What's Happening to Our Pollinators? Scientist and Author Dr. Stephen Buchmann Discusses Disappearing Honey Bees & Bumble Bees

Wednesday May 14, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Why are bees disappearing across America? At this illustrated lecture, Dr. Buchmann discusses the latest findings of a National Academy of Sciences panel on the loss of native pollinators in North America. Learn what you can do to conserve and protect pollinators and their plants. The author of 150 scientific publications and eight books, including The Forgotten Pollinators, and Letters from the Hive, Dr. Buchmann's latest book, The Bee Tree, is a children’s book. This event includes a book signing with books available for purchase.

Stephan Buchmann, PhD, is an adjunct professor of Entomology at the University of Arizona in Tucson. This program is cosponsored by Project Grow, The University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy and the Ann Arbor Book Festival.

2008 Ann Arbor Book Festival Opening Reception

Friday May 16, 2008: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

AADL and the Ann Arbor Book Festival invite you to join in the opening celebration of the 2008 Book Festival. This annual reception, held on the eve of the day-long Street Fair, is one of the highlights of the week-long Book Festival and is an excellent opportunity to meet many distinguished authors. This year’s reception will also feature classical, traditional and popular music by harpist Deborah Gabrion, and elegant refreshments.

Author Deb Caletti Announces the 2008 Winners of "It's All Write," the Teen Short Story Contest

Saturday May 17, 2008: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Ann Arbor Book Festival
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Teen fiction author Deb Caletti discusses the craft of writing and presents awards to the winners of this popular, annual contest at the Ann Arbor Book Festival’s State Street Association Stage on Ingalls Mall. A total of $1,500 in prizes is distributed to the short story contest winners. There were more than 200 entries from Michigan and beyond in the 2008 contest! "It's All Write" is sponsored by AADL.

Deb Caletti is a National Book Award finalist and a PEN USA Literary Award finalist, and is the recipient numerous other awards, including the Washington State Book Award, PNBA Best Book Award and SLJ Best Book Award. Her works for young adult readers include "The Queen of Everything," "Honey, Baby, Sweetheart," and "The Nature of Jade," which was a summer 2007 Booksense pick, and was nominated for the American Library Association's Best Books of 2007. Her new book is entitled "The Fortunes of Indigo Skye."

An Evening with Cokie Roberts As She Discusses Her New Book "Ladies Of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation"

Monday May 19, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI. 48104 (map)

Cokie Roberts covers Congress, politics and public policy for ABC News and serves as Senior News Analyst for National Public Radio, where she was the congressional correspondent for more than ten years. AADL is honored to host an evening with the award-winning journalist at the Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty in Ann Arbor. In her best-selling book "Founding Mothers," Roberts paid homage to the women who helped establish our nation. In "Ladies of Liberty," (Morrow; on sale April 8, 2008) she continues the story of more remarkable women and their achievements in moving the fledgling nation forward, from 1796 to 1828. The event includes a book signing, with books for sale courtesy of Borders. There is no charge for admission. Cosponsored by Michigan Radio.

In her more than thirty years in broadcasting, Ms. Roberts has won many awards, including two Emmys. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the fifty greatest women in the history of broadcasting.

Author John Otterbacher Discusses His Struggle with Heart Disease, His Love of Sailing and His Award-Winning Book 'Sailing Grace'

Wednesday May 21, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

John Otterbacher presents his account of drowning in heart disease, fighting back to the surface, and sailing on. His story is chronicled in "Sailing Grace." Otterbacher has taught college, served as a State Representative and Senator, worked as a psychotherapist, and taken some long sails with his family, recently sailing across the ocean four times. He lives and writes in Michigan. The event includes a book signing, with books available for purchase.

"Sailing Grace" is a commentary on how love heals, dreams energize and trauma can be a wake-up call. This hard-edge story will resonate with anyone who has confronted profound adversity, be it coronary disease, cancer, or the heavy weather that unexpectedly blows through every life.