Michigan has been hosting the Detroit auto show since 1907, when it cost 50 cents admission. Originally there were 17 exhibitors; for 2008 there are more than 60 from all over the world. Continuous since 1907, the show has only closed during the years of World War Two, 1942-1953. This year, tickets are $12 for adults and the dates for the public are Saturday, January 19 through Sunday, January 27.

If the roads to Detroit seem too dicey this month, there is plenty of auto information available at the library, both print and online. Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide and its new car companion volume are both available for the current year. Chilton’s repair guides are another resource, available both in print and online (with a current library card).

In addition, the Carnegie Library subscribes to Car and Driver, Hot Rod, and Motor Trend magazines. Popular Mechanics or Popular Science magazines are great places to find out about the newest technology and gizmos. The Collector Car Price Guide may be useful to the car enthusiast. Then again, maybe somebody wants to take a look at the book Crap Cars by Richard Porter. (The title sure got my attention—my two cars are sure to be in this book.) Two of our newest acquisitions are Legendary American Cars by Matt de Lorenzo and Encyclopedia of classic cars from 1890 to the present day by Craig Cheetham.

For those who prefer at-home research, not only is Chilton’s now available online (with a library card), but also Kelley Blue Book has moved online (www.kbb.com), offering both new and used car prices, with depth regarding retail, trade-in and private party values. The Edmunds’ car guide is online at www.edmunds.com, and NADA can be found at www.nadaguides.com. Finally, for the environmentally-conscious, the EPA offers a Green Vehicle Guide at the following website: www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.

Whether traveling to Detroit, visiting the library or browsing at home, there is a wide variety of car resources to choose from, and more every day.