Today is a day some of us celebrate with mixed emotions: the anniversary of the day in 1875 when the electric dental drill was patented. Today is also the anniversary of the day in 1784 that Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to his daughter, expressed his unhappiness over the choice of the eagle as the symbol of America. He preferred the turkey.

Wednesday is National Compliment Day. Compliments are appreciated by the receiver and also lift the spirits of the giver; they provide a quick and easy way to connect positively with others. Giving compliments forges bonds, dispels loneliness, and just plan feels good. So, plan to give at least five compliments today!

Friday is Fun At Work Day. Tap into the power of fun and laughter, which not only releases tension, but also builds rapport and enhances our creativity and productivity, by planning a fun activity in your work environment. Since Friday is also National Puzzle Day, it's the perfect time to share some fun!

Saturday is National Inane Answering Message Day, set aside to change, shorten, replace, or delete those ridiculous and/or annoying answering machine messages that waste the time of anyone who must listen to them. Sunday is National Popcorn Day, and what's more fun than eating a super bowl of popcorn while you enjoy Super Bowl XXXIIII.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Wednesday's 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. "night" storytimes feature stories and a variety of crafts, including a star headband, moon and stars mobile, and a moon and stars box. "Newspapers" is the theme Saturday morning's 10:00 storytime. Crafts for the day are decorating a newspaper hat, making a newspaper boat, and writing your own newspaper.

BOOK TALK

The library's Bob Kerwick provides this week's book information. If you are a fan of fictional naval warfare, then we have the books you are looking for! James H. Cobb has written two books featuring the US Navy's first "Stealth Destroyer" and the first fighting ship to be commanded by a female captain. They are "Choosers of the Slain" and "Sea Strike."

Patrick Robinson writes about submarines in the post Cold War era. His two offerings at this point are "Nimitz Class" and "Kilo Class." Another submarine specialist you might enjoy is Michael DiMercurio, whose books include "Voyage of the Devilfish" and "Attack of the Seawolf." "Tomahawk," by David Poyer, is the latest in his series about the career of Lt. Dan Lenson. Other books in the series include "The Circle," "The Med," "The Gulf," and "The Passage."

If aircraft carriers and naval aviation are more to your liking, then you've got to read the Stephen Coonts series featuring Jake Grafton. Start with "Flight of the Intruder" and follow Jake's career from fighter pilot to admiral. P.T. Deuterman has also written a number of books about naval adventures both on and off the sea. Some titles are "Sweepers," "Official Privilege," "Edge of Honor," and "Scorpion in the Sea." Those who want to add a little political warfare into the mix are sure to like "Balance of Power" by James Huston.

This is, of course, only a partial listing of what the library has for your enjoyment. For more titles, check with one of the friendly, helpful reference librarians!