Spring Break Gaming at AADL: Rock Revolution, Retro Octathlon and Beyond!

Wed, 04/15/2009 - 12:03am by eli

Spring Break! Can I get a WOO? No? Regardless, we've got our gaming equipment set up and ready for some weekend showdowns before heading back to the grind next week. First off, we've got Revolution Hero Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution tournaments for All Ages, Friday Night at 6 PM at the Downtown Library. Then on Saturday, we've got Rock Band and Brawl Open Play for grades 6 and up from Noon to 5 PM including some brawling against other libraries. Finally, on Sunday, it's the return of our annual All-Ages Retro Octathlon from 1 to 4 PM including 8 classic videogames, prizes, and some serious nostalgia for serious gaming fans. The 2009 GT season is just around the corner; stay tuned for details!

1950s Dixieland Jazz in Ann Arbor

Tue, 04/14/2009 - 10:31am by iralax

On Sunday, April 19 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, ragtime music expert (and former Boll Weevil band member) Mike Montgomery will discuss Dixieland Jazz In Ann Arbor and tell The Story Of The Boll Weevil Jass Band. Montgomery was the pianist and co-founder of the Weevils. He will discuss what Dixieland Jazz is, where the name came from and play excerpts from Weevil recordings to illustrate the various musical conventions used by almost all traditional jazz bands (e.g., breaks, stop-time, after beats, double-time, changing keys). Recordings will include excerpts from sessions with an African-American congregation in Ypsilanti, selections from the group’s 10-inch 78 rpm record, and much more. Be at Malletts Creek Branch this Sunday to learn about a unique moment in Ann Arbor jazz history.

The Play Ground

Tue, 04/14/2009 - 10:06am by Albert

Our solution to everything is "let's eat." It has worked pretty well so far. So we are ecstatic about the National Library Week program at the Downtown Library: "Just Desserts" with Chef Isabella from Paesano's Restaurant. The chef will demonstrate how to make three desserts. She will be making a chocolate mousse, a semifreddo and zaletti cookies. To heck with fitting into bathing suits, we are still in our winter coats. Chef Isabella, Downtown, April 15, 7:00pm.

Cup Stack Attack!

Fri, 04/10/2009 - 10:23am by K.C.

If you’re a cup stacker, come to Traverwood 2-3 p.m. on Monday, April 13 for Cup Stack Attack. We’ll spend the first part of the hour practicing cup stacking skills and then have a cup stack tournament. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers. Kids and teens in grades K-8 are welcome.

For inspiration, check out this video from ESPN magazine. It shows 11-year-old Steven demonstrating the cup stacking prowess that makes him a favorite to win at the Sport Stacking Championships on April 18-19.

Baby Barn Dance @ Pittsfield

Thu, 04/09/2009 - 11:41am by ryanikoglu

John Freeman will lead country dance calls and folk rhythms for families with young children at a Baby Barn Dance at the Pittsfield Branch on Saturday, April 18, 11 to 11:45am. Push back the coffee table, roll up the rugs, and Practice your do-si-do with the CDs Celebration of Country by Music For Little People, Old Texas Fiddle Tunes Played The Old Way, and Country Songs For Children.

Learning is a Family Thing

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 6:04pm by monkk

The Learning is a Family Thing (LIFT) Program is a series of four interactive sessions designed to enhance family, health, financial, and workplace skills for everyone in the family!
The four sessions will address:
* Reading Together: Reading as a family; using effective communication skills and study techniques.
* Healthy Families: Keeping your family healthy through nutrition, exercise, and education.
* Dollars and Sense: Credit management, budgeting, and financial smarts for all ages.
* Workplace Skills: Using computers, protecting your employment, and finding the right career for you.
Each session will include activities related to the topic for adults and children, raffles and giveaways, and light refreshments. There is no cost. The sessions are taking place now through July at 5 locations in Washtenaw County. Please visit the LIFT website for dates and times.

It's Time for Spring Cleaning!

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 3:02pm by kidlit

We're trying to clean out our supplies of craft materials so that we can make room for all the new stuff we'll need this summer. Here's a chance to let your imagination soar. We'll provide all kinds of materials, you provide the creativity. For preschoolers through third grade.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Traverwood Branch
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Friday, April 17, 2009
Pittsfield Branch
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

For some ideas, look here.

Pamper Yourself!

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 1:19pm by battlem

Do you want to show off your hands? Getting ready for sandal season? Pamper yourself with a fingernail soak, then use decals, stencils, polishes, and rhinestones provided for you to create your own nail look. Polish colors such as "Rave" and "So Disco" may inspire you!

Join us on Wednesday, April 15, 2-3pm at the Pittsfield Branch for a little Nail Fun. Bring a friend or two so you can chat and giggle while you work.

National Library Week Event: Bats of the World

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 12:59pm by shannon riffe

Step into the world of bats on Thursday April 16, 2 to 3pm at the Downtown Library. We'll learn about sound waves, ecosystems, food webs, and conservation and see a variety of live bats!

National Library Week Concert: Candy Band

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 12:49pm by shannon riffe

They're back! Candy Band - the famous Detroit rock group comprised of four stay-at-home moms who were sick to death of “whiny music” for kids - will return to the Downtown Library on Tuesday April 14, 1 to 2pm to perform a live concert. You have never heard ‘The Alphabet Song’ or ‘It’s Your Birthday’ played like this! They were a smash when they appeared at AADL in September – do not miss them this time around!