Planning a family reunion this summer?  A reunion can provide a wonderful opportunity to investigate family relationships, record an oral history or to start a family association or newsletter.  Let your family reunion expand your genealogical horizons!

Do you commute to work?  Check on the conditions, construction and congestion by looking at the MN Dept. of Transportion's 511 Service.

The city of St. Paul and the St. Paul Public Library are getting prepared for the Republican National Convention in early September. Check on local events and issues surrounding this national gathering.

OneBag is a comprehensive site providing tips for packing light.

Scientific American has a great article on circuit bending, check out the slideshow....

Did you know there's a Minnesota Music Hall of Fame?  And a museum?  If you're heading to New Ulm,  stop at the MInnesota  Music Hall of Fame Museum to check it out.

The birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Check out more information about this special holiday:    www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml

WebdoPresse indexes links to a worldwide collection of newspapers

The U.S. Senate Youth Program allows selected students to experience the federal government in action. The Minnesota Dept of Education will accept applications until Oct. 15, 2008.

Check out the events and plan your visit to Taste of Minnesota 2008

The Business Plan Builder takes you through the process of writing a business plan step by step.  Offered through the Micro Entrepreneur Resource Center, a joint project of Hennepin County Library and the Neighborhood Development Center.

Check out Common Craft.  They have some great videos that explain some of the current uses of social technology.

The Federal Trade Commission Spam page has tips on reducing spam in your email and alerts on common email scams to avoid.

Scan the latest news on the flooding in the midwest on Google News.  The Minnesota Dept. of Health and the Centers for Disease Control offer tips on staying healthy, preparing for and protecting yourself during a flood.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce gives tips about storm damage and insurance.

Are you researching your "family tree"? Several classes scheduled this month and next for beginning to intermediate researchers will teach how to access historical records and online resources.

Traveling this summer? Arm yourself with a few useful expressions in one of 26 languages. Bon voyage!

Celebrate by attending one of many local events, including author readings and a book and video sale at the Quatrefoil Library, and a festival, parade and more hosted by Twin Cities Pride!

Learn more about the votes on various bills before Congress by using the Browse votes by topic or date feature in the CQ Weekly database.  Print copies, of this weekly publication on the deliberations of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, are available at the Southdale Library.

Read this Google blog entry, and see what you can do to improve the security of your password.

Father's Day is everyday for these fathers.

Minnesota's professional women's basketball team has started the season strong, by breaking team and league records.  Check WNBA for news, schedules and player stats.

LawHelpMN.org provides a calendar that lists free walk-in clinics in Minnesota that provide legal advice on immigration. A weekly clinic is offered at United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, by the Volunteer Lawyers Network. Other clinics are held monthly.

The City of Hugo website provides up to date information about the May 25 tornado.  Includes info for residents, media, where donations can be made and what is needed, ways to volunteer, damage assessment and more.

One week after its May 25th landing on Mars, the Phoenix spacecraft robotic arm is scooping up soil samples. Follow the mission from the NASA website or the University of Arizona site.

Take a look at the presidential election from the British perspective at the BBC.

 World Food Programme, the food aid branch of the United Nations,  addresses the impact of high food and fuel prices across the world.

Protect yourself and your family from skin cancer. Take a quiz from the American Cancer Society to learn  What's Your Sun-Safety IQ?  Read What Is The UV Index? then Lookup Your UV Index from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Looking for some games to play?  Try Everyrule to find the rules for Kids Games, Board Games, Card Games, and more.  You can find some excellent games online at the library's KidLinks Fun & Games page and the TeenLinks Gaming page.  Have your kids join a summer league with Minneapolis Park & Recreation.  Explore games physically and virtually to have a fun summer!

Wondering what to get Dad? Why not frame and print one of three choices for family trees, which go back four generations? Our Getting Started section can help you fill in the blanks of your family history.