Welcome to Simplify Your Life Week (reduce clutter, thereby reducing stress and acquiring a happier and more peaceful lifestyle); National Bargain Hunting Week (not much chance of reducing clutter this way); and National Smile Week ("Share a smile, and it will come back to you, bringing happiness to you and the giver").
    Wednesday is the anniversary of the day in 1861 when Abraham Lincoln signed into law the first federal income tax, to become effective January 1, 1862. It was a 3% tax levied on incomes of more than $800, as an emergency wartime measure only. It was never really put into effect and was rescinded in 1872. Now that's something to smile about: a tax that never went into effect!
    Sunday is Book Lovers Day. Sponsored by, "A writer, on behalf of all writers, readers, librarians, booksellers, and publishers," this day encourages us to borrow or buy a book and start reading it. You can also celebrate by lending or giving a book to somebody you love!
    Sunday is also Family Day, which focuses attention on family solidarity and its potential as the best teacher of basic beliefs and values. In addition, Sunday is National Hand-Holding Day, a day to take the opportunity to hold the hand of someone you hold dear!
    Finally, Sunday is the beginning of the best-known and most spectacular meteor showers, the Perseids, which peak about August 10-12. As many as 50-100 may be seen in a single night. While you're holding someone's hand, take this opportunity to wish upon a "falling star" - or a hundred of them!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?
    At Wednesday's 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. storytimes, participants will see "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," a stick puppet play, and they'll also make a dancing bear! Saturday morning's 10:00 storytime features stories about medieval England, a jeweled sword craft, and a fight-a-dragon activity.

BOOK TALK
    The library's Larry Holm again provides this week's book information. If you liked "The Horse Whisperer," you might want to check out some of these fine animal related stories. "The Compassion of Animals" by Kristin Von Kreisler is a collection of true stories of courage and kindness shown by animals that is sure to be moving. One story, for example, is about a dog that hates explosions grabbing a hissing firecracker in its mouth to protect a toddler that was in the wrong place.
    "Hedgehogs Today" by Dennis Kelsey-Wood is one animal book that you have to see to believe. It is the ultimate, definitive, full-color, laminated-glossy guide to the care and well-being of these cantaloupe-sized, fully automated, inside-out pincushions.
    Two favorites that set a new standard of excellence are "I Found a Baby Rabbit: What Do I Do?" and its companion in this new series, "I Found a Baby Bird: What Do I Do?" They are very short, but extremely thorough, kind of like having an expert veterinarian on the scene with you. They cover everything, including injuries, but the most helpful advice of all is to watch and wait before you touch because the lone baby may not be alone at all.

DID YOU KNOW?
    According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs are pack animals that need socialization and exercise. It is helpful to arrange "play dates" with other animals - especially during a dog's adolescence (age 6 to 18 months), when it is most likely to become destructive. Make sure the dogs are compatible and supervise them constantly. Be prepared to intervene if play turns aggressive.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: "Nostalgia is longing for the place you'd never move back to." (unknown)

JUDY ARMSTRONG, 624-7276

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