To do

Dig this: In honor of Earth Day, the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County is giving anyone who checks out a book or other item all day today a free white oak seedling. Supplies are limited and available at the Main Library or at any of the 41 branches.

Earth Day isn't until April 22, but you'll have a tree you planted in your yard to help improve the environment.

Batter up: While you're at the library, you can sign up now through April 12 to "Get on Top of Your Game @ Your Library." Check out five or more items and enter a contest to win Reds tickets, a Reds baseball cap or an autographed photo of Sean Casey. Also swing by the special photo exhibit Baseball: America's Game, on display through April 24 at the Main Library. Pictures from ballparks and stadiums long ago are featured, as well as photos from the Negro Leagues and the 1919 World Series. Free. Baseball-related events at other branches are listed online. 369-6945.

Family opera: Before there were musicals, there was opera. Cincinnati Opera presents two special family-friendly performances this month to introduce kids to opera. This new weekend series features 45-minute performances at several neighborhood venues throughout the Tristate. A Bride from Pluto by Gian Carlo Menotti will take the stage 10:30 a.m. April 12 at the Covedale Center for Performing Arts. Rossini's The Barber of Seville will be presented 10:30 a.m. April 26 at Loveland High School. Tickets for each show are $3, available at each location or call 241-2742. www.cincinnatiopera.com.

Guide to art: Docents are extremely knowledgeable tour guides trained to interpret the permanent collection at museums and then lead tours, run workshops or staff galleries to answer questions. The Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park would like to fill its Docent Corps with more young people during the evenings and weekends to speak to school groups and young adults. Deadline: May 15. 639-2997 or jay.asplan@cincyart.org.

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

The family pet

Scruffy, a 5-year-old mixed breed, goes with owners Joe and Donna Eilerman of Fort Mitchell each Saturday to participate in St. Charles Nursing Home's bingo. Patients rub Scruffy for luck, and at the end of the games, patients who use wheelchairs get a pull from Scruffy back to their rooms.

Mona Bronson Fuqua

We are looking for more cute pets. Contact Mona Bronson Fuqua by phone at 768-8675; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: mfuqua@enquirer.com