helenthomasSince John F. Kennedy's presidency, Helen Thomas has covered more presidents as a member of the White House Press Corps than any journalist working today. When she appears at The Michigan Theater (603 East Liberty, Ann Arbor) on Tuesday, November 24 at 7pm to discuss her new book, (co-written with Craig Crawford), 'Listen Up Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do,' her sharp humor and candid views about the White House will make for a memorable evening. This special event is cosponsored by Michigan Radio. There is no charge for this public event. Tickets are not required.

When I met Bill Harley thirty years ago, and heard him tell stories at a concert in a beautiful old church in Cambridge, MA, I knew he had the sense of humor, depth and compassion to move everyone in the family to laughter and tears. I am tickled pink that our library will be hosting this Grammy award-winning storyteller and musician on Sunday, November 22 at 1:00 pm for a free family show at the Ark for ages five and up. If you are a grown-up looking for an evening of classy entertainment come to the 7:30 pm Ark show that same date for more edgy and exquisite fun!

museumExpecting out of town visitors for the holidays? Show them the rich cultural offerings of southeast Michigan (and get out of the cold) with a Museum Adventure Pass, which offers free admission for 2 or 4 people to participating museums. Walk off that extra helping of mashed potatoes in the grand halls of the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History, the Arab American National Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), and many more! Passes are available at all branches.

LivingGreat Lakes

Jerry Dennis' book, 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching For The Heart Of The Inland Seas' is the title selected as the focus of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2010. This year's theme is Michigan.

An eleven-member selection team, composed of community members, educators, students and librarians from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area chose the book Wednesday night after two hours of deliberation. The other title under consideration was 'Arc of Justice: Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in The Jazz Age' by Kevin Boyle.

The winner of the “Best Book of 2003” by the Outdoor Writers Association of America,'The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas' chronicles author Jerry Dennis’ travels as a crew member on the tall-masted schooner Malabar on a four-week trip through the waters of Lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. The author, a resident of Traverse City, Michigan, reminisces on a lifetime spent near the lakes and interweaves his personal journey with stories from the biologists, fishermen and sailors that he met during his travels.

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2010 is scheduled to occur January through February 2010, with multiple opportunities for the community to become involved. For more information, visit the website.