The Teen Short Story Contest has come of age, in this its 21st year! 'It's All Write!" cosponsored by the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library and AADL is a contest open to middle and high school writers in grades 6 - 12, with submissions being accepted starting January 28, and running through March 15, 2013.

You’ll have seven weeks to perfect that short story, and guidelines are easy to follow. When you’re ready, just send your story to allwrite@aadl.org

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, this year featuring award winning author A.S King, will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Downtown Library.

Good Luck!

Monday February 4, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Musical luminaries have lit up the stage at Hill Auditorium for over 100 years. In Session 6, we explore some of the great soloists (like Vladimir Horowitz, Leontyne Price, Enrico Caruso, Cecilia Bartoli, and Sergei Rachmaninoff) that have cemented University Musical Society's identity as a top-notch, world-class performing arts presenter.

Professor Mark Clague joins us again as host and resident scholar.

Blacking Up explores racial identity through the lens of hip-hop music and culture.
This 2010 documentary examines the popularity of hip-hop among America's white youth, and considers whether this reflects
new racial understanding in white America or reinforces an ugly history of stereotypes.

The director, Robert A. Clift is a filmmaker from Washington, DC, whose previous film, Stealing Home: The Case of Cuban Baseball, appeared nationally on PBS.
He is currently writing his dissertation for the Department of Communication and Culture at Indiana University

A discussion will follow the film.
Cosponsored by the UM Community Scholars Program
Thursday, January 31, 6:00 - 8:30 PM | Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room

Saturday, February 2 | 10 - 11:30 am | 1 - 2:30 pm | Malletts Creek | Grades 1 - 3

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) presents a classic story followed by a related math session with hands-on activities and a variety of materials. This event is for Grades 1 - 3 accompanied by an adult. You're welcome to come to either the morning session from 10 - 11:30 am or the afternoon session from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. There is no registration for this event.

"Grandfather Tang's Story", by Ann Tompert, is about a grandfather who does tangram puzzles with his granddaughter. Learn about congruent triangles, parallelograms and right angles, and make puzzles to take home!

Also, check out these books on shapes and geometry at the AADL.

Sunday February 3, 2013: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Calling all writers in Grades 4-12! The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Junior Theatre Company is performing an original adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables". Help write an original scene that will be performed during their May productions.

Participants should be familiar with the book and have read chapters 1-3. The workshop will also discuss the process of adapting a classic book into a play.

All workshop participants are also encouraged to attend auditions.

Monday January 28, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Over the years, the University Musical Society has turned Hill Auditorium into a global stage. Session 5 explores UMS's history of global music performances at Hill Auditorium, including a recent performance by Mexico's Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and the upcoming one by Benin's Angelique Kidjo.

This season of Night School focuses on 100 years of UMS at Hill Auditorium. Professor Mark Clague joins us again as host and resident scholar.

Tuesday January 29, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Depression is not simply a bad mood or a passing case of the blues. It is a real illness which affects not only the individual, but everyone who cares about him/her.

Laura Nitzberg, LMSW, Assistant Director of Psychiatric Social Work, will outline some of the challenges of providing support for a friend or family member with depression, as well as some helpful strategies.

Her presentation will be followed by audience Q&A with expert panelists. This Bright Nights Community Forum is presented by the UM Depression Center.

Join this unique interactive take on the passage of time we’re all trying to understand and make the most of. Local musician and workshop leader Jeanne Mackey offers a rare blend of emotional intensity, wry humor, and social commentary as she shares stories, songs, and reflections on the aging process. This adventurous gathering will be at the Downtown Library on Wed., Jan. 30, 7-8:30 pm.

Tuesday January 29, 2013: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Day off from school? Bring your own Nintendo DS, DSi or 3DS and favorite multi-player games for a open play DS Fiesta!

This event is for teens and youth, grades K-12.

Sunday January 27, 2013: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Nationally-known sewing expert Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch visits the Downtown Library! Gertie is a passionate home seamstress and the creator of Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing. She has been invited as a part of the AADL's launch of an art tools collection.

Gertie will cover some personal tidbits in her presentation (not found on her blog). We will learn how she learned to sew, the first piece of garment she was proud to show off, and her line of Butterick patterns. She will also touch on her new book: "Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing: A Modern Guide to Couture-Style Sewing Using Basic Vintage Techniques".

The event includes a book signing and books will be for sale. Come early as we expect a good crowd. Doors open at noon.

This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).