The Troy Public Library will close from 6 pm, Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

We will reopen at 10 am, Saturday, November 28.

We wish you a safe and pleasant holiday.

(Photo: patries71)

2009 is Motown's 50th birthday, and the party's on at the Troy Public Library.

Check out the display near the New Books in the Adult Services area for titles on the made-in-Detroit record company and its many artists past and present.  Included, too, are books on other significant African-American music genres, notably jazz and blues.  Don't forget to stop by our CD collection to sample that marvelous Motown sound.

For a more hands-on experience, consider a visit to the Motown Historical Museum and the adjacent Hitsville U.S.A., Motown's original recording studio.  Call 313.875.2264 for visitor information.

(Photo: pocketdora)

Attention teen writers!

The Troy Public Library is launching a creative writing contest in celebration of Teen Read Week. You could win a Borders gift card or see your work featured on our new website!

We are looking for short fiction (1,200 words or fewer) and poetry (20 lines or fewer). Library patrons ages 13 to 17 are welcome to submit their typed, double-spaced work to the Adult Services Department reference desk by December 7. Feel free to enter in both categories if you like, but please only submit one piece in each category.

To be eligible to win, be sure your submission includes:

• Your name
• Your age
• Your phone number
• Your email address

Good luck! We're looking forward to reading your work.

Interested in learning how to better use Polaris, the Troy Public Library's new catalog? The Library is offering one-hour classes covering the basics, including how to: find items you want; request titles to be held; renew material; save your reading list; manage your account; use the children's catalog; and access MeLCat, the statewide library system.

The classes are free, open to the public, and held in the Library Training Room. Click on the date for which you want to register, and enter your name, phone, and email address. We'll send you a confirmation:

5 pm, Tuesday, November 24
11 am, Monday, November 30
6 pm, Thursdays, December 3
6 pm, Tuesday, December 8
11 am, Friday, December 18
1 pm, Monday, December 21
1 pm, Monday, December 28

Questions? Email Phillip Kwik at kwikpj@troymi.gov, or phone 248.619.7577.