Michigan Brewers Guild 12th Annual Summer Beer Festival

Tue, 07/21/2009 - 7:41pm by Caser

Home brewers and beer aficionados, this weekend is going to be tasty. The Michigan Brewers Guild 12th Annual Summer Beer Festival kicks off from 5-9pm this Friday, July 24th, and continues the following day from 1-6pm. Featuring over 200 beers from 30+ Michigan breweries, this yearly event takes place in Depot Town's Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, and the weather (so far) is looking good. Not going to be able to sample the goods? Check out the AADL's fine collection of brewing books, perhaps Michael Jackson's Beer Companion or John Palmer's How to Brew. And a very hoppy weekend to the tasters.

AXIS Coffeehouse fun

Mon, 07/20/2009 - 4:27pm by K.C.

We’ve been doing poetry, booktalks, 2-minute mysteries, etc. this summer. This Wednesday share something new! Attend Improv 101 at Malletts 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes and learn about the fun world of improvisation.

Then drop by Coffeehouse during the evening and show off your new improv skills. As always you can step up to the microphone to share or you are welcome to sit back and listen.

AXIS Coffeehouse | Wednesday, July 22 | 6:30-8:00 PM | Malletts Creek

Income Tax Assistance Volunteer Opportunity!

Mon, 07/20/2009 - 3:13pm by monkk

Join us at the Mallett's Creek Branch on Monday, August 10 from 6 to 8 pm for an informational session for people interested in serving as a volunteer with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) during the winter/spring of 2010. Any adult looking for an opportunity to help people may be interested in this program- retirees, accountants, tax lawyers, church groups- and any other individuals. You do not have to have any background in doing taxes to assist- and there will be training scheduled in November for interested individuals. To RSVP for the session or for more information, call Terry Jones of the VITA program at 734-222-3943.

History of Stop-Motion Animation lecture & Claymation Workshop for TEENS!

Mon, 07/20/2009 - 12:46pm by erin

History & Development of Stop-Motion Animation With Animator Brad Pattullo
Thursday July 23, 2009: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Professional animator/animation professor Brad Pattullo leads a discussion and screening chronicling the history of stop-motion animation up to recent films like Coraline. Using many film clips, he will share the excellent history of animation on film. Older kids, Teens & Adults are welcome!! This event is FREE and requires no registration.

Clay Animation Puppet Workshop with Brad Pattullo for TEENS in grades 6-12: *Registration required: Register Now This event is FREE.
Friday July 24, 2009: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
There are just a few spots left in this workshop! Back by popular demand, clay animator Brad Pattullo, Professor at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, will guide participants through the process of fabricating a clay puppet for animation. From character design, to the assembly of a posable aluminum wire armature, and sculpting with plasticine clay – you will come away with a fully-realized stop-motion puppet for animation or display. TEENS ONLY *Registration required: Register Now

Confused About Credit?

Fri, 07/17/2009 - 6:04pm by monkk

There's never been a better time for you to understand credit and how it can affect your wallet. Kathryn Greiner's free seminar, "Understand and Improve Your Credit Score," provides important information about credit, how it's calculated, and steps to improve it. She breaks down what helps and hurts credit scores along with what lenders consider when deciding on a loan. The seminar will be held Wednesday, July 29 from 6 to 8 pm at the University of Michigan Credit Union Jackson Branch. Seating is limited. Please call 734-662-8200 ext. 2204 or email sandras@umcu.org to reserve your seat.

Truck Stuck author Sallie Wolf comes to Ann Arbor!

Thu, 07/16/2009 - 1:05pm by kidlit

Calling all preschoolers who love those big noisy vehicles. Come to the Pittsfield Branch on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:00 to meet Sallie Wolf, author of the picture book Truck Stuck. See what happens when a big red truck causes a traffic jam by getting stuck under a bridge. How can it be unstuck?

It's a Smash Kart and Mario Weekend

Thu, 07/16/2009 - 11:19am by shannon riffe

Brave the Art Fair crowds and join us at the Downtown Library for two gaming tournaments this weekend: On Saturday, noon to 5pm, we'll kick things off with the pre-season Smash Kart Tourney with single player and team Brawl and Kart Wii events. The gaming continues on Sunday from 1 to 4pm with an all-ages Mario Kart Wii tournament! Separate brackets for Kids, Teens, and Adults. Both events will have snacks to fuel the players. Plus, don't miss Rock Revolution Friday Night from 6-9 PM!

Craft Bits - Make Exotic Pencils

Tue, 07/14/2009 - 5:35pm by ryanikoglu

Monday we created exotic pencils to impress friends when schools start again. You can find more craft ideas to do at home in the following books:
Earth-Friendly Crafts with "clever ways to reuse everyday items".
The Usborne Children's Book Of Art an "introduction to painting ..." of famous artists, includes suggested internet links.
Usborne Complete Book Of Art Ideas with "Over 400 inspiring ideas for things to do with paints ...pens, found objects, stitches, rubbings."

Got rhythm?

Mon, 07/13/2009 - 11:28am by StoryLaura

If you are the kind of person who just has to tap to the beat- the percussion workshops on July 23 are for you! Teacher, composer and awesome percussionist, Aron Kaufman, has years of experience and just the right amount of humor to lead these fun workshops on rhythm, body percussion and drumming at Malletts Creek for grades K-3 at 10:00 am, and grades 4-8 at 1:00 pm.

Jazzy Tuesday!

Mon, 07/13/2009 - 11:16am by StoryLaura

Bring the little ones to join Kathryn Goodson on piano, Erin Zurbuchen on double bass, and Gari Stein for dancing and creative movement on Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 pm at the Downtown Library. The musicians from the Ann Arbor Symphony have never offered their fun and educational Kinder Concert for families in the evening at the library before so I am really looking forward to dancing along!