Super Bowl XLVI

Are you ready for some football?!

Whether you're a die-hard football fan or not, odds are you know the Super Bowl is coming up. You might even know who's playing this year. The Super Bowl has become ingrained in American culture, from the game itself to the media hype surrounding it.

This year the New England Patriots face off against the New York Giants (not to be confused with the former baseball team of the same name, as I may or may not be guilty of) February 5th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST. This year's halftime show features performances by Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas, The Who, Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2 (whew!)

And, of course, there are the Super Bowl commercials, the airing of which has become an event of its own. Portions of this this year's ads have already been leaked online, and the debate over the greatest Super Bowls ads of all time rages on.

To help your pre-game prep, we've collected some of the many books the library has about football. We've even selected a range of the books just about the Pats and the Giants, written by former players, coaches, historians and fans. Finally, test your Super Bowl knowledge at the source.

And if you're not a fan, there are alternatives, such as The Puppy Bowl VIII, a new episode of "Downton Abbey" on PBS or fight hunger in your community by participating in The Souper Bowl of Caring.

Good luck to both teams, and may the odds be ever in your favor!