Every Wednesday, Miss Kathleen provides links to a variety of things happening at libraries across the country. If there's something fun going on in your local library this week, leave us a comment!

Like eating? Like books? See if your area has an Edible Books Festival, where people compete to make the best book title/cake creation. Check out these amazing pictures from the recent Seattle Edible Book Festival. There are events at the libraries at Duke and the University of Illinois, too. If there doesn't appear to be a similar event where you are, start one!
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Last week reader Lauren told us about a great contest for library lovers: the American Library Association's Library Advocacy Day. Make a short video illustrating why libraries are important, and you could not only launch your YouTube career, but also win a cool $250. Entry deadline is May 26, so get working!

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We also heard about a library that was in danger of closing last week. Sadly, it's not the only one. All the libraries in New Jersey are facing a crisis, but the good news is that you can do something about it. New Jersey-ites, go here and see how you can get involved to help the libraries in your community.
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Maybe libraries will be saved by the power of social networking! It is a great way to motivate people, and libraries facing budget cuts need to show that the public is on our side. This article highlights how different systems have used social media to their advantage.
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Let's stop with the depressing news, though. Ever wonder what the library you used as a kid is up to? I grew up in Peabody, MA, and just for fun, I sometimes check out their events calendar (maybe it's a librarian thing). They've got some great events, including an upcoming cooking class (with samples!): Creative Feast: Healthy Vegetarian Cooking for One or Two with a local chef. I should tell my mom to go -- she'd love it!
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Maybe cooking's not your thing. Or, maybe you don't live in Massachusetts. How about knitting? Try out the Knit Night at the Cameron Village Library in downtown Raleigh. Bring your own supplies and make something to donate to a local charity. You'll feel great and meet great new people!
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What does your library card look like? Growing up, mine was blue and white, and my current system uses bright yellow. Take a picture of yours and share it here in the comments, or send it to The Traveling Librarian, where you can see library cards from all over the country and the world.
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I missed the chance last week to highlight a silent auction featuring lots of great writers, musicians, and artists, benefiting the Iowa City Public Libraries, and I could just kick myself! But I am able to tell you about an upcoming fundraiser that sounds amazing, especially if you want to flex your crafting muscles: their 4th Annual Altered Books Exhibit and Sale. Grab an old book and turn it into a work of art, or just ooh and aah over the amazing talents by attending the fundraiser in June. Never heard of an altered book? See what you've been missing.
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Hate reading? Hate books, and think they are having a deleterious effect on our children? Check out this tongue-in-cheek article expressing that viewpoint. You'll never look at Horton Hears a Who! the same way again.
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Speaking of children's books, one children's literature blogger took it upon herself to compile the Top 100 Best Children's Novels (from an extensive poll). Here's the result. See what you think about it, and leave a comment with your favorite novel was as a kid. Mine was From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and I'm happy to see it as #5. I'm also proud to say that I have read all the books on the list (well, I couldn't get through Little Women, but got the general idea). How many have you read?
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As always, holler back and tell me what great things your library system is doing, and maybe you'll make it into next week's column! Email atthelibraries@gmail.com.

See previous installments of At the Libraries here.

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