Mystery Author Night at AADL

Fri, 04/24/2009 - 12:45pm by iottJen

Famed mystery authors Elmore Leonard and son Peter Leonard will make a special appearance at the Downtown Library on Thursday, May 28 at 7 PM. The format of this event is especially unique: Elmore and Peter will be interviewed by award-winning writer Loren Estleman. After a discussion of their careers and new books, the authors will be available for signing, and books will be for sale courtesy of Aunt Agatha’s Mystery Bookshop, cosponsors of this event.

In his newest mystery, Road Dogs, Elmore Leonard brings back three of his favorite characters: Jack Foley from Out of Sight, Cundo Rey from LaBrava, and Dawn Navarro from Riding the Rap. Road Dogs will be released May 12, just two weeks before this event.

Peter Leonard’s first mystery, Quiver, was met with much critical acclaim, and his newest book, Trust Me, is getting rave reviews: “The whole thing may remind you of a weirdly fascinating Coen brothers movie. In Trust Me, the dialogue rings pitch-perfect, the pacing of the plot approaches perfection…” (St. Louis Post Dispatch).

An authority on criminal history and the American West, Loren Estleman’s latest western The Branch and the Scaffold (to be released Apr. 27) is a fascinating depiction of the life and times of Judge Isaac Parker of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Parker’s stern justice against such western legends as Belle Star, the Dalton Gang, and Cherokee Bill brought law and order to the West, but his severe judgments scandalized Washington and the Eastern press. Estleman has won multiple awards, including five Spur, two Stirrup, and three Western Heritage Awards for his western writing.

Greek urban folk song

Fri, 04/24/2009 - 10:04am by Maxine

This Saturday, April 25, Rebetiki Istoria, a group that plays Rebetiki, a genre of urban popular song that developed in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century in Greece, Asia Minor and the United States, will give a rare performance in Ann Arbor. The group plays bouzouki, a six stringed lute, guitar and there is a vocalist. The songs are often sad, reflecting the difficulties of life of the urban poor. This is a special opportunity to hear the classic form of this music. The performance will be at the Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Free. 936-6099.

To hear some of this music, check out the Library's recording of Archodorebetika as well as other recordings of Greek music.

Dyeing for Some Color?

Wed, 04/22/2009 - 7:47pm by muffy

Sunday, April 26th at the Pittsfield Branch, Knitgrrl Shannon Okey - Author, knitter extraordinaire, shop owner and an expert dyer will give a primer on hand-dyeing for knitters and fiber enthusiasts.

Tips and tricks on materials, supplies and tools will be discussed. Yarns and dyes will be available for a hands-on experience. Recommended for teens and adults.

The program starts at 2 p.m. A book signing will follow, courtesy of Nicola's Books.

Kids in Motion with Classical Music

Wed, 04/22/2009 - 1:20pm by iralax

Once again, you and some very lucky young children have two chances this Friday morning, April 24, (9:30 & 10:30) to listen and step to wonderful classical music. Kathryn Goodson and Eric Amidon will play piano and cello as Gari Stein leads you in listening, dancing and swaying to the beautiful music and a story. The program is a partnership with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and is always a great way to have fun learning at the Library!

Go! Strategy Board Game

Wed, 04/22/2009 - 8:08am by Bertha

Learn to play the board game Go or test your skills against members of the University of Michigan Go Club. Players of any skill level can enjoy Go. Saturday, April 25, from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Traverwood Branch/AADL, all ages are welcome.

If you need to brush up on the basics, check out Go Basics or Go for Beginners. The US Go Association is a great source for Go-related links and resources. The U-M Go Club regularly meets at the Espresso Royale Cafe at State Street and North University, 7-11 Thursdays and 1-5 on Sundays.

See you Saturday, April 25 at Traverwood.

Healthy Food for Healthy Kids

Wed, 04/22/2009 - 7:52am by battlem

How can you make healthy meals for the family without busting your budget? Are there snacks out there that are nutritious for the kids that they will actually eat? Staff of the Washtenaw County Extension Services Food and Nutrition Program will be at the Malletts Creek Branch on Saturday, April 25 from 10-11:30am to answer these questions and more!

Busy families will learn quick and easy ways to make balanced and nutritious food choices that are actually tasty, using all of the food groups. Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats all play a key role in keeping our bodies healthy and active. A food demonstration will also show just how quick and easy it can be. Join us for Food for Families: Keep your Kids on the Right Nutritional Track!

Superhero Smash Up!

Tue, 04/21/2009 - 4:43pm by K.C.

Come in your superhero costume for prizes! Then watch Sky High about an elite high school that molds today's power-gifted students into tomorrow's superheroes.

Sunday, April 26 | 3:00-5:30 PM | Downtown Library | Grades 4-Adult

Shazam! Draw your own superhero!

Tue, 04/21/2009 - 3:57pm by K.C.

Like Superheroes? Like to draw? If the answer’s yes, then join in the fun this Sunday when comic artist Jerzy Drozd will offer tips to help you draw the ultimate superhero.

How to Draw Superheroes | 1-3 PM | Sun., April 26 | Downtown Library | Gr. 4-Adults

Spring Workshops at 826michigan

Tue, 04/21/2009 - 10:42am by monkk

826michigan has opened registration for spring workshops! Workshops are available for kids and adults on a variety of subjects. Sign up here, but hurry because there are a limited number of spots available for each workshop, and they fill up quickly! And don’t forget about Drop-In Writing Time (no registration required) on Monday nights, 6-7pm, starting May 4, running through June 8.

Do We Have the Courage to Talk About Race?

Mon, 04/20/2009 - 12:15pm by shannon riffe

Join us for the first in a series of conversations led by the National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME) on the subject of race. Local educators Thomas Hoetger of Detroit Public Schools and Dr. Robert W. Simmons III, of Eastern Michigan University will lead a spirited discussion on Tuesday, April 21, 7 – 8:30pm at the Downtown Branch.