at Homework Hub, facilitating "Conversation Circles," maintaining library materials and doing many other tasks. Thank you!

Minneapolis photographer Doug Knutson's beautiful black-and-white photos of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates are on display through May 15 at Washburn Library. On April 23, hear him talk about his experiences working with some of the world's most accomplished people. More info.

Schanilec's books are recognized as fine art and sought around the world. He will share images from and discuss the process of creating his forthcoming book, "Lac des Pleurs," on April 20 at Minneapolis Central Library. More info.

Early literacy for children of all cultures is cause for celebration! We're collaborating with community partners on events at eight libraries to raise awareness of the importance of children's reading. ¡Fiesta! More info.

Meet the award-winning chef, namesake of Cafe Brenda, owner of Spoonriver, and early devotee of organic and locally-sourced food. Langton's latest book, "The Spoonriver Cookbook," is for cooks of all abilities and a feast for the eyes. Event info.

Public libraries are vibrant learning and social centers -- the heart of their communities. This year's National Library Week theme is "Communities Matter @ Your Library!" Please join us in celebrating libraries everywhere and share your thoughts about your library on this comment form.

The toolbox is now located in Library Services and the Education & Libraries subject guide. This handy resource for teachers tells how to set up class visits, get a library card, subscribe to our newsletters, get homework help and find continuing education resources.

The Minnesota Inventors Congress, the nation's oldest inventors group, is holding its annual Invention & Idea Show on April 19 and 20. If you have patent and trademark questions, see our Patents & Trademarks subject guide, or see staff in the Business/Science/Government Documents area of Minneapolis Central Library.

You can learn about public art in our libraries, the unique resources of James K. Hosmer Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library, and investing for retirement when tpt rebroadcasts "Stop, Look, Art"; "Treasures Collected, Treasures Shared"; and "How Can I Afford Retirement?" Broadcast schedule.

tumblr.com is a blogging site for sharing photos and other content. Special Collections staff posts unique and historic resources used by our patrons. Access tumblr by clicking on the "t" icon at the bottom of our home page or follow via RSS feed.

Three of this Boston writer's bestselling novels have been adapted to film: "Mystic River" (Academy Award-winner, directed by Clint Eastwood), "Gone, Baby, Gone" (directed by Ben Affleck) and "Shutter Island" (directed by Martin Scorsese). Hear him speak on April 11. Ticket info.

You're invited to a lively discussion of "Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past" by Diane Wilson on April 7, then meet the author on April 14 and hear her talk about her book and personal identity. More info.

Most tax forms and instructions are available online 24/7 through the Minnesota Department of Revenue and the IRS. For more information on tax forms, contact information, taxpayer assistance and additional resources, see the Taxes link in our Government Information subject guide.

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has reappointed Caitlin Cahill of Maple Plain and Gary Thaden of Minneapolis. New appointees are Doris Rubenstein of Richfield and Wynfred Russell of Brooklyn Park. More info.

Join Minnesota Poet Laureate Joyce Sutphen, St. Paul Poet Laureate Carol Connolly, and Linden Hills Poet Laureate Doug Wilhide for gatherings of live poetry. Also this month: slams, contests, spoken word and poetry recitations, a poetry-writing workshop, poetry films and poetry fun for kids. More info.