I read an article the other week that talked about being open to change and the opportunity cost that goes with every choice we make. Opportunity cost is the benefit, profit, or value of something that must be given up to acquire or achieve something else. Since every resource, whether it is land, money, time, etc., can be put to alternative uses, every action, choice, or decision has an associated opportunity cost. Most often, I hear people expressing concern over the lack of two resources in particular - money and time. Use of your public library decreases your opportunity cost (saves you both money and time) and increases your resources. It's the easiest, and possibly most useful economics lesson you'll ever learn! 

Trish Burns, Director, Public Libraries of Saginaw 

tburns@saginawlibrary.org - 755-9833

Come get the scoop about Claytor Library! Claytor will be hosting an ice-cream social for back-to-school. The social will include party games, a meet and greet, and an information session about the libraries' services. All are welcome to enjoy tasty ice cream at the program!

Tuesday, August 14

1:30 p.m.

Claytor Library

The hot times of summer are beginning to give way to the scenes of fall. Whether you are a parent anticipating your child's new school year or an adult taking the step to engage in life-long learning, remember that you can start here at the Public Libraries of Saginaw and go places. Our five library locations offer a variety of resources and services for children, teens, childcare providers, educators and adults.

For Children & Teens: Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to attend our free programs that include craft activities, magic shows, Lego club, reading activities, workshops and more. If you're looking for materials to help you with that special project or book report, just ask at the information desk, and someone will assist you.

For Adults: Sign up today for your own one-hour session of personalized technology training. Feel free to bring in your own laptop, tablet, or other technology device. This is also a great time to learn the latest about our on-line databases or the latest in e-books.

Do you have that urge to begin pulling together your family history? Visit our genealogy department and begin a project that will keep you digging for clues.

These are only a few of the wonderful features that are available to you at the Public Libraries of Saginaw. We are excited about our services, and we eagerly await your arrival at one of our five library locations, or your visit to our website, www.saginawlibrary.org.

Don't Forget: "Start Here....Go Places" 

Michigan's funny man will bring bedtime stories to life as he performs dazzling tricks and big surprises during this interactive show. Children ages 4-10 are invited to wear their favorite pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to the Back-to-School Pajama Jam Comedy Show with Joel Tacey. Everyone will be laughing out loud as they gear up for the new school year.

Tuesday, August 28

6:30 p.m.

Hoyt Library

For Children ages 4-10

Play BINGO with us to win back-to-school supplies and more!

Children under 7 years old must have an adult helper.

Monday, August 13 - 3:00 p.m.

Butman-Fish Library

Tuesday, August 21 - 4:00 p.m.

Wickes Library

Wednesday, August 22 - 2:30 p.m.

Hoyt Library

Tuesday, August 28 - 1:30 p.m.

Claytor Library

You have a passion ... a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This free seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go! Who should attend this seminar? Entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, and 'closet' business owners. Registration is encouraged, online at http://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx  

Wednesday, August 15

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hoyt Library

Registration for this event will begin Monday, July 30th by calling

799-9160 after 9:00 a.m. Children must be 7-12 to register and adult participation is encouraged.

Saturday, August 18

2:00 p.m.

Butman-Fish Library

Beat the Heat at Zauel Library and join us for food and movies. On Wednesday, August 15 we will be showing "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows." Snacks and pop will be provided. On Wednesday, August 29 we will be showing "Monte Carlo." An assortment of ice cream treats will be provided. Bring a friend . . . or two . . . or three . . . and beat the heat. Both showings are free. We just ask that you register so that we can have an accurate count for food. To register, simply call Zauel Memorial Library at 799-2771 or stop by the Zauel Adult Reference desk. Movies are open to anyone in grades 6-12.

Wednesdays - August 15 & 29

6:00 p.m.

Zauel Library

Have shells you've collected from your summer vacation? If so, bring them with you and add them to your mirror. If not, no big deal. We'll have a large selection of shells available for everyone to use. When you are done, you will have a locker mirror framed in an assortment of beautiful shells to remind you of your summer vacation every time you open your locker. This is a fun, easy craft project that you'll enjoy using just as much as you enjoy making it. Please register ahead of time so that we have ample supplies. You can register by calling Zauel Library at 799-2771 or stop by the Zauel Adult Reference desk. This project is open to tweens and teens. 

Saturday, August 25

1:00 p.m.

Zauel Library

The book, "Eat Cake" by Jeanne Ray, will be discussed. No registration required.

Thursday, August 16

2:00 p.m.

Butman-Fish Library

Drop-in Storytime includes books brought to life by

Ms. Maureen, music and movement for Preschoolers!

Fridays @ 10:30 a.m.

August 24, 31 & September 7, 14, 21 & 28

Butman-Fish Library

National Night Out - August 7

Health Delivery Back to School Round Up - August 8

African Cultural Festival - August 10

Friday Night Live - August 17

Children's Fun Day - August 21

Consumers Energy Employee & Family

Health /Wellness Day - August 22

Party on McCarty - August 23

Wonderfest - August 25

Whether you're doing a business plan, relocating, or just looking for demographic information for any area of the United States, this database is for you. For entrepreneurs, this will help answer questions like "Who are my competitors?", "Who are my customers?", and "Where do I want to locate my business?"

Users can customize geographic areas, and run unlimited reports including comparison and ranking formats. Information from the census includes population, income, housing, race, age, education, businesses, retail sales, consumer expenditures and more.

This database can help users identify household buying patterns, create and analyze trade areas, evaluate market penetration, target marketing campaigns, and select the right merchandise mix.

To explore DemographicsNow, just click on this link or go to www.saginawlibrary.org/resources/magazine-articles-and-databases to access this and other valuable databases.

DemographicsNow is provided free to any resident of our legal service area with a valid library card, and may be used both in-house and from home.

Celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September with a new card! Our fresh library card design features our new tagline "Start Here, Go Places", along with the familiar logo and our QR code. As always, your library card comes with a mini-card to use on your keychain, plus we have an added bonus of a matching bookmark! Always in fashion, it's what the well-dressed wallet or keychain will be wearing this fall.

A Haunting at Hoyt Library