We’ll be making Danish paper heart baskets, viking shields, and snacking on gingerbread cookies and smoked salmon on crackers at the Scandinavian Family Cultural Celebration on February 12 at the Downtown Library. The event will kickoff at 2:00 pm when Veselba brings their unique instruments and we dance along!

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If you've ever wanted to get a clear picture of your investments with qualified, unbiased advice take this class! Get independent and trusted stock and mutual fund analysis, research and ratings from Morningstar, the research database with a reputation for tough, independent-minded research that has led to invitations to testify before Congress on various financial issues. Just another of the great services provided to you by the Ann Arbor District Library.

No need to register, just join us Tuesday, February 7, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Downtown Library: Training Center.

Morningstar experts will give easy instructions on how to use their database. Then, practice what you've learned on our training center computers!

In addition, Morningstar's director of personal finance, Christine Benz has created a 30 Days to Financial Fitness guide. In this user-friendly booklet, she breaks down large financial goals into smaller, more manageable steps, one day at a time.

Sign in to your online Ann Arbor District Library account to access an electronic copy of the Morningstar 30 Days to Financial Fitness at Morningstar Investment Research.

See you next Tuesday!

Are you a fiction writer? Have you ever wondered about the writing techniques of a journalist? Well, now is your chance to get your questions about journalism answered! 826michigan’s “How to Write Like I Do” writing workshops presents: The Reported Imagination: Journalism Techniques for Fiction Writers. Heading up this workshop is none other than V.V. Ganeshananthan, Zell Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Michigan and author of the critically acclaimed 2008 novel, Love Marriage. Topics of discussion will include how fiction writers can use journalism techniques, such as interviewing and arduous editing, in their craft.

This fun event is for adults only, and takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 826michigan. Participants will be treated to Zingerman’s coffee and pastries.

Cost for this event is $25 per participant. However, 826Michigan is running a Bring-a-Friend special that allows you to purchase two tickets for $40! All proceeds from the event go to support 826michigan’s free creative writing program for youth ages 6-18 in Washtenaw County. So, get out your pen and paper or computer, and come join V.V. Ganeshananthan in a discussion about incorporating journalism techniques in your fiction writing!

Date: February 4, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: 826michigan
115 East Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cost: $25 for 1 person
$40 for 2 people (the Bring-a-Friend special)
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com

Wednesday February 1, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The theme for Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Reads 2012 is "Language: How We Communicate." Experience a very unique form of communication when you join us for this extraordinary haunting 1980 documentary.

Poto and Cabengo were identical twins who used a language unknown to other people until the age of eight. These San Diego twins, with little exposure to the outside world, created a private form of communication. A caseworker advised speech therapy, where it was quickly discovered that the young twins had invented a complex language of their own.

Director Jean-Pierre Gorin's investigation of this phenomenon looks at the family from a variety of angles, with the director taking on the role of a sort of sociological detective. It's a delightful and absorbing study of words and faces, mass media and hauntingly personal isolation. The film is not rated.

Tuesday January 31, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2012 focuses on the book "Born On A Blue Day: Inside The Mind Of An Autistic Savant" by Daniel Tammet. Find out more about autism in this informative lecture by developmental and behavioral pediatrician Rick Solomon MD.

Dr. Solomon will present the most recent scientific evidence related to autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). He will cover the brain science and genetics of ASDs; demonstrate the diagnostic criteria with video examples; discuss possible causes for the large increase in prevalence, including the controversial relationship between ASD and immunizations/mercury; and overview the evidence for behavioral, developmental, educational and dietary/alternative interventions.

The Teen Short Story Contest officially begins today and runs through March 16, 2012.
You’ll have seven weeks to perfect that short story you’ve had this idea for, but just have never finished. Guidelines are easy to follow and when you’re ready, just send your story to allwrite@aadl.org
AADL’s short story writing contest just hit it’s 20 year.
You can read previous winning stories here or check out writing resources that might be helpful.
1st Place Winners receive ($250), 2nd Place ($150) and 3rd Place ($100) in these three categories: Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, and Grades 11-12
A panel of published authors will judge the stories. The Awards Ceremony, featuring author Caitlin Horrocks, a winner of the 1997 short story contest, will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012, at the Downtown Library.
‘It’s All Write!” is cosponsored by the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library and AADL.
Good Luck!