5 Things You Need To Know Today—Wednesday, May 16

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1) A chance of showers today, cloudy with a high near 67. South wind between 8 and 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Tonight, continued chance of showers, mainly before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 53. West wind between 6 and 11 mph. (Forecast by the National Weather Service.)

2) all day today. Visit the Barnes & Noble in Saugus on Route 1 all day and stock up on birthday gifts and summer reading books—or even enjoy a cup of coffee in the cafe— and 10-15 percent of your purchases will benefit the Roosevelt School Library and literacy programs. Bring the kids between 3-5 p.m. for reading, arts & crafts with Roosevelt School teachers and Principal Kerry Clery. Come back in the evening with your older kids (best for grades 4-6) for an exciting activity with author Pendred Noyce (of Lost in Lexicon).

3) tonight. NuPath, Inc. presents the 15th Annual “A Taste of Spring" tonight at 6 p.m. an evening of delicious tastings by 25 food purveyors, raffles, and door prizes. Representing Melrose are Bobby C's Ristorante, Spice of Melrose and Turner's Seafood Grill & Market. All proceeds benefit programs for 350 adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, in over 40 communities with  affordable housing, job training and placement, transportation, and other services.

4) Here are today's specials around Melrose:

• : Soup—Tomato; Lunch—Grilled Cheese w/Tomato & Bacon. [Note: menu subject to change.]

• Do you own a Melrose eatery? E-mail your daily specials to danield@patch.com by 6 p.m. and we'll include them in next morning's .

5) Here's today's lineup of weekly columns that run each Wednesday on Melrose Patch:

• Poll of the Week: We'll run a poll every Wednesday asking you to weigh in with a quick click on the topic du jour. We'll compile the answers into an article next Tuesday.

• Get Out: Looking for something to do this weekend? Our roundup of stuff to do this weekend in Melrose now runs on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. (Giving you more time in advance of Thursday night events.)

Check our calendar for the full slate of events—and add your own!