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Anniversary of Bugs Bunny Debut, 1938
Anniversary of the first president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, to appear on television, 1939
Birthday of Willie Nelson, singer, born 1940
Birthday of Cloris Leachman, actress, born 1930
Birthday of Isiah Thomas, Hall of Fame basketball player, born 1961
Friday, April 27 is National Arbor Day, a day to honor and plant trees. It is observed on the last Friday in April, although some states have different dates. The first observance of Arbor Day was in Nebraska on April 10, 1872 where it is still a state holiday. The National Arbor Day Foundation has a wonderful website where you can learn about trees, purchase trees, receive free trees or become involved in the foundation. Last year the members planted over 8.5 million trees.
Tate Hallaway, a St. Paul resident, adds another fun series to the ever-growing vampire romance genre. Tall, Dark & Dead, the author's first novel, takes place in the dairy state - making it far enough away that readers can enjoy the thrill without imagining the hijinks next door - like one might if reading books by MaryJanice Davidson, which often take place in the Twin Cities.
The second book in this series, Dead Sexy, will be available this May, so if you like this book be sure to request the next by accessing your account on SELCO and making a request!
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970 with the message "New Energy for a New Era". Activities are held by many groups on various days, often on the weekends before and after April 22. Earth Day Network, whose website is listed below, addresses Earth Day on Capital Hill, the pledge to switch your light bulb, Earth Day events, global warming and various other topics: http://earthday.net/
For fun activities and crafts for all ages, click on this website: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/aprilholidays/l/blapr22nd.htm
Bring the kids to see the Zoo Man on Saturday, April 21st. He will be having two performances at the Skyline Plaza center court. Come see all of the animals and learn some fun facts about them at either show 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend.
On April 16, 1862, President Lincoln signed an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, an important step in the long road toward full emancipation and enfranchisement for African Americans.
"Celebration of the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia by the Colored People, in Washington, April 19, 1866" [detail], sketched by F. Dielman,
Harper's Weekly, May 12, 1866.
This illustration from Harper's Weekly depicts the fourth anniversary of the District's Emancipation Act. On April 19, 1866, African American citizens of Washington, D.C., staged a huge celebration. Approximately 5,000 people marched up Pennsylvania Avenue, past 10,000 cheering spectators, to Franklin Square for religious services and speeches by prominent politicians. Two of the many black regiments that had gained distinction in the Civil War led the procession.
Finishing Touches by Deanna Kizis tells the story of twenty-nine-year-old Jesse Holtz, whose friend Cecile dies after a car crash. Jesse falls in love with Cecile's widowed husband, resulting in an awkward path that they both must navigate as they test the limits of their relationship. Jesse must learn how to carve out a new niche in life without her long-time college friend and makes discoveries about herself and Cecile along the way.
"Looking back on it now, I wonder what I would have said if Bryn had put this scene on pause, so she could tell me that I’d soon lose all sense of propriety. If she told me I’d soon cause others terrible pain even as I experienced, at times, true joy. I didn’t know then that I, Jesse Holtz, was what one could call the “cheerleader friend”—the supporting cast member who rallied behind those who were prettier, smarter, and just generally more alive than I was. (There’s one of us in almost every group, I’m told.) Nor did I know that I’d soon break every rule upon which our female alliance was based. How could I have known?"
An emotional story told with insight and heartfelt humor. Will appeal to fans of chicklit. This is Kizis' second published book. Her first book was "How to Meet Cute Boys" (2003). She has also been published in several magazines and her witty, quick-paced writing style reflects this.
It has been 95 years since the passenger liner Titanic left port from Southampton, England on it's maiden and last voyage across the Atlantic for New York. Shortly before midnight on April 14th, the ship that was considered "unsinkable" collided with an iceberg and sank 2 hr. and 40 min. later. 1500 of the 2200 passengers were lost.
In 1985 the wreck was found in two pieces
13 miles from where it was originally thought to rest.
There are so many resources if you are interested in learning more about this disaster. Check out a movie or a book from the 910 section of either the children's or adult library to find out more.
The Albert Lea Public Library has a free publication from the Minnesota Office of Tourism entitled "Minnesota Explorer, Summer/Spring 2007". It has community travel information and telephone numbers, schedules for cultural activities throughout Minnesota, information on state parks and a detailed calendar of other state-wide events. We have copies or you can obtain one by calling 888-868-7476. "Minnesota Explorer" has a website which has travel tools, lodging information, favorite places to see and do things, upcoming events, free brochures and travel counselors. Click to check it out out: http://exploreminnesota.com/
