Hot Stuff

        Summer nights: The Cincinnati Fire Division is teaming up again with Gold Star Chili and the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Red Cross for Safe Summer Nights. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights through Sept. 26, firefighters will visit selected neighborhoods to inspect, install and talk about fire safety with low and fixed-income residents.

        Special consideration will be given to those residents over 65 and/or hearing impaired. Last year, firefighters visited more than 6,000 homes, installed almost 3,000 smoke detectors and replaced almost 1,200 batteries.

        Visit your nearest fire station to find out when Safe Summer Nights representatives arrive in your neighborhood.

        A great time: Kellogg celebrates Tony the Tiger's 50th birthday with The Gr-r-reatTony the Tiger Awards program to recognize kids ages 6-14. Those who exemplify the Tony the Tiger spirit of achievement have overcome a personal challenge or helped others to do so. Adults may write a 500-word essay on how their nominee exhibits the Tony the Tiger spirit of achievement.

        Grand prize is a $10,000 scholarship, nine others receive a $2,000 scholarship. All 10 finalists also win a trip with one parent or guardian to an awards ceremony, a year's supply of Frosted Flakes and a statuette. Deadline: June 15. Forms at www.tonythetiger.com or (800) 962-1413.

Shelf Help

        Bookworm bonanza: This will help expand the book collection on your shelf. The Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County return to Fountain Square Monday for their 30th annual used book and record sale.

        Thousands of books, books-on-tape, records, videos and CDs will be sold daily through next Friday, also called Big Bag Friday. On that day, last-minute buyers may purchase a shopping bag for $5 and fill it with as many items as possible. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. next Friday. 369-6035.

Family Fun

        World tripping: Master Communications has released the latest videos in its Families of the World series. Families of Russia and Families of the United Kingdom ($19.99 each) features two elementary school children, one living in a city and one in the country. A child's voice guides viewers through a “day in the life” of the featured children and their families. The video series also includes families in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Israel, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Thailand and the United States.

        Give peace a chance: At the end of World War II, Jella Lepman decided to use children's picture books to promote peace and tolerance. She established the International Youth Library in 1946 and currently has 470,000 children's and youth literature titles in 130 languages. Some have been included in a traveling exhibition called “Picture Books for Peace and Tolerance,” on display at the Main Library today through July 5. Free. 369-6900 or www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

        Contact Shauna Scott Rhone by phone: 768-8511; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: srhone@enquirer.com.

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