Saturday May 18, 2013: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm -- Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room

AADL is teaming up with the U.S. State Department and Germany's Zukunftswerkstatt (Future Workshop) to present this special event, matching three of Ann Arbor's best gamers with three winners of the German Library Gaming League to pursue ultimate LIBRARY GAMING VICTORY!

Three German Teens, ages 13, 15, and 18, are traveling to the US to compete at this May 18 tournament at the Downtown Library. They won their trips to the US at the Finals.

Cheer on your hometown gamers or our visiting German friends in a madcap sequence of video game contests, from the familiar to the bizarre, with INTERNATIONAL GLORY on the line!

This event is for teens (grades 6 - 12).

Saturday May 18, 2013: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Hey! It's a one-of-a-kind Mad Lib Poetry Workshop with the poets of the Made In Michigan Writers Series.

Team up with a famous poet to create a one-of-a-kind poem. After the poems are completed, they will be read aloud, followed by a reading of original poetry by the Michigan poets.

Books from the Made in Michigan Writers Series will be for sale. The event includes a book signing.

This event is for adults and teens (grade 4 and up).

Chess is happening at the Traverwood branch this Sunday, May 19, from 1 - 4 pm. Whether you have time for one rousing game or can stay for the full three hours,
you are welcome. Chess boards are provided. Also, check out materials here for the beginner or advanced player,
and everything in between.

The drop in sessions will start up again in the fall, but next month on June 27, we will have a program led by chess expert,
Jennifer Skidmore held at the Traverwood branch from 7-8:30pm, Grades 4 - Adult.

If you like assisting library staff with fun programs, OR if you like working behind the scenes packaging Summer Game orders, then AADL has some work for you between June 17 and August 31.

How do you sign up? Starting Monday May 13 get your application online. Fill in the information and submit. If you don’t have computer access, just stop by any branch, get on a computer, go to aadl.org/teenvolunteer, and submit the form. NOTE: you MUST be age 14-18 AND be able to attend an orientation at the Downtown Library 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 17.

Applications for volunteering will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, June 7. Library staff will contact the adult references you list to be sure you are qualified to volunteer and let you know if you are part of the summer AADL volunteer crew.

Need the details spelled out? Near the top of the online application click teen volunteer permission. This will give you the information AND permission that you must have your parents sign and bring to the Monday June 17th orientation.

The Summer Game is for all ages but only you, our teens, will get to help on the inside. The numbers of volunteer slots are limited so stop by today to get your information sheet!

Monday May 20, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Richard Snow, acclaimed popular historian and former editor-in-chief of American Heritage Magazine, will discuss Henry Ford and Snow's just-released new book "I Invented The Modern Age: The Rise Of Henry Ford," a meticulous and entertaining account of Ford, the Model-T, and the remaking of American industry in the early 20th century. This special event will also include a book signing and books will be for sale.

Sunday, May 19 | 1:00-3:00pm | Downtown MPR | Grades 6th-Adult

Help us yarn bomb the garden at the downtown library! What is yarn bombing? It’s a form of knit graffiti and public art. We will be adding a coat of knitted color to our luscious outdoor garden.

At the program you’ll learn how to knit a small piece with our knit-cam and an instructor to help guide you. At the end of the program we'll use the pieces we created to yarn bomb the exterior garden by attaching them to trees and the like. We'd love your help with this art collaboration! The knitting instruction starts at 1pm, and it’s not an easy program to arrive late to if you plan to knit for the first time.

We highly encourage experienced knitters and crocheters to also join us. Or if you have a piece already made, bring it to the program and we’ll direct you to the garden yarn bomb zone!

We have a ton of yarn on hand, but ask that you bring size 8 or 9 needles if you have them.

For more info on yarn bombing see this great website, and check out the book Yarn bombing: The art of crochet and knit graffiti.

Monday May 20, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

Coming this summer, Go! Ice Cream will start a new mobile business biking adventure in and around Ypsilanti!

Learn a bit about proprietor, Rob Hess, and his adventurous variety of local, hand-made, exotic and unusual ice creams. Learn how to make your own fruit popsicles. You could start your own all-natural popsicle stand and become a frozen dessert mogul too!