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Clare Hanman Library provides companion books to TV's how-to shows Maybe it's just me, but every time I turn on the television there seems to be another new home/life improvement program. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary, some of the advice on these types of shows is really useful, and what's more, there is often a certain comfort in seeing that someone else's house is messier than mine or in a greater state of disrepair. Unfortunately, I am often too engrossed watching the people being "rescued from themselves" that I forget a lot of the how-to tips. Luckily so many of these wise and wonderful television presenters have also written books, many of which we have here for you to borrow at the library. Here's a small sampling: Are you trying (unsuccessfully) to sell your house? Maybe all it needs is a little TLC from the House Doctor. Ann Maurice, a Californian "home stager" is also the host of the long-running series, House Doctor, and the author of several books. Her book, House Doctor A-Z of Design compiles many of her favourite techniques and is a great resource for improving your home, whether for perspective buyers or simply for your own enjoyment. Are you happy with your home but need some help with its day-to-day maintenance? Then you might be interested in How Clean is Your House, a show that has run for the past year on the Women's Network. The intrepid team of Kim Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie take on homes of "clean-a-phobics", some of which have not been touched with a vacuum in years. Their handy series companion book is packed full of their cleaning tips and tricks. One thing I particularly like is their emphasis on natural cleaning products-- great for the environment and easy on allergies. Do you want to buy a house? Then perhaps you can use advice from Suze Orman, a financial guru who is probably best known in television for her PBS specials. Her latest book, The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke is aimed towards people in their 20s and 30s who face the burden of student loans and the temptation of seemingly infinite credit at the same time that they are struggling with buying homes, cars, and starting families. In addition to these titles, we also have companion books to television shows such as Supernanny, The Decorating Challenge, The Shopping Bags, Holmes on Homes, What Not to Wear and many more, along with some DVDs of the television shows themselves. For more information, please visit the Halton Hills Public Library website at www.library.hhpl.on.ca. Clare Hanman is a circulation supervisor at the Halton Hills Public Library